Olympic nod to ensure Sevens future

The IRB Sevens circuit could be axed if sevens rugby fails to get admitted to the Olympics.

July's IOC meeting in Singapore to vote on the 2012 Olympic host city will decide which new sports are added to the Olympic programme. The IRB has campaigned vigorously for sevens rugby to be admitted, using its world series to impress IOC delegates.

IRB sources have indicated the sevens circuit would face a shaky future if rugby doesn't get into the Olympics, with a senior official telling the Herald on Sunday that though big tournaments such as Hong Kong, Wellington and Dubai would survive, the IRB's support for Sevens would diminish if rugby failed to get the Olympic nod.

However, Sevens boss Mark Egan insists the series is here to stay. "The series is secure and is growing all the time with more interest from sponsors and fans."

Sevens is vying with golf, squash, karate and roller sports to be included in 2012.

New Zealand opened its campaign in Singapore with a 52-0 win over Chinese Taipei last night.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY