Want rugby in the Olympics??

[laura]

IRB wants rugby in the Olympics, RugbyWA want rugby in the olympics (or so cut out pass says) and they reckon you should too...So go here http://ur7s.com:80/olympic-rugby and sign the petition to get 7s in the Olympics.

Maybe 7s isn't everyone's choice of the ideal format of rugby to be included in the Olympics but its better than no rugby and it gains exposure that could lead to 15-a-side rugby being included in the future.

[Working Class]

It would be an impossible task for the 15 a side game to participate in the Olympics. Try playing 3 pool games plus finals in a two week period. The physical nature of the game just doesn't allow for it. 7's however is a perfect fit. More teams, 2 or 3 day schedule and highly entertaining. Hopefully the IOC grants it official status. Would be a massive boon for Rugby. And the funding and support it will deliver.

[blueandblack]

Thanks for that laura. Done my bit.

[jazza93]

It would work well for 7s, because it is as close as the sport (rugby 7s) will get to something like the RWC. So just like the 15 man game they would be based around a 4 year schedule and they will be aiming to peak at every Olympics, then rebuild.

[Elf1]

Thanks for that laura. Done my bit.

Ditto

[AndyS]

It would work well for 7s, because it is as close as the sport (rugby 7s) will get to something like the RWC.

You mean as opposed to the Rugby World Cup Sevens that have been going since 1993?

[beige]

IRB says it would be a straight swap

[Sheikh]

I'd prefer 10's - more like real rugby - but would accept 7's.

Dubai in December - mmm

[Darren]

agree - I think tens is the better game.

[AndyS]

The closest you could get to 15s for an Olympic tournament, anyway. It just isn't right without proper scrums and fatboys on the field. What it would be to see a real prop recognised as an Olympic athlete and given a medal....

[laura]

Good to see RWA staff and a few players have signed the petition, certainly adds a bit of credibility when the players want to be a part of it and put their name to it.

[laura]

There's only 2 and a bit hours left to sign the petition and have your say.

Rugby and Golf head Olympic race
Posted at 12th August 2009 / 14:45

According to the New York Times Golf and rugby appear the favorites to be the sports added to the 2016 Summer Olympics, with softball and possibly baseball in the running as well, according to Olympic and international sports officials.

The 2016 Games will be awarded Oct. 2 to one of the four contenders Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro or Tokyo. Seven sports are vying to be included, the other three being roller sports, karate and squash.

On Thursday in Berlin, the 15-member executive board of the International Olympic Committee will narrow the list to two proposed sports, which will be voted on by the entire 106-member I.O.C. assembly Oct. 9 in Copenhagen. It has not been decided whether the two proposed sports will be accepted or rejected individually or as a pair.

Golf and Rugby being the front-runners of this list, may then in October be voted - in rugby's case - 'back' into the Olympics! Finally!

The IRB of course presented Sevens Rugby as the format of choice, so that more Games can be played on two or three of the 16 days of the Olympics. The Olympic step will also help further increase the popularity of women's rugby.

http://www.olympic-rugby.org/news/ru...d-olympic-race

[Thequeerone]

Thanks laura - did sign etc..

have you or anyone else any idea about timeframes for this ?

[zimeric]

due to be voted on today i believe! ?

[laura]

Australian Rugby Union encourages supporters to visit the site and vote as the IOC Executive Board prepares to meet in Berlin this week to discuss the seven sports bidding for two spots in the Olympics from 2016.

A final decision on those two sports will be made by IOC members at their meeting in Copenhagen in October.

http://rugby.com.au/news/aru_general.../section/21893

You can also have your say here: http://www.aipsmedia.com/index.php?p...&cod=3798&tp=n