There are big things happening in the world of Rugby 7s at the moment, and Australia is jumping on the opportunity with the fans sure to benefit.
Bigger picture, Rugby 7s will make its Olympic debut in August 2016 in the biggest party town of all – Rio. The Olympic recognition of this format of the game is huge for the game and will hopefully mean the sport continues to grow in numbers and support across the globe.
Australia is taking their campaign pretty damn seriously as well. Our women’s program have been recruiting strongly from a variety of backgrounds (league, athletcis, touch footy) for a number of years and the quality is there to see at both a junior and senior level. So much has interest in the program been that the internet sensation Georgia Page (see below video) has left the USA and joined the Queensland Rugby Union 7s program in order to try out for a 7s spot.
The men are recruiting from a different source – the Wallabies. Henry Speight has been the first big name to commit (and some level) to the 7s program next year, whilst Waratah Super Rugby squad member Pat McCutcheon has also opted to focus on 7s from next year on. With Sonny Bill Williams set to be a part of the New Zealand 7s squad as well, there’s plenty to look forward to for the 2015/16 7s season.
Tickets have gone on sale today for the Sydney event, which will be at Allianz Stadium on 6 – 7 February next year. As well as producing end to end attacking rugby on the field, there will be as much interest in what is happening in the stands. The South Stand has been targeted as the 18+ Party Stand, with dressing up the way to go. The ARU have suggested the rather wide theme of “Go Global”, so we are asking the question – what will you and your mates be wearing to the Sydney 7s next year? What’s the best costume you’ve seen at a sporting event?
