Rugby back at Olympic table

IOC PRESIDENT Jacque Rogge made it clear yesterday that he did not take part in the voting. Still, the most powerful man in sport must be pleased that rugby, the game he used to play at international level for Belgium, was yesterday recommended by his executive to become part of the Olympic Games schedule in 2016.

The final decision will be taken in Copenhagen on October 9th when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Congress meets. There is little to suggest that the IOC members will slap down a recommendation by their executive.

Rugby will appear in the sevens format and IRFU will now have to think about how to ramp up that side of the game in Ireland. It is not yet known exactly how this will be done until the Olympic qualification process is known and how that might interface with the 15-man game.

There is one sure thing and that is the greatest Irish player of his generation, Brian O’Driscoll, probably won’t have an opportunity to be an Olympian unless at 36 years old he has successfully converted to the sevens game. Other younger players, however, may have their attention diverted.

“The thought of playing in the Olympics never really featured in my thinking. I suppose now it could be a factor,” said Irish and Lions fullback Rob Kearney. “It could be a huge possibility for the young guys on the team. Playing in the Olympic Games certainly would be incredible.

“It is still seven years away and seven years is a long time in professional rugby but the idea of it would be attractive.”

“Rugby sevens getting through was clear cut,” said Olympic Council of Ireland president Pat Hickey. “But golf was very nearly toppled by softball. In the end they got in by about one vote. The two sports will definitely get through at congress, which is a great result for Ireland. These are two sports where we have good chances of a medal.”

Connacht scrumhalf Kieran Campbell was the Irish captain in the last sevens World Cup in which an Irish team participated. But Ireland does not currently have a full-time sevens coach, nor does an Irish team fully take part in the IRB series. That may have to change but the common voice in rugby was one of approval.

“The Irish Rugby Football Union today welcomed the decision by the IOC to recommend that rugby sevens be included in the programme for the Olympic Games in the future,” the IRFU said in a statement.

“The benefits of Olympic inclusion are wide ranging and the IRFU looks forward to the IOC congresses on October 9th where rugby sevens inclusion will be formally voted on by the IOC members.”

Rugby was originally introduced to the Olympic Games by the first president and founder of the modern Olympics, Pierre de Coubertin, in 1900 and continued to be played at the 1908, 1920 and 1924 Games.

“We would like to thank the IOC executive board for selecting rugby sevens from what are seven strong and diverse sports. We recognise the significance of this milestone in our campaign,” said Bernard Lapasset, president of the IRB.