World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin believes that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is a ‘golden opportunity’ for rugby and sevens as the sport catches the attention of millions worldwide.
Rugby sevens takes on the Olympic stage for the third time in 2024 after debuting in Rio 2016 and Gilpin says that Paris will be ‘transformational’ for the sport.
Costly 7s
“With 24 hours to go until Rugby Sevens kicks off the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in front of 69,000 passionate fans packed into Stade de France, our athletes are ready to showcase to the world an incredible, breath-taking and exciting youthful sport what will be the sport’s biggest-ever stage,” Gilpin said at a press conference in Paris on Tuesday.
“We are honoured to get the sporting action underway, two days ahead of the Opening Ceremony, at what promises to be truly spectacular, successful and unforgettable Games in Paris.
“Following rugby sevens’ debut at Rio 2016 and the Covid-affected Tokyo Games, we firmly believe the sport will ‘come of age’ on the Olympic Stage at its third edition here in Paris – our biggest and best Olympics yet.”
One of World Rugby’s objectives is to capture the US market particularly with America hosting the 2031 Rugby World Cup with sevens seen as a perfect format to achieve this.
However, John Jeffrey – who is running for the World Rugby chairman position – dubbed the World Rugby SVNS series as ‘very costly’ and promised a review of the programme if he lands the job.
USA boss Mike Friday hits out at ‘costly’ Sevens remarks ahead of ‘fierce and brutal’ Olympics
Gilpin instead praised the impact the sevens has had on the ticket sales at the Olympics and adds that its involvement will be beneficial for the game’s future.
“Sevens has proven to be one of the highest-demand events in the Paris Games with more than 550,000 fans expected to fill Stade de France across the eight competition sessions,” he said.
“Being on sport’s biggest stage has been transformational for Rugby, particularly in emerging rugby nations and teams from all regions are now competing for Sevens titles demonstrating the global growth of the game.
“Paris 2024 presents a golden opportunity to grow our share of the Olympic audience globally, there has never been a greater spotlight on the sport and with the men’s final on 27 July seeing the first team sport gold medal of the Games awarded, some magical moments await.”
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14 minutes of non-stop action
He added: “Rugby sevens players will be among the fittest, fastest and strongest athletes at the Olympic Games. Fourteen minutes of non-stop, fast-paced action on a full-size pitch with only seven players per side requires huge aerobic capacity alongside agility, fast footwork, pace and power to unlock defences.
“Off the pitch, sevens events are famous across the world for delivering the ultimate in feel-good fan experiences, a unique festival of sport and entertainment with fans in fancy dress costumes creating a unique atmosphere.
“We look forward to six very special days of rugby sevens action at Stade de France that will inspire and entertain the many millions watching around the world and we invite you all to join us.”
READ MORE: Paris 2024: All the fixtures for Rugby Sevens at the Olympic Games for Men’s and Women’s
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Publish date : 2024-07-23 10:15:46
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Author : News-Sports
Publish date : 2024-07-23 14:15:46
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.