The importance of the Olympic games has only increased as we have gone through the 21st century, with the exposure, the commercial offshoots and, naturally, the money, that a place at the greatest show on earth can generate.
Rugby World editor Paul Morgan was certainly on the ball back in January 2009 when his editorial to the magazine was trenchant in its observation that rugby union can no longer stay on the sidelines.
‘The biggest priority for rugby union in 2009 is to get our wonderful sport back into the Olympic Games. Considering the way the sport is currently constructed, we will never break into the Asian and American markets – and they are crucial for the long-term success of our game.’
Calling for everyone involved in the game to put aside their differences and push for rugby union to be a part of the Games was ultimately successful, as anyone who was already watched the magnificent Sevens men’s competition in Paris will agree, with the women’s competition underway this week.
You can read more from Morgan here.
