England
Great Britain Sevens reveal selection policy ahead of 2016 Rio Olympics
ESPN Staff
May 28, 2015
England Sevens team celebrate
England Sevens team celebrate© (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images)

Great Britain Rugby Sevens has revealed the selection criteria for players hoping to be part of the squad for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

And the announcement could pave the way for players in the XV-a-side game to transition to the shortened form in time for Sevens' Olympic debut next year.

To be eligible for Olympic selection, a player will be required to play in one recognised tournament during the 14-month period in the run up to the Rio Games.

Players will be eligible if they appear in one or more of the following events:

  • World Rugby International World Sevens Series
  • Rugby Europe International Sevens Tournaments
  • Invitational preparation tournament

The announcement could open the door to stars such as Christian Wade, who missed out on England selection for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Wade started his career in Sevens and has been tipped to make an impact if he opted to return to the format next summer.

Joe Lydon, the RFU's Head of International Player Development, appeared happy for Aviva Premiership players to bolster the Sevens team.

"We need to strike a balance between a core group of sevens players whose experience will be vital going into an Olympic campaign and the ability to transition players from the XVs game to enable time to adjust to the unique demands of the sevens game.

"To have sevens at the Olympic Games is massive for the sport and we want to make sure we give GB Rugby Sevens the best chance to succeed next year in Rio."

Team GB's place at the Rio Olympics was secured thanks to England's success in the Sevens World Series. Rio will be the first time Sevens has featured at an Olympics, although the longer form was part of the programme in the 1924 Paris Games.

© ESPN Staff

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.