Senior figures from Welsh rugby have issued a rallying call for the International Olympic Committee to vote for the inclusion of the Sevens game from the 2016 games onwards.
The IOC meet in Copenhagen on Friday to decide whether to ratify the recommendation of their executive that rugby sevens and golf should become Olympic sports.
Players, coaches and administrators from the Welsh game have united in identifying the vote as a crucial landmark in the progress of the game at all levels.
They say that Sevens is an ideal all-action Olympic team game which is simple for newcomers to understand and will attract a new wave of support from people around the world and here in Wales.
Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland said: “International Sevens rugby already delivers an extremely competitive international environment within which talent comes to the fore.
“If Sevens becomes an Olympic sport it will get massive exposure which will undoubtedly help develop greater interest here in Wales .
“I believe the time is now right for the IOC to vote for Rugby Sevens to be included in the Olympic Games.”
Wales, Lions and Scarlets fly-half Stephen Jones commented: “Any player would love to represent his or her country in the Olympic Games because it is a major pinnacle for any athlete.
“We have all seen from other sports how the chance to compete for a gold medal is a massive incentive for people to devote their lives to achieving excellence.”
Wales, Lions and Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Roberts added: “Sevens rugby is exciting to watch and thrilling to play in. “Sevens tournaments are fantastic arenas for developing playing skills and achieving excellent levels of fitness for the fifteen a side game.
“You only have to look at how well the Sevens circuit around the world is already supported to realise it would be a phenomenal success at the Olympics.”
Wales, Lions and Opreys fly-half James Hook said: “Sevens was the first step on the international ladder for me and gave me a huge amount of confidence in my game.
“Playing in front of 50 000 at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne was an incredible experience and to think that participating in the Olympic Games would surpass that experience is impressive.”
WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, added: “The game of Sevens is rugby through the magnifying glass.
“There are less players on the field and less time to play but that means everything else is intensified.
“Skill levels are increased, the game is played at a greater speed and stamina and spacial awareness and game management all become more important which all adds up to a great spectacle for fans.
“Wales are the current Rugby World Cup Sevens champions and inclusion in the Olympic Games will give us the impetus to focus on the game with even greater intensity and commitment in the years ahead.
“We have already proved Wales has the players who are talented enough to beat the best at Sevens rugby and Olympic status would undoubtedly encourage more young people to take up rugby and try to make it to the top of the game.
“You do not necessarily have to be a huge athlete to play Sevens rugby so it opens up the game of rugby to a much wider circle of young people.
“The benefits of participation in Sevens rugby for general fitness are incredible and it will also encourage a new level of support from people who will enjoy the pace and skill levels on show.”
WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: “The time is right for rugby to be included in the Olympic Games and I sincerely hope the IOC will back our call for inclusion.
“The opportunity to compete for a place in a British Olympic Sevens squad will be a pinnacle for many people’s sporting careers.
“All of us who follow sport will understand the attraction of participation at Olympic level because the atmosphere created by the Games is electric.
“Sevens rugby will be viewed by a whole new audience and here in Wales we are perfectly place to take full advantage of the opportunities inclusion will deliver.
“The WRU is totally committed to Sevens rugby and the squad has already delivered on the promise we knew was there. We are Rugby World Cup Sevens holders and we are developing Sevens players with the talent and drive to become Olympic medal winners of the future.”
WRU Chairman, David Pickering said: “Inclusion in the Olympic Games will undoubtedly be one of the most important steps forward for the game of rugby since we turned professional.
“The massive television exposure the Olympic Games attracts around the world will ensure that a whole new audience will be able to see Sevens rugby for the first time.
“The rules of the game are simple and the pace of the action is a huge attraction for any newcomer seeking to understand the sport.
“It is vitally important for rugby as a sport to flourish in new nations and the inclusion of Sevens as an Olympic sport will help us achieve that goal.
“Ultimately the boost we receive from becoming an Olympic sport will benefit the whole of rugby. Those of us who are part of rugby know how great a game Sevens is and we are all totally confident that anyone who watches the action for the first time will instantly appreciate its attraction.”
