Rugby Sevens hunting stars like Israel Folau for Rio Olympic Games

WITH just one shot to secure rugby's long-term Olympic future, IRB boss Brett Gosper hopes Test stars will be given the chance to play Sevens.

Israel Folau scores for the Wallabies during the 3rd test between the australian Wallabies and France at Allianz Stadium, Sydney. pic Mark Evans

WITH just one shot to secure rugby's long-term future at the Olympics, IRB boss Brett Gosper hopes Test stars like Israel Folau will be given the chance to play Sevens in Rio, and help sway the IOC with their profile.

Rugby will return to the Olympics in 2016 after a 92-year absence but the game will have to impress quickly in Rio.

It is only guaranteed a place in two Olympic cycles, and the IOC will decide in 2017 whether it is retained as a core sport or dropped for 2024.

“That's why it's very important we get Rio right,” said Gosper.

“We just don't have a second chance to make a first impression. It's really all down to how we perform there.”

Gosper, whose father Kevan is a former IOC vice-president, is confident Sevens ticks all the boxes and is pleased several IOC members have been on hand in Glasgow to see two hugely successful days at Ibrox Stadium.

Israel Folau would add big-name credibility to the Rugby Sevens competition in Rio.

A boisterous, record 171,000 fans attended four sessions, and were as much part of the spectacle as the action on the pitch.

“I think what this event conveys is the potential of the sport in what the Olympics want it to do, which is draw crowds, create atmosphere and put on something spectacular,” Gosper said.

“I don't think this (Glasgow) is going to be ignored but having said that, it's what we do in Rio that is really going to count.”

The Olympic criteria includes fan experience, appeal to new markets and youth and all genders, and of course high-quality competition. To assure the last category, the IRB is keen for see “name players” from 15-a-side supplementing the Sevens stars already plying their trade on the World Tour.

Israel Folau is being chased to play Sevens at the 2016 Olympics.

“Firstly I think the unions are going to want to win medals, so they'll want the best teams they can bring,” Gosper said.

“Secondly, the players themselves know that rugby is an Olympic sport and don't want to be denied an opportunity to play an Olympic sport.”

Debate rages in many countries about whether Test stars can switch to Sevens in 2016, and how long they'd need to adapt beforehand.

The ARU has already flagged that players would need to sit out Super Rugby in 2016 to focus on Sevens, which is a serious deterrent for a player like Folau.

“Hopefully the unions and the players and the clubs find a way they can satisfy those players’ dreams and allow them to play, if they're selected,” Gosper said.

“Of course the IRB and the IOC would like to see some of the big names there.

“We'll put on a good spectacle and competition with some very, very good Sevens players. But a few names would reinforce the nature of the competition, too. It really is about getting them access to the Olympics.”

Originally published as Rugby Sevens hunting stars like Israel Folau for Rio Olympic Games