Has rugby sevens already won its bet? Inducted into an Olympic sport from the Rio Games, from today he is competing in a mixed World Cup, men and women, in a highly improbable place: Moscow. And, let's be honest, everything suggests that the event should confirm the healthy growth of a discipline long kept in the shadows.
First illustration: media coverage. Bernard Lapasset, the French president of the IRB (International Rugby Union), displayed his figures not without pride on the eve of the opening. The 2013 World Cup benefits from unprecedented exposure. And, let's say it, not really hoped for: 29 international television channels have acquired the rights to the competition, for broadcast in 19 languages capable of reaching 321 million households (double the 2009 edition) in 152 territories. The World Cup would be available live for the first time in Brazil, Russia and the Netherlands. Its coverage in the United States will be wider than ever. Not bad.
Another sign: the level of participation. And, even more so, the name of the favorite: New Zealand. Winners for the 11th time in 15 editions of the World Tour this season, the All Blacks are the scarecrow of the competition. Sir Gordon Tietjens' men have not held the trophy at arm's length since 2001. A gap that they intend to fill at the Luzhniki Stadium, where the World Cup will occupy the pitch for three days, from June 28 to 30.
Comment from Gordon Tietjens: "This World Cup is the last before the Games, so Moscow will be of great use to us in our progress table to be sure to arrive in the best conditions in Rio in 2016." In three years, the All Blacks of rugby sevens should even be reinforced by some big names from the other national team, the “real”, that of the XV. Proof that the Olympic discipline has found its place in New Zealand's sporting culture.
Further demonstration that the world of sevens rugby is turning in the right direction: Australia and New Zealand are cited among the favorites for the title in the women's event. The Australians hold the trophy. But the New Zealanders of Kayla McAlister, Luke's sister, have won in four stages of the World Tour this season. The clocks are on time, then. Even if the name of Kenya, an unknown player in rugby union, is mentioned among the outsiders in the men's competition.
Finally, the first balls had not yet been played in Moscow when the names of several countries interested in organizing the next Rugby World Cup Sevens, scheduled for 2018, were already circulating. The United States would prepare a file, with the idea of using the event to popularize rugby and even, who knows, set up a professional championship. Wales would also aim to host the event. Finally, a bid could come from Singapore, driven by a futuristic sports complex project, including a brand new stadium with 55 seats.
