Rugby Sevens a Step Closer to Olympic Games Inclusion

The International Olympic Committee Executive Board has recommended Rugby Sevens as one of two sports for inclusion in the Olympic Games.

Rugby Sevens secured its recommendation in the second round of voting, obtaining the 50% plus one majority required with nine of the 14 votes. Five further rounds of voting ensued before the Executive Board confirmed golf as the second recommended sport.

In October, the IOC Members will vote in Copenhagen on the two sports individually with a straight majority required for Olympic Games' inclusion from 2016.

Bernard Lapasset, President of the International Rugby Board, said, “We would like to thank the IOC Executive Board for selecting Rugby Sevens from what are seven strong and diverse sports. We recognise the significance of this milestone in our campaign but are also mindful that the ultimate decision rests with the IOC members when they meet in Copenhagen on October 9, 2009.

“The Olympic Games would be the pinnacle of the sport for all our athletes and the rugby family, providing the opportunity for the best men’s and women’s players in the world to showcase their talent on the world’s greatest sporting stage. The international Rugby community is united behind Rugby Sevens’ campaign and we now look ahead to October.”

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