24/11/2009
Australian Rugby Sevens Coach Paints Adelaide Gold
Australian Rugby Sevens coach Michael O’Connor has paid a visit to one of Adelaide’s most talented Rugby institutions to inspire the game’s next generation with tales of gold.
Not only can the Rugby players of Pembroke School dream of one day pulling on the treasured gold Australian jersey – they now can also aspire to winning an Olympic gold medal following Rugby’s return to the Games roster in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
O’Connor, whose visit coincides with Adelaide Sevens tickets going on sale on Wednesday, watched 30 sets of eyes light up as he told Pembroke students of the pathways and opportunities available to talented players now that Rugby is an Olympic sport.
Ten of the group are already a part of SA Rugby’s Academy program, that is aimed at honing the skills of South Australian players and boosting the State’s Rugby talent pool.
"There is a tremendous opportunity to be involved in the world’s premier sporting event through Sevens Rugby,” O’Connor said.
“Not only can young players dream of one day pulling on the gold jersey, they can also dream of representing Australia at the Olympics.
“Sevens utilises all the skills of a great athlete – speed, stamina, and strength and its inclusion in the Olympics will give added meaning to representing Australia.” The International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens circuit returns to Adelaide for its fourth instalment on March 19-21.
Tickets are on sale tomorrow (November 25) through Ticketek (www.ticketek.com.au) with an adult three-day pass available from just $70.
Adelaide is the fifth stop on the eight-leg IRB Sevens World Series circuit, with the first of the tournaments set to get underway in Dubai on December 4.
Australian Rugby Union Managing Director and CEO John O’Neill said he expects Rugby’s talent pool to grow considerably in the future as athletes chased the ultimate accolade in Australian sport.
“We are delighted to be back in the Olympic family and our Sevens program – showcased domestically by the annual event in Adelaide – clearly takes on a new emphasis following the decision by the IOC last month,” he said.
“Rugby competed in four Olympics from 1900 to 1924 and the First Wallabies of 1908 won the gold medal at the London Games, defeating English county champions Cornwall in the final as part of their UK tour.
“For our readmission in 2016 it will be Rugby Sevens not the traditional 15-a-side game taking centre stage.
“From that perspective there will be wonderful opportunities for athletes to choose Rugby, learn the Sevens game quickly, and follow a possible path to Olympic selection.
“Our reinstatement to the Olympics is momentous – for Rugby, for Australia and for the Adelaide Sevens.
” A host of players have used the Sevens program as a stepping stone to the Qantas Wallabies – with three players making the jump within the last 12 months.
Whiz kid James O’Connor and uncapped players Richard Kingi and Luke Morahan are currently part of the Qantas Wallabies’ Spring Tour to the UK and Ireland.