The forthcoming Paris 2024 Olympics have the potential to revolutionize the landscape of rugby sevens, as outlined by Sam Pinder, the esteemed general manager of the HSBC SVNS series. Renowned global stars such as Antoine Dupont and Ellie Kildunne are anticipated to flaunt their talents at the prestigious Stade de France, catapulting the abridged version of rugby into the limelight of the global sports community.
Mr. Pinder accentuates that the Olympics present a momentous opportunity for the sport to capture the attention of new audiences and expand its fan base. He underscores the privilege of inaugurating the Olympics on the 24th of July and eagerly anticipates the prospect of a jam-packed stadium at the Stade de France over the course of the six-day event.
Significantly, Mr. Pinder underscores the potential ripple effect of the Olympics in inspiring and enticing individuals to engage with rugby, be it through sevens or the conventional 15s format. He firmly believes that the international influence of the Olympics can act as a catalyst for the proliferation of the sport in diverse countries, particularly those with burgeoning rugby programs.
In addition to the fervent anticipation surrounding the Paris Olympics, the 2023-24 HSBC SVNS is scheduled to reach its culmination in Madrid. Mr. Pinder underscores the significance of this event, with eight men’s and eight women’s teams vying for the coveted Grand Champion title, marking the conclusion of a tour that traversed various international locales.
Mr. Pinder also underscores the pivotal role of sevens as a means to expand the reach of rugby into untapped markets and attract a diverse array of followers to the sport. By highlighting the accessibility of sevens matches and the electrifying atmosphere at sevens events, he exudes optimism regarding the potential for sustained growth and evolution of the sport on a global scale.
In summation, the Paris 2024 Olympics and the culmination of the 2023-24 HSBC SVNS mark definitive junctures for rugby sevens, presenting unprecedented prospects for the sport to flourish and captivate the imaginations of enthusiasts across the globe. For a more alluring and immersive experience at sevens events, both die-hard rugby fanatics and novices can look forward to a dynamic infusion of exhilarating rugby action and top-tier entertainment, complete with a vibrant amalgamation of music, gastronomy, and libations. As the sport continues to metamorphose and extend its global footprint, the impact of these events is poised to endure and resonate far and wide.