The forthcoming 2024 Paris Olympics is anticipated to bring about a transformation in the landscape of rugby sevens, as asserted by Sam Pinder, the general manager of the HSBC SVNS series. With the short format poised to take centre stage in the French capital this summer, esteemed stars such as Antoine Dupont and Ellie Kildunne are preparing to contend for the gold at the esteemed Stade de France.
The ongoing HSBC SVNS series is gearing up for its grand finale in Madrid this weekend, heightening the anticipation for the upcoming Paris event. Former Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Sam Pinder is optimistic about the sport attracting new fans from around the globe, looking ahead to the 2025 Series.
Recognizing the vast opportunity at hand, Pinder remarked, “It is a significant opportunity for our sport. We have the privilege of commencing the Olympics on 24 July, two days prior to the opening ceremony. We anticipate a full stadium over six days at the Stade de France which will mark our most extensive and exceptional sevens event on the world stage.”
He further conveyed his confidence, stating, “If we can leverage this as a pivotal moment for the sport, we are poised for exponential growth. The Olympics is the premier global sporting event. If we can inspire and motivate people to engage with rugby sevens or 15s, that would be remarkable.”
Additionally, Pinder emphasized the potential for the expansion of rugby sevens in more countries, particularly those with smaller unions, highlighting the sport’s suitability as an entry point for many. With optimism, Pinder noted, “There is significant potential for the sport to expand into more countries than ever before.”
In addition to the excitement for Paris 2024, the culmination of the 2023-24 HSBC SVNS series holds great importance, with eight men’s and eight women’s teams poised to compete for the title in Madrid. Pinder underscored the role of rugby sevens as a means of introducing the sport into new markets and attracting fresh interest.
“We view sevens as a means to introduce rugby into new markets and attract new fans to the sport. If you attend a sevens event, the matches are relatively easy to understand. The overall experience surrounding the rugby also attracts many people,” remarked Pinder. He also highlighted the success of sevens events in various global destinations, underscoring their impact in developing the sport and attracting fans.
As we anticipate the Paris 2024 Olympics, the potential for rugby sevens to make a significant leap onto the global stage is evident. With enthusiasm building for the conclusion of the HSBC SVNS series in Madrid and the expectation for the grand spectacle in Paris, the future of rugby sevens appears exceedingly promising.