Rugby: Scotland's group rivals have one eye on the Olympics

Published on Friday 29 May 2009 09:57

THE prospect of seven-a-side rugby entering the Olympic Games looms large over this weekend's Emirates Airlines-sponsored jamboree in Edinburgh, writes BILL LOTHIAN.

And for Scotland's group rivals Kenya and Canada – England complete the section – achieving that status when rugby makes a presentation to the IOC on June 15 would be especially welcome.

Shane Thompson, the Canadian coach, said: "At the moment rugby ranks 22nd among Canada's most popular sports and the prospect of playing in the Olympics would surely help us build up playing numbers."

And Benjamin Ayimba, the Kenya coach, added: "Entering the Olympics would give our country a chance of winning a medal outside of running and steeplechasing!"

Kenya are currently the sixth-ranked side in sevens behind South Africa, England, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina.

Scotland are 11th but Ayimba feels the formbook could be thrown out this weekend.

"This is a difficult tournament for us because Scotland are the hosts while England are the form side who won their own tournament last week. I've been impressed by Scotland recently particularly (Edinburgh winger) Andy Turnbull. Andy is pivotal to the way Scotland play."

Turnbull is Scotland's top try scorer of all time with 50 but even that achievement must be set against Kenyan flier Collins Injer, pictured, who has 35 tries on the current circuit alone. That puts Injera ahead of Australia's Luke Morahan (27), with Springbok Ryno Benjamin on 24. Injera's overall points total of 175, meanwhile, ranks behind only England's Ben Gollings (218) with Australian Richard Kingi having notched 205.

Star of the English side will undoubtedly be Gollings who, after a decade on the circuit, took his points tally to exactly 2000 during the latest tournament victory at Twickenham when the Scots were beaten at the semi-final stage.

Intriguingly, this weekend sees the auld enemies meet first up in what will be an enthralling start to the weekend.