Rugby: Scotland sevens team will bow to GB Olympic push

Published on Monday 9 May 2011 12:09

Scotland could temporarily forfeit individual status on rugby's sevens circuit in deference to Great Britain Olympic aspirations.

This was acknowledged as one possible option by Murrayfield's performance director Graham Lowe when pondering the implications of Great Britain's likely involvement when sevens are introduced at Rio de Janeiro 2016 and qualification procedures begin that will have to be followed.

"We are having discussion with the other unions and the IRB and the qualification process is quite complicated as it means bringing forward almost a new (Olympic) sport," he said. Lowe, speaking at the announcement of Scotland's squad for this month's concluding HSBC IRB tournaments added: "To qualify as a team you have to play as a team (and) that's part of the discussions."

Another possibility is believed to involve making the best team among Scotland, Wales and England - Ulster is the subject of a special consideration since they join Eire at 15-a-sides - the official GB representatives.

Lowe said: "From a GB sevens perspective we have had initial discussions so that the team represents the aspirations of players from three different countries for the team from Great Britain to be successful.

"The Olympics has been a key driver that has changed the dynamic of sevens and it's importance to rugby in the world."