October 9, 2009
To: Chief Executives / Secretaries of all Unions & Associations in Membership of the IRB
Re: IOC decision on Rugby Sevens
I am writing to you from Copenhagen where today the IOC Session voted to include Rugby Sevens in the 2016 Olympic Programme. This is truly an historic day for the development of the Game. The continued global expansion of Rugby is greatly strengthened by today’s decision. I wish to personally thank you and all of the Rugby stakeholders in your jurisdiction for all of your work and continued support for this project. It was a great team effort from all of the Rugby Family and I am proud of our achievement.
This decision will have a profound impact on the Game and while there will be challenges ahead, we can also look forward to the many benefits that Olympic inclusion will bring. As an Olympic sport, Rugby will attract new commercial partners and spectators. At the same time all of our Unions will enjoy new levels of government and access to facilities for training and development from National Olympic Committees and Government agencies as an Olympic Sport. The IRB has already been approached by a number of NOCs eager to find out how they can develop Rugby in their respective countries. Added to this, Olympic inclusion now means that Rugby will be given a greater opportunity to feature on the school curricula in many countries.
With today’s decision Rugby will be able to play an even greater role on the global, regional and national sporting and governmental stages allowing us to work with other sports to try to ensure that legislation and funding is in place to benefit Rugby and the greater sporting community. Working together with a clear global vision we can drive the growth of Rugby over the next 10 years.
Thank you once again for your support and passion in helping Rugby achieve its Olympic dream.
Yours sincerely,
Bernard Lapasset
Chairman IRB
