Is this the decade of rugby's dominance?

Friday 8 January 2010
Published By: Ben Welch
Sevens > Saracens

The next ten years could see rugby rise to become the number one sport in Europe, but only if the powers-that-be capitalise on the opportunities that are going to present themselves. That's the suggestion of Robert Kitson, who highlighted the potential for the game to establish a position of dominance this decade.

He pointed to the 221,000 rugby fans that passed through the Guinness Premiership turnstiles over the festive season as evidence that the appetite is strong. "If modern rugby union can rid itself of its own current surly, hair-shirted, masochistic image, the possibilities are extraordinary," said Kitson.

Perhaps the key to igniting the wider public interest will be the admittance of sevens to the Olympic Games, with the potential for people in many more countries to establish an interest. Youngsters not drawn to the full version may well take a look at sevens and think it's something they can get their teeth into.

And as Kitson notes: "Once they get a taste for it - and with standards in the abbreviated game improving steadily - the jump to 15-a-side rugby will be more manageable than the traditionalists might think."

Aside from that, we've got three World Cups to look forward to this decade - and that's three opportunities to market the sport to every corner of the globe. But with the likes of Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter hitting out at governing bodies for failing to give officials clear direction over rules, sceptics' fears that those chances will pass by could well be realised.