GLASGOW, (Reuters) – Big names and strong teams from most of rugby’s leading nations are set to offer Rio 2016 a glimpse of things to come in the Commonwealth Games sevens tournament.
The tournament featuring 16 teams starts at Glasgow’s iconic Ibrox Stadium tomorrow with high-scoring matches played at a frenetic pace expected to enthrall spectators.
Super Rugby’s Liam Gill and Pita Ahki line up for Australia and New Zealand respectively, while South Africa’s all-time leading scorer Bryan Habana is on his team’s reserve list after securing a late release from his French club Toulon, ensuring a stellar cast.
The sevens event has been a fixture at the Commonwealth Games since 1998 but will make its Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro in two years time, meaning ‘The Friendly Games’ can lead by example in Scotland.
“For 16 years now, rugby sevens has enjoyed being a key part of the Commonwealth Games,” Bernard Lapasset, president of the game’s world governing body IRB, said when the four pools of teams were confirmed earlier this year.
“To compete alongside their compatriots in a multi-sport environment is a matter of huge pride and honour for our rugby players, who are making giant strides in this new Olympic era.”
Commonwealth sevens tournaments have long attracted some of the biggest names from the longer form of the sport and have often showcased rising talents for the future.
