If securing the right headline act is crucial to the success of a new festival, then having rugby’s most prominent star on board is a significant achievement. The confirmation of [ppp1] long-anticipated transition from the 15-a-side game to sevens solidifies his status as arguably the top men’s player globally.
The timing of his arrival couldn’t be better for revitalizing a struggling format in dire need of a boost. The absence of the magician Les Bleus sorely miss was evident in their defeat to Ireland before [ppp2].
[ppp3], which Dupont represents, has already made stops in Dubai, Cape Town, and Perth as part of an enhanced eight-stop global tour leading up to the finals weekend in Madrid this June.
Currently, Argentina leads the men’s standings, with France, led by Dupont, in third place and Great Britain at the bottom. In the women’s category, Australia holds the top spot, with Great Britain narrowly positioned to qualify for the finals.
The relaunch follows a challenging period for sevens, with the momentum gained after [ppp4] largely wiped out by the impact of Covid-19. The strategy now focuses on amalgamating the best features of the Dubai and Hong Kong events to create a more cohesive and engaging experience around the fast-paced rugby format. The addition of music, food options, and a mix of elite and mass sports competitions aims to captivate the “leisure-hungry” demographic aged 18 to 35.
French scrum-half Antoine Dupont is set to pursue Olympic gold in sevens, marking a significant shift from his usual rugby pursuits.
For the first time, both men’s and women’s competitions will occur at each location, with equal entry fees for both genders. The inaugural season will culminate at Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium as World Rugby endeavors to engage the Spanish fanbase.
Sam Pinder, World Rugby’s general manager of sevens, emphasizes the need for evolution in the sport to compete for fans’ attention and engagement. Drawing inspiration from successful models like Dubai and Hong Kong, the vision for the series integrates mass participation and entertainment elements to enhance the overall spectator experience.
While the sevens circuit is accustomed to high-profile appearances, Dupont’s involvement adds a unique allure, with other notable figures like former Australia captain Michael Hooper joining the roster. The inclusion of top women’s players further elevates the event’s status and appeal.
The upcoming months hold promise for a resurgence in the sevens format, with the potential for new converts like Marcus Smith, Joe Marchant, Adam Radwan, and Ben Earl to excel. Despite some initial reservations, the sport has seen success stories, including South African World Cup champions, who transitioned seamlessly from sevens to the 15-a-side game.
As anticipation builds for the Olympic events next summer, Dupont’s participation has already boosted ticket sales. The integration of sevens into the Games signifies a significant opportunity for rugby to expand its global reach and appeal beyond traditional boundaries.
In the words of Sam Pinder, “It is a pivotal year for all involved. The Olympic platform presents a unique opportunity for sevens to showcase itself on a global stage and attract a broader audience, contributing to the sport’s continued growth and popularity.”