ago.24.2008

The game is simple enough to be played and learned anywhere in the world, there is a large and diverse range of competing nations. It is also fast and great fun to watch, and the tournament can be played over two days .

It will enhance the Olympic programme and draw in an untapped demographic.

Rugby 7s is the sport that fits the above description.

In 2009 ,the IOC will decide on the sports, if any, that will be included on the 2016 Olympic programme and the hope among all rugby playing nations is that Rugby 7s will get the nod.

Rugby 7s meets the IOC's concept of universality says Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) president Larry Romany.

"When you look at the countries that do well ,such as Fiji,Western Samoa,Argentina,Kenya along with England,New Zealand,Australia and South Africa.It clearly will bring a new dynamic to the Olympic Games".

Romany's view is shared by TTOC secretary general Brian Lewis who is also the secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Union(TTRFU)

Both men spoke to www.ttoc.org during a break from their Olympic duties in Beijing,China.

According to Lewis the success of the Caribbean in track and field is a clear sign that there is untapped potential for rugby 7s in the region.

With Rugby 7s already on the Commonwealth Games programme the addition of the sport on the 2011 Pan American Games programme is an important step in the sport's ambition for a return to the Olympic programme.

Both men, however, believe that the IRB needs to raise the international profile of rugby 7s.

"The positive aspects of the sport is understated ,the virtues of the sport is a well kept secret as far as the global media is concerned" said Lewis

The TTOC would like to see T&T qualify for upcoming Commonwealth and Pan American Games and should the sport return to the Olympic Games,the 2016 Olympic Games.