How Rugby Sevens Opens the Olympic Door for North American Athletes

Rugby Sevens has emerged as a crucial platform for North American athletes aspiring to compete in the Olympics. Unlike traditional 15-a-side rugby, Rugby Sevens offers a faster, shorter, and more dynamic version of the sport, making it an appealing and accessible pathway for athletes from various sporting backgrounds.

1. Smaller Team Size, More Opportunities: Rugby Sevens requires only seven players per side, creating more opportunities for individuals to secure a spot on a national team compared to traditional rugby’s larger squads. For North American athletes, this opens doors for those who may not have had the chance to participate in mainstream sports like basketball, football, or soccer at the highest levels. Additionally, the game’s seven-minute halves mean athletes need to be explosive, fit, and agile, skills that many crossover athletes from other sports possess.
2. Growing Infrastructure and Pathways in North America: With the inclusion of Rugby Sevens in the Olympics since 2016, North America has made significant investments in developing its rugby programs. In the United States and Canada, institutions such as USA Rugby, Rugby Canada, and Major League Rugby have partnered with schools, universities, and clubs to create talent identification programs and development pathways. These efforts have provided athletes from various sports—track, soccer, wrestling, and even American football—the opportunity to transition to rugby and compete on an international stage.
3. The Appeal of Olympic Glory: For North American athletes, the chance to represent their country at the Olympics is a powerful motivator. Rugby Sevens, with its shorter learning curve and emphasis on athleticism, offers athletes who may not have grown up playing rugby the opportunity to fast-track their way to the highest level of international competition. Unlike some other team sports, where North American countries may struggle to qualify for the Olympics due to deep international competition (e.g., soccer), Rugby Sevens has been a more attainable target, especially with the growing presence of competitive teams from the U.S. and Canada in global tournaments.
4. Crossover Athletes: Rugby Sevens has seen an influx of crossover athletes from sports like track and field, basketball, and even American football. The fast pace and open field of Sevens rugby require high levels of speed, agility, and endurance—skills that translate well from these other sports. Players like Naya Tapper (track), Perry Baker (American football), and Ilona Maher (basketball) have made seamless transitions, quickly becoming key players for their respective national teams. The ability to recruit and develop athletes from a wide range of sports has been a significant advantage for North American Rugby Sevens programs.
5. International Exposure and Competition: Rugby Sevens is also a globally recognized sport, with the World Rugby Sevens Series serving as a year-round competition that exposes North American players to top-tier international competition. This experience prepares athletes not only for the Olympics but also for other major sporting events like the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games. The exposure athletes receive on this stage helps raise their profiles and build momentum for Olympic qualification.
6. Grassroots Programs and College Systems: Both the U.S. and Canada have made strides in developing grassroots rugby programs and incorporating rugby into collegiate athletics. In the U.S., programs like the National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) and various NCAA rugby initiatives have begun to provide a structured pathway for athletes to pursue rugby from high school to the Olympic level. Similarly, in Canada, universities and clubs are working to foster rugby talent through competition and development programs. These systems provide young athletes with an earlier introduction to rugby, enhancing their chances of progressing to elite levels.

The Big Guy’s Final Thoughts

In summary, Rugby Sevens has proven to be an accessible, dynamic, and inclusive gateway for North American athletes to participate in the Olympics. Its shorter format, emphasis on athleticism, and growing infrastructure make it an appealing alternative to traditional team sports, giving athletes a viable path to international competition and Olympic glory.

Scott Ferrara

Beyond statistics and analysis, The Big Guy will bring stories from the field to life. Expect vivid descriptions of pivotal moments, dramatic turns of events, and personal stories from players that add emotional depth to the article.

See Full Bio