GB7s programmes remodelled

The programme will run solely as a camp and competition model, with players coming together to train and play on the series.

The changes mean that though existing sevens contracts will finish as planned at the end of July, players will continue to be identified through their existing unions and selected to represent GB7s over the course of next season.

The remodelling has been driven both by continuing financial pressures associated with the sevens game and ongoing explorations as to the role the format can continue to play in player development systems across all three unions.

RFU Performance Director, Conor O’Shea, said: “With an increasingly congested sevens calendar and crossover opportunities with the 15s game reducing, we are taking time to review how best the format can work both from a player development and financial perspective. The intended new format will look at ways where crossover can happen more effectively in the men’s and women’s game while reducing some of the rising costs associated with competing on a global circuit.

“GB7s does not receive central Olympic funding, unlike many other unions it is competing with, and we believe the model the series is run under could be more financially effective for individual unions. This is something we are continuing to talk to World Rugby about.

“We understand the way in which player and coach contracts will change will be disappointing to many involved, and we will work closely with the Rugby Players Association to ensure that each of our players continue to be well supported and understand all the options available to them.”

Scottish Rugby Performance Director, David Nucifora, said: “The financial structure of the World Series over the past few years has become increasingly challenging and placed strain on the GB7s approach, which we must remodel.

“We are committed in Scotland to the GB programme and finding a way to continue to add value as an important part of the Scottish player pathway and we hope that World Rugby will stay in dialogue with all Unions about finding a model that will allow the game to flourish, while we also continue to look at options which could enable Scotland to use sevens, and its global calendar, as a development environment for young, aspiring players.

“I’d like to thank the players and Scottish Rugby people who have worked in the GB7s set-up this season and understand today’s news will be disappointing for them personally and we will extend relevant support to them at this time. The programme though will continue in the revised model and provide future opportunities next season.”

Huw Bevan, Welsh Rugby Union Interim Performance Director, said: “We believe the camp-based approach we are taking will provide the best development opportunities for players from the men’s and women’s game given current financial constraints and the congested schedule. We will continue to work with the other unions and World Rugby to explore the on-going role sevens plays within our development pathway.