Scottish Rugby Welcomes Olympic Decision
9 Oct 2009
Scottish Rugby this afternoon warmly welcomed the decision taken by the International Olympic Committee in session in Copenhagen to admit rugby 7s to the Olympic movement with effect from the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro. Chief Executive Gordon McKie said: “As the country that bequeathed 7-a-side rugby to the world – the masterstroke of Melrose butcher Ned Haig – Scottish Rugby is naturally delighted to hear of today’s decision by the IOC to welcome rugby anew to the Olympic family.”Scottish Rugby believes that rugby will be given a massive global boost as a consequence of this decision.”Photo shows rugby legend Jonah Lomu celebrating the news in Copenhagen today Scotland 7s coach Stephen Gemmell, currently with his squad in Delhi, as part of preparations for next year’s Commonwealth Games, added: “It’s great news for the sport globally. Over the last ten years, sevens has grown and we have seen the emergence of countries like Kenya who can now beat any team in the world.”From a coaching and playing point of view this will be the pinnacle for everyone involved in the game and we will aim to give Scottish players the best possible chance of experiencing the Olympic Games in a GB team. “
