Newspaper reports suggest that the International Rugby Board ( IRB ) is to appoint a professional lobbyist to press the case for rugby's return to the Olympic Games.


According to Britain's Daily Telegraph, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge's rugby connections - Rogge was capped seven times by Belgium at flank after learning the game at university in France - may have worked against rugby's hoped-for return to the Games in the Sevens format.


The IRB will now

"play the voting game much more effectively and not simply rely on the 'rights' of their case," said the newspaper.
"To that end the IRB will soon take a leaf out of the successful London 2012 bid and appoint a professional lobbyist to target those countries - and those votes - that will be needed when the question next comes up for debate next year, when the schedule for the 2016 Games will be decided."

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The International Rugby Board ( IRB ) announced earlier this month that a record number of countries have officially confirmed their intention to tender for the right to host the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament in 2009.


IRB Member Unions Arabian Gulf, Australia, Kenya, Netherlands, Russia, South Africa and USA all confirmed their commitment to host the Tournament by the deadline of Friday, September 29.

“This is extremely exciting news for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009,” said International Rugby Board Chairman, Dr Syd Millar. “The fact that seven Unions have signalled their intention to host the tournament is significant as it represents an unprecedented level of interest for a Rugby World Cup event. This strong response also reflects the importance of this tournament on the world sporting calendar while further highlighting Rugby Sevens growing global appeal.”

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