Rugby World Cup Sevens | Blaine Scully & Rosie Spaulding | Talks at Google

TL;DR

The Rugby World Cup Sevens aims to grow the sport in the US through increased participation, awareness, and viewership.

Transcript

[TITLE MUSIC PLAYING] FLEUR KNOWSLEY: So joining us today, we've got-- in the middle here, Rosie Spaulding, the general manager of this year's Rugby World Cup Sevens. Rosie has spent her career executing many high-profile sporting events, including Super Bowl 50 here in California, and the 34th America's Cup, which for those of you not familiar is ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💗 The Rugby World Cup Sevens aims to grow the sport through increased participation, awareness, and viewership in the US.
• 👪 Efforts are focused on introducing rugby into schools, targeting parents to encourage their children to play, and leveraging the entertainment aspect of sevens.
• 🖐️ The USA Rugby Players Association plays a crucial role in improving player welfare and driving the growth of the sport.
• 👾 Sevens is a more accessible and fast-paced version of rugby that appeals to a wider audience.
• 🏉 Balancing club and collegiate systems is essential for the growth of rugby in the US.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are rugby sevens and rugby 15s different?

The concept of rugby sevens was developed in Scotland as a faster and more entertainment-focused version of the traditional rugby 15s game. Sevens is played with seven players per team and shorter match times, while fifteen-a-side rugby is more physically demanding and strategic.

Q: How is USA Rugby encouraging player safety?

USA Rugby emphasizes the importance of coaching and technique in player safety. The organization is focused on improving coaching standards and implementing programs to teach players how to fall, roll, and protect themselves during tackles.

Q: How does the USA Rugby Players Association support the growth of rugby in the US?

The USA Rugby Players Association represents the interests of both male and female national team players. Their goal is to improve player welfare, develop a universal standard for player support, and collaborate with USA Rugby to grow the sport at all levels.

Q: What are some key teams to watch in the Rugby World Cup Sevens?

Traditional powerhouses like Fiji and New Zealand are known for their outstanding sevens teams. South Africa is also a strong contender, and the unpredictability of sevens means any team has a chance of winning.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Rugby World Cup Sevens seeks to increase participation and awareness of the sport in the US.

• Efforts include introducing rugby into schools, targeting parents to encourage their children to play, and leveraging the entertainment aspect of sevens.

• The tournament aims to leave a legacy and inspire the younger generation by showcasing world-class athletes and promoting the values of teamwork, respect, and inclusivity.