The positive impact of the Rio Olympics on Rugby

The inclusion of rugby in the Olympics in Brazil and the 2020 Games in Japan will have a stronger impact on the development of the game than the Rugby World Cup hosted by England last year.
Sevens is the short form of the game that will be used in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics and recent analysis highlighted the fact that the Games will have a positive impact on rugby over the next decade.  Whilst the impact of the Olympics isn't expected to be as far reaching as cricket's T20, the event will radically shape up men's and women's rugby.
More investment
Since rugby union's return to the Olympics was announced, around £20m has been invested into the sport by the Olympic committees of the different participating countries. More gaming platforms are also including rugby themed options as testament to the sport's rising popularity. Gaming platforms include some of the best bingo sites like bingosweets.com.
The transformation of rugby's image is expected to present only improvements in development and participation in the short term whilst spectator numbers will gradually follow.  As more countries begin to take the sport more seriously, funding and government support will be on the increase. The first major example can be traced to China where a professional women's Sevens team was put in place for the first time following the Olympic decision.
RIO 2016 and Sevens
RIO 2016 marks a new milestone in the development process that has taken the sport beyond its traditional heartlands to new countries and new markets.
Sevens has equally been noted as a key part of the transformation, as it is what will be played at the Games. It will be relied on to raise the profile of the sport over the next decade.
Opportunity
Analysts are in unanimous agreement that the Olympics offer a great chance.  More people will discover rugby and the Games will be able to leave an indelible mark on their minds.  The players will also be able to experience what it truly means to be global; the Olympics brings together citizens from over 200 countries.
Stakeholders in the sport understand the challenges that lie ahead and the fact rugby has a long way to go. However, the two upcoming Olympics present opportunity for rugby to be put on a pedestal. It is the perfect time to prove the dynamism of the sport to new supporters.
Inclusion of Sevens in the Olympics isn't its only positive impact – it has also led to added expansion of rugby in countries such as Brazil, Kenya and United States which have recently embraced the short form of the game.