GB7s programmes remodelled
The Great Britain men’s and women’s sevens programmes will be remodelled from next season, with the intention for both sides to continue to compete on the HSBC SVNs Series under a new operating model.
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.”
