Welsh Rugby Union to end men’s Sevens programme

The Welsh Rugby Union is to end its men’s sevens programme due to the impact of Covid-19, saying it is “an extremely regrettable decision”.

The WRU says the financial implications of the pandemic – including the disruption of the World Rugby Sevens Series – has rendered the programme unsustainable in the current climate but hopes it will return in the future.

“It’s an extremely regrettable situation we find ourselves in, and one that is being felt across the world inside and outside the context of sport,” WRU performance director Ryan Jones said.

“I’ve seen first-hand how much the sevens players and staff have put their heart and soul into the programme, which has made reaching this outcome all the more difficult.

“Unfortunately, while we have seen the return of regional rugby in its current restricted form, it’s unlikely the sevens programme would be preparing for any top-level competition until at least April of next year.

“The realities of a reduced funding situation have made this impossible for us to sustain.”

Wales were in last position when the international sevens season came to a premature end in March.

But in the past their sevens programme has been responsible for developing Test stars such as Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb, and Wales were World Cup winners in 2009.

Jones said that the WRU is exploring opportunities surrounding the Great Britain sevens teams ahead of next summer’s rescheduled Olympic Games in Tokyo.

He said: “We are committed to competing in world-class competition and continuing player development is an absolute priority for the WRU, so we will be fully supporting our athletes with their Olympic aspirations.

“Having no sevens programme would be a loss to the national game, and as such I don’t view this announcement as the end of rugby sevens for the Welsh Rugby Union in the long term.”