Ultimate Sevens to attract Boks?
Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:56
Springboks Sevens coach Paul Treu has come out in support of the UK National Sevens series, to be held in England in June and July, and says there could well be a number of South African stars taking part in it as well.
Treu, speaking to superrugby.com, confirmed that members of his squad had been approached to play in the tournament and said that he himself was a big fan of the 'IPL' style competition.
"Something like that is necessary if you want to spread the sevens gospel further," said Treu.
"Sevens has always been viewed as a cinderella sport and that is why the series is so important. It's also necessary for the series to draw international players.
"I don't know whether the window period to get players has passed, but they were looking for some of our players to take part."
Treu is hopeful the the UK's Sevens Series will prove to be a flagship for others around the world. The 'BlitzBoks' boss is adamant that Sevens needs to capitalise on its recent growth in popularity and continue to promote itself.
An increase in the number of tournaments and the growth of the game at a 'domestic' level, Treu believes, will also help increase the financial pull of Sevens and therefore help it to keep hold of top-flight players.
"Money is the biggest problem. If we want to retain the likes of Robert Ebersohn and Lionel Mapoe, it will have to be financially worthwhile for them," he said.
The new series has been founded by independent global promoter, Ultimate Rugby Sevens, and has been fully backed by the RFU. It will be made up of 10 British teams and consist of four individual legs - taking place in London, Bath, Manchester and Newquay.
Half of every squad may consist of overseas players.
See also: UK Sevens Series set for 2010 debut
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