Rugby fever fires hopes for Olympic berth

Dubai: Administrators and players in the United States will be watching with particular interest when the International Olympic Committee votes in October on whether to readmit rugby to the Games.

Bob Latham, the vice-chairman of USA Rugby, believes that a 'thumbs up' for rugby could play a crucial role in helping the sport reach new heights in a nation with the economic might and sporting population to challenge the current world order.

He said: "There would be huge benefits for us if rugby was to return to the Olympics.

"It would absolutely increase our stature on the domestic sporting scene and lift the profile of the sport, helping us attract even more people from other sports. This has been such a great event here in Dubai that you feel no one can be dismissive of the Olympic bid."

The US challenge for World Cup Sevens glory faltered with the men's team qualifying only for the plate competition where they went out in the last eight to Australia.

But the side has made great strides in recent months on the World Sevens circuit and Latham hopes to make further progress in the second half of the season.

He said: "Americans really love a winner, and the better we do the more attention we will attract. The San Diego sevens is growing, and rugby is now a part of the Pan-Am Games, something which will also help us."

The US will also soon be focussing attention on World Cup qualification for New Zealand 2011 under new coach Eddie O'Sullivan, formerly of Ireland.

Latham said: "We're very excited about Eddie's appointment. He's been with us before, as assistant coach, so he knows many people as well as the geographical and landscape challenges we face.

"It's interesting that his first match in charge will be against Ireland, in Santa Clara, California, on May 31. It should be a game to remember."