Top rugby teams in town ahead of 2016 Olympics

SINGAPORE – Many of the rugby players in town for this weekend’s Societe Generale Singapore Cricket Club International Rugby 7s (SCC 7s) may feature on the world stage come the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Twenty-one teams will compete in the 68th edition of the tournament, including those from the world’s top rugby nations like South Africa, England and France who are ramping up preparations for the Aug 5 – 21 Olympics, in which Rugby 7s will be competed for the first time.

A team to watch is the Springboks from South Africa (SA), who are back for the tournament in Singapore after a three-year absence. While they are fielding a side made up mainly of academy players this time, captain Kyle Brown said many from this team can form the spine of the 2016 Olympics outfit.

“I think at least half this team can make it to 2016 Olympics. There are a lot of good players, and if they continue playing and playing well, I think they can make it to the final spots,” said Brown, who plays as a hooker. “The first time I played with the national team was in 2008 and that was in this tournament. It is good to come back to the place which I have had fond memories of.

“Winning (at the SCC 7s) is the target and important, but we’ve brought in an academy team, so we can try to develop as many of these young players as possible. We got a good split of experience and youth, so these young players can get to learn much faster too.”

Brown said that the rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand for the title come the Olympics will be huge, as always.

“I don’t think the rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand can be truly put into words. It is always going to be a little bit of a warfare out there, and it also at the same time, a very respectful kind of game that we play. That has shown throughout every time we play them,” he said. “But yes, Japan beat us in the Rugby World Cup this time (34-32), and I think that rugby is growing in Asia. It is something you can see in this region, such as the investment Japan has made in its rugby. It’s great to see.

“Rugby is on the rise here in Singapore as well, as we all know.”

The schools segment of the tournament has been postponed to a later date, and play will also be halted at the Padang if the three-hour PSI reading exceeds 200, organisers said. A decision will then be taken on the cancellation of the match