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Lions star excited by Olympics bid

Posted on 16th September 2009

British and Irish Lions and England star Ugo Monye believes that Rugby Sevens has the perfect blend of ingredients to add a unique spectacle to the Olympic Games.

Rugby Sevens has been recommended for inclusion from the 2016 Games alongside Golf, and former Sevens star Monye believes that fans attending the Games will be in for a treat.

"The fans absolutely love Sevens. They create a carnival atmosphere, which is what the Olympics is all about. It fits hand in hand," Monye told UR7s.com.

"Sevens certainly does belong in the Olympics. It is a great sport, highly skilled and very fast."

The International Olympic Committee membership meets in Copenhagen, Denmark, in October to vote on the recommended sports and Monye insists that a positive vote would be a significant milestone for Sevens and the growth of Rugby worldwide.

"The beauty of Sevens is that everyone would have a chance of winning a medal at an Olympic competition - it is that competitive.

"You see a small Rugby nation like Kenya competing alongside the traditional countries such as England and South Africa and winning, it would be fantastic for the popularity and growth of the sport."

Monye is the latest member of the global Rugby family to back the campaign, which has received the endorsement of some of the world's biggest names, including New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu, South Africa's Bryan Habana and IRB Player of the Year 2008 Shane Williams.

IRB.COM
By Tom Chick