Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Famed for its festive culture, the Wellington Sevens was one of the more popular events on the annual Rugby Sevens circuit.
But when new rules to tone down the “party” atmosphere came in, the baton was handed over to Kirikiriroa Hamilton in 2018.
Now, World Rugby wants to do away with the New Zealand leg altogether and this year’s event last month was possibly the last on New Zealand soil.
With up to 11 tournaments in the series, they will now be condensed down to just seven. World Rugby’s new catch phrase being, ‘7 iconic events in 7 iconic cities’.
Chris Lendrum, General Manager for Professional Rugby and Performance for NZ Rugby, put a positive spin on the decision saying it will allow revenue made from those big tournaments to be invested back into all the participating teams.
“We’re really hopeful that their ideas about generating more revenue can go back to New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga; all the participating countries,” he says.
“If it does, that’ll be good and then we can use some of that to re-invest in 7s and create our own tournament (here in Aotearoa).”
World rugby Chief Competition and Performance officer Nigel Cass, acknowledges the positive impact New Zealand has had on the series.
“New Zealand has been a superb host of the World Series over the past 21 years with many wonderful memories created. We thank NZ Rugby and the host cities for their excellent efforts and their partnership during a period in which rugby sevens has grown and developed significantly across the globe” he says.
Among the players, Samoan Black Fern Theresa Fitzpatrick was “gutted” to hear of it being the last home tournament.
“We went into the tournament celebrating the 21 years we’ve had here in New Zealand. It’s always really special to be able to play in front of our families and so we’re cherishing every moment we can get,” she says.
Of the 15 core teams who take part in the series, the Pacific Nations bring a lot of flare to the competition. Once again, proud Pacific fans filled the stadium with cheers, flags and elaborate costumes to make the last ‘hurrah’ in Hamilton, one to remember. Lendrum was impressed.
“The crowd today has been incredible. Amazing colour, particularly from the Pasifika supporters,” says Lendrum.
On the field, Fiji fans had to temper their enthusiasm when both their womens and mens team failed to make the playoffs, as did Samoan fans. Recent tournament winners in Cape Town, Samoa failed to make the playoffs in Hamilton.
Manu Samoa sevens player Paul Scanlan was disappointed with their last performance in New Zealand.
“We gave it our all knowing the significance this tournament has, not only for our team, but our fans in Samoa and New Zealand,” says Scanlan.
The host teams had more to celebrate. The All Blacks Sevens made their final but were pipped by Argentina 12-14, while the Black Ferns Sevens continued on their winning streak with another solid tournament win against USA 22-7.
