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Further reaction to news that Rugby Sevens has been added by the IOC committee to the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games.

"The ramifications are beginning already. Its a monumental move forward to make Sevens a leading edge sport in every facet. Expect more competition and standards to hit new heights. We are now all involved in a sport that has no ceiling in terms of where it can go - the potential is staggering," Ben Ryan, England Sevens Coach

"This is a wonderful occasion for Rugby and its future across the globe. Just think, in a few years’ time our top rugby players will share the same stage as world-class athletes like Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps and Yelena Isinbaeva,” Paul Treu, South Africa Sevens Coach.

"I'm joyous, ecstatic - even though I won't be there to compete for my country in 2016, it's great to see that the future of rugby is going to be in great hands going forward, and on the biggest stage it can possibly be,“ Jonah Lomu, All Black & New Zealand Sevens, member IRB bid team.

“The IRFU will be reviewing its structures over the coming months to see how best to further develop our exposure in the sevens game. The timing of the entry to the Olympic Games allows us to fully establish the best possible player pathways to incorporate rugby sevens,” Eddie Wigglesworth,” Director of Rugby, Irish Rugby.

 All our players, men and women, from those at the grassroots right through to the elite levels, can now have Olympic Games selection as an ambition. They can dream of climbing a medal and receiving a gold medal.
I know the younger players in our Wallabies squad will see it as a challenge to force their way into the Sevens squad in 2016,” ARU Managing Director and CEO John O'Neill.

"Congratulations to both federations. We all look forward to great competition in 2016 and 2020. Time will show your decision was very wise.” Jacques Rogge, IOC President.

"It's fabulous news and I was doing cartwheels round my flat. As someone who has been involved in Sevens for a number of years and seen how the World Sevens Series has grown, for it now to be an Olympic sport is amazing. It's the pinnacle of sport, to be an Olympian - I just hope that my legs will be up to it in 2016 when I'm 32!” Ollie Phillips, England Sevens.

"Sevens will be an invaluable addition to the Olympic Games. Current England squad members like Tom Croft and Ugo Monye have benefited from playing international sevens and always speak highly of it," Rob Andrew, Director of Elite Rugby at the RFU.

“The Olympics are deeply engrained in our sports psyche and the explosive, exciting, unpredictable and highly competitive nature of Rugby Sevens will be a huge draw for a whole new set of fans. For the women’s game in particular, we could see the popularity grow in a similar fashion as women’s soccer did over a decade ago,” Jen Sinkler, USA Sevens.

“There will be a party in Nairobi, that's for sure. This is another massive lift for our sport. Playing on the world's greatest stage, showcasing our wonderful sport will inspire more men, women and children to participate in Africa,” Humphrey Kayange, Kenya Sevens captain, member IRB bid team.