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Robin Heymann

Unbelievably it has now been just over a month since the historic and champagne fuelled celebrations seen in rugby circles (and certain Sevens website’s HQ) welcoming Rugby back into the Olympic family. It's flown by.

In the aftermath, country after country, big or small, has welcomed the call. Although it’s very much punch drunk hopes and words being expressed by unions, countries, and players as it stands, I think we’ve established that in purely layman’s terms this is going to be mega for Sevens.

One country of course licking their lips are those USA Eagles, with the decision causing a particular stir in sporting circles with the allure of gold set to give the sport that deserved financial kick up the backside.

But what about their bitter North American rivals from Canada? What does the future hold for them and their new coach Morgan Williams, as they gear up for yet another assault on the IRB Sevens Series? For a country that doesn’t always hit the Rugby headlines, it seems appropriate to have a dig under the surface to see what’s bubbling.

Hitting the core

Well I say assault, but for Williams and co they are going to be a couple of months late joining this year’s 2009/10 knees-up. By once again not finishing in the top 12 last year (they finished 15th) it means they don’t reserve the right to play in all 8 legs of the series. Despite still playing in five of the tournaments, at Wellington, Vegas, Hong Kong, London, and Edinburgh, Williams is desperate to accumulate enough points to have a stab at making the holy grail of being a ‘core’ side.

“Yeah that’s important, we’re in five tournaments and our main goal is to really push and do well in those events. If we can get back to getting that core status that would be big bonus. It would just act as an important building block in looking ahead to 2016,” says the new Coach.

Williams is no stranger to Sevens’ premier showcase events, having played in the RWC Sevens, Commonwealth Games, and in the early years of the IRB Sevens World Series himself.

The acutely skilful scrum-half developed into an outstanding 15-a-side talent and one of Canada’s all-time greats turning out at the 1999, 2003, and 2007 World Cups, proudly captaining his country in the last two. With stints at Stade Français and Saracens also sitting pretty on his CV, Rugby Canada installed a guy in August with a wealth of Rugby nous to drive the Maple Leafs forward. His flowing locks have been chopped and it's time for business.

“When I played (in the IRB Sevens Series) back in late 90s and early 2000s we were going to tournaments and regularly making the top 8 and not just content in finishing twelfth and eleventh. I want us to be competitive and consistent and consistently good. That’s our main focus,” says Williams.

The standard of global Sevens has rocketed though and much work is required to amend this. Former coach Shane Thompson seemed to be very much loved by his players, and was another Canadian legend having played or coached in each of the IRB Sevens World Series events since 1999. But Williams’ appointment could give some fresh impetus and a clean slate to work from.

Lack of tournaments

Again in comparing the Canadians to the US, Williams seems severely hamstrung by the simple lack of Sevens tournaments and any structure in the abbreviated code. Compare this to the Eagles coach, Al Caravelli, who has the luxury of a plethora of regional tournaments, US Nationals, and All-Stars events over the summer to pick up and unearth talent.

“For sure we are lacking in that Sevens structure, but what we did have is the ARC event, which saw four Canadian teams and gave me some key names which I will bring to camp with us”.

The IRB sanctioned ARC (Americas Rugby Championship) did prove successful with four Canadian teams mixing it with a USA Select side and the Argentina Jaguars. Although it bought the nation’s best prospects together and gave them the ‘high performance experience’ Rugby Canada have sought, it was still only in a 15-a-side environment with Williams slightly having to take a punt on which players can stand on their two feet when they lose 8 of their teammates.

Although game time and tournament experience is invaluable, it could almost act as a blessing in disguise for Williams and his young pretenders. The first preparation camps under the new Williams regime is this December and whilst he may not be in Dubai and George, viewing if from an outside perspective can give him time to formulate some strategies.

“Our main goal with the camp we are having, is to see what athletes we have and from that draw up and design a game plan.”

“Obviously I have a style that I like to incorporate but it all depends on the athletes we have and the athletes that are available for the tournament”.

Will the Maple Leafs abandon that rough and tumble physical approach that has been a trademark in bygone years? Time will tell but expect some subtlety and guile thrown in their as well, traits that Williams possessed in his playing days.

Following the end of Camp the coach is hopeful he can get a side out to South America for the Punta del Este tournament early in January. As the Pumas and Samoa can vouch for, this is a quality event and perfect platform to launch into the NZI Sevens in Wellington from.

Targeting schools

Yet their attendance in South America is dependent on the dough. Williams estimates it could cost as much as $28,000 CAD to send a team there. Such is the vastness of the country costs can escalate when flying people in from all over the shop. But now Sevens is an Olympic sport surely some more buffering financial aid will be given?
“It hasn’t been discussed as it’s been so early after the Olympic decision, so we’ve not heard anything on that front. I’m optimistic and await news.

“Dealing with the size of our country is one thing that puts us behind, especially with that lack of money. In other countries it’s easier to get around. It’s a 5 hour flight from Toronto to Victoria and that costs money,” adds Williams.

What Williams is surer on though, is what Rugby Canada’s plans at a grassroots level are, with a focus on tapping into youth early.

“We need to establish the games in schools, the biggest feature of rugby here in North Americans is our athletes start very late and that puts us behind the 8-ball. Now the sport will be recognised in its own right as Sevens didn’t get much recognition over here. We need to target those younger athletes like they do in England, in South Africa, and New Zealand.”

Although Schools are an obvious target point, the Coach is happy to follow the USA in using athletes from other sports citing that players with a background in rowing are set to be used.

Rugby Canada’s High Performance group, led by Geraint John, are putting these strategies and initiatives in place as well but miracles won’t happen overnight and patience is needed.

With the majority of Canada’s side now in their early twenties, it’s difficult to pinpoint players he feels might make an impact in 7 years time. But Williams is hopeful that the likes of Sean White, Sean Duke and Matt Evans could all be around in 2016 heading to Rio at their peak.

Although Williams’ international coaching pedigree is unproven his enthusiasm for playing the game and zest for Sevens can surely only rub off on these youngsters in the future

“I’ll always miss playing as rugby has always been part of my life! If there had been an Olympic opportunity for me when I was playing I would have grabbed it by both hands, such is the honour.

“It something that all youngsters aspire to be part of. It really is exciting times for these younger kids!”