The last decade has surely been the most significant in the history of Sevens. Here are 7 things (counting down) that I feel have stood out for me. What do you think? What have I missed out? Let’s be hearing you!

7. England’s fortunes change with Hong Kong

With the English struggling to impose themselves at the beginning of the decade, ex star player and coach in Rugby League, Joe Lydon, came to England’s rescue coaching them to a Hong Kong win in 2002. It was to be the first of three HK wins in a row. Good old Nigel Starmer-Smith feels it marked a change in landscape in Sevens as the small nimble players such as Ben Gollings (as good as ever to this day) and Simon Amor could run the show. England have become the masters of winning in stunning last minute/extra-time final wins; Hong Kong (06), Wellington (09), and London (09).

6. Commonwealth Games kicks on

Although the first time we saw Sevens at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 98, I feel the sport really started making impact on the event in Manchester 02. Played out in the superb City of Manchester stadium (the same arena that hosted the Athletics) it was the first real indicator that 7s could cut the mustard and really add to a multi-sport extravaganza . This was to become a key selling point in the bid to join the Olympic party. Has since become one of the major crown jewels in the abbreviated code with another successful event staged in Melbourne four years later. Bring on Delhi 2010.

 5. South Africa set precedent

Similarly to England, the Blitz Boks had struggled to impose themselves on the World Series at the beginning of the decade. Former player himself and a major heartbeat of South Africa Sevens Paul Treu became coach and fought tooth and nail for change. Uniquely he helped revolutionise the way International Sevens players were managed implementing full-time contracts. Based in Stellenbosch Treu has proper control of his squad with a low turnover of players. It has paved the way for a first World Series crown in 2009 and a very rosy future ahead indeed with youth squads already in place with some fancy cutting edge technology that will surely start to used by more nations. Beware the pioneering Boks...

4. 2009 World Cup Sevens

Billed as a groundbreaking tournament from the off with the inaugural women’s competition running alongside the men. It also became the official dress rehearsal ahead of the Olympic decision with watching IOC officials present at ‘The Sevens’ in Dubai taking notes. If someone had told me before the tournament that Wales (80-1 outsiders) would be lifting the Melrose Cup I would have politely told them to take a hike. But that’s exactly what they did in extraordinary scenes that included the top four seeds crashing out in the quarter-final stage. Australia Women’s sudden-death extra-time win over the Kiwis put the icing on a brilliant weekend for the sport. Job done.

3. New Zealand utterly dominant

When Gordon Tietjens was appointed Master i/c of New Zealand rugby in 1994, few probably imagined just how successful he would make the side. Probably Rugby’s closest thing to Man Utd’s Sir Alex Ferguson, Tietjens has chaperoned the Kiwis to 8 out of 9 overall IRB Sevens World Series, World Cup and three Commonwealth Games golds. 35 or so players developed in Sevens have made the grade as a full All Black. One striking example of their complete dominance in the Noughties has to be their remarkable 47 wins on the trot. The current 09/10 Series leaders. One of world sports outstanding teams of the decade.

2. Emergence of ‘other’ nations

Yes i have just pointed out that New Zealand have been pretty good, but the last few years there has been some evidence to suggest it's not just the Kiwis/Fijians doing all the winning. Now every time (well almost!) the 8 Cup quarter-finalists line-up at a World Series event the result is in jeopardy. Samoa, Kenya, Argentina, and Wales can take down anyone. The USA, Portugal, Russia, and even the Cook Islands are nations who have shown glimpses of magic against the more established nations adding to awesome universality this game can bring. With more $$$ hopefully coming into the game, long may the huge competitiveness of Sevens continue.

1. Olympics

Had to be didn’t it. For those of you completely out of the loop, in October of this year Sevens finally got the nod for Olympic inclusion at Rio 2016. In what’s felt a long slog, full of failed attempts and passionate campaigning, the IRB and their supporters were finally rewarded. No doubt becoming the pièce de résistance of the sport, its inclusion offers a wealth of opportunity for everyone connected to the sport. Olympic powerhouses such as China, Russia, and USA will thrust money into the game, and the likes of Fiji and Samoa, and New Zealand have an amazing opportunity to win a rare medal. Rugby Sevens hitting youngsters in schools is a thrilling thought. The most significant change to Rugby since it turned pro in 1995.