The lure of sevens rugby at the Olympics - Fiji Times
Steve Hansen continues to rack up the wins in his internal battle with sevens maestro Sir Gordon Tietjens for New Zealand's premier rugby talent next year. First-five Beauden Barrett on Saturday confirmed he had joined All Blacks teammate Ben Smith in turning his back on a shot at a gold medal in Rio next year. Previously, injured first five-eighth Aaron Cruden had also said he wouldn't be pursuing a place in the sevens program next year. "It was a tough decision — it is tough for everyone," Barrett told Newstalk ZB's Tony Veitch. I think I have got enough to work on. "I don't think we can underestimate the importance and the great opportunity of playing for the All Blacks. Qantas Wallabies winger Henry Speight has agreed a new three-year deal with Australian Rugby that will see him remain with the Aquis Brumbies through to the end of 2018 and join the Qantas Australian 7s Program in 2016. The landmark deal means... As part of the agreement between Australian Rugby and the Aquis Brumbies, Speight will combine his duties with the national Sevens program and his Super Rugby team throughout 2016. As well as the Sydney 7s on the weekend on February 6-7, Speight... Source: www.fijitimes.com
