Why the smart money should be on rugby sevens
Why should we be taking more notice of rugby sevens at the moment, asks former player Jim Hamilton. There are different versions of rugby, and while the 15-a-side game will always be my Everest, sevens offers something completely different. The sport is simple to follow, fast and incredibly athletic, and it allows individual personalities and [...]
Former rugby player Jim Hamilton argues that rugby sevens is the smart investment. Sevens is simpler to follow, fast-paced, and showcases individual athletes in a way that 15-a-side cannot. The sport also offers unique travel and entertainment experiences, such as the Hong Kong and Cape Town tournaments. As people's spending habits have shifted, rugby must adapt to compete with other experiences.
Investment in rugby has grown, with private equity firms, wealthy individuals, and global brands like Red Bull showing interest. The Olympics and the athletes it brings to the forefront play a significant role in this. Notable players like Maddison Levi, Antoine Dupont, and Ilona Maher have risen to prominence in sevens. The crossover to Olympic sports is expected to accelerate, particularly with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon.
London, with its rich rugby history and thriving business scene, is poised to capitalize on this trend. The London City 7s, taking place on September 17th, will feature nine teams and a sport business conference, attracting around 3,000 attendees. This model of combining top-tier rugby, entertainment, and business is expected to become the norm, making rugby sevens an attractive option for investors and fans alike.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
