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It looks like the IRFU have given in to all the pressure from players, fans, and other countries about their lack of a mens’ sevens team.
Old Belvedere RFC player Daniel Riordan pictured in Action for the last Ireland 7’s team in 2009. (Paul Seiser/ www.inpho.ie)
The IRFU today launched an open invitation to all male athletes, no matter which sport they currently participate in, to come and try Rugby sevens. There will be 4 Talent Identifaction Days (TIDs) to be held in locations around Ireland in January 2015.
At the moment, Ireland only have a womens’ sevens’ team, which is helping grow the sport of rugby domestically in Ireland and giving women of all ages a chance to represent the green jersey.
The Talent Identification Days will only test the speed, power and endurance of players, to see whether they have the physical characteristics to become an elite level Sevens player.
The IRFU hope to see the best rugby club talent available as well as attracting athletes with transferable skills from other team sports such as athletics, basketball, hockey and Gaelic Games.
In October, IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora announced the Men’s Sevens Programmeand confirmed that the IRFU have entered a team in the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship which takes place in June 2015, competing in Division C.
Launching the TID process, Nucifora commented: “We are looking for sporting X-factor and to ensure we leave no stone unturned we are not limiting our search to those already playing club rugby.
“Rugby Sevens is a game that rewards explosive and agile athletes with good handling skills from any sporting background.
“Our initial TID will be aimed at putting players through a battery of physical tests to see whether they have the physiological characteristics we require.
“The best athletes will be selected to then attend a sevens trial day from which an eventual squad of 20 players will be selected to prepare for the European Championships in June 2015.”
Those interested in attending the Talent Identification Days can sign up at www.irishrugby.ie/sevens.
Closing date for applications is Friday, December 19.