Christophe Rouchaleou believes Morocco's involvement at the South Africa Sevens is vital to the growth of the sport back home.
Long-term aims for Morocco coach
Morocco coach Christophe Rouchaleou believes his side's involvement at the South Africa Sevens is vital to the growth of the sport back home.
With long-term aims of competing at the 2013 World Cup in Russia as well as at the Olympics, when Sevens makes its debut at the Games in 2016, Rouchaleou sees the HSBC Sevens World Series as a key stepping-stone for the non-core nation.
And with games against New Zealand, France and Scotland in the pool stages, Rouchaleou believes his side can profit from their time in Port Elizabeth.
"For us and the players, our aim is to go to the Rugby World Cup Sevens, and for that this tournament is the next step," Rouchaleou, who has previously worked with the France and Kenya Sevens teams, told
irb.com.
"We hope to make an impact against New Zealand, and also against France because I am French, and we hope to win one match, perhaps.
Exciting
"It is very exciting to be in Port Elizabeth, for me and the players, and they also hope to win one or two matches. But for them the most important thing is it is an opportunity to grow and to learn from the experience.
"The aim for Morocco is to make the next Rugby World Cup Sevens and after that to be in the Olympic Games.
"It is hard because there will only be 12 nations in Rio, but for Morocco it is important because we have a little more money and there are programmes in place in schools and suburbs.
"I did this six years ago in Kenya and they grew, so I hope it is the same in Morocco."
Morocco have taken part in 12 World Series events, playing in 60 games - winning 19 and losing 41.
