Olympic debut for sevens will boost women's rugby, says Alphonsi
Tuesday 12 April 2016 13:31, UK
World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi expects to see a surge in popularity in the women’s game after sevens rugby makes its Olympic debut at Rio 2016.
Sevens rugby and golf are sports that have been added to the Olympic roster, with kitesurfing also debuting at the Games in place of windsurfing.
Former Saracens and England flanker, Alphonsi, believes there will be a boom in rugby, following the growth in women's football in this country after Team GB entered a team at London 2012.
"The best thing about the rugby sevens is that it is now going to be on the world stage where people can watch it and we saw something similar happen with the women's football at the last Olympics," she told Tuesday's Sportswomen show on Sky Sports News HQ.
"Ever since then the profile has grown and I think the same thing will happen with rugby sevens. It will help grow the game and I think it will benefit the XV's game as well as the sevens."
A number of Alphonsi's former team-mates, including skipper Emily Scarratt, will take part in the latest leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Canada this weekend, after England finished third in the Atlanta leg last weekend.
England topped their pool on day one after winning all of their matches, including an impressive 21-7 win over Australia, ranked No 1 in the world.
"I think England were the most impressive of all the teams over in Atlanta," Alphonsi said.
"They started very well, had a flying start over Australia and to beat the number 1 seeds is very impressive because Australia are looking very good at the moment.
"To win all of their games on day one and finish top of their pool was very positive. They were pushed very hard on day two by Russia who are a very good side but England are showing their potential.
"They are starting to play with confidence and I think that is a big thing for them going into the next leg in Canada. Playing back-to-back, going from Atlanta straight to Canada, allows them to keep that momentum and confidence going.
"It's not just about winning and doing well in the series, the priority now is to make sure they peak at the right time going in to Rio. England are looking good and playing the rugby that we know they can and I think they will get even better."
