Rugby entered the sports scene as a men’s game and was played in the modern Summer Olympic Games. The game first appeared at the 1900 Paris Games, where France won the sport. As a result of the win, France was crowned with a gold medal. After entering the sports arena, Rugby was featured in the London, Antwerp, and Paris games in 1908, 1920, and 1924 respectively. After the 1924 event, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned Rugby as an Olympic game. Following the ban, there have been many efforts to bring the game back to the Olympic schedule.
Why was Rugby Banned From the Olympic Program?
Rugby is a breakneck and physical sport with groups of 15 players struggling to defeat their rivals with a heavy ball. The IOC dropped the sport because of its violent characteristics and the fact that it was not seen as an essential game. During the 1924 Olympic Games, the Rugby crowd was violent and invaded the pitch. The violent events weakened the standing of the game. Furthermore, Rugby needed more teams to make it a worthwhile sport.
The game has a fair share of politics and issues of gender inclusion. Gender activists questioned why the game was male-dominated, and there was a campaign to include women in the sport. In 1976, some African nations and Guyana pleaded that New Zealand be dropped from the Olympics in Canada. This is because New Zealand toured South Africa, which was expelled from the Olympics because of its segregation policy. All these issues gave the game a bad image.
The Future Of Rugby
The future of rugby suggests it could be bright, even if it’s not present in the Olympic Games. The convenience of mobile devices has allowed for greater following of the sport, as it can now be viewed from anywhere in the world. Blackjack finds itself in a similar situation, thanks to the mobile blackjack casino games available on platforms like Spincasino.
A report by Mastercard and the University of Bath reveals that the sport will have a massive following by 2025. The report identifies various ways Rugby positively impacts people around the globe. Here are some significant areas where Rugby plays a major role:
- Inclusivity: Rugby unions and countries emphasize the need for the game to be all-inclusive. The game recognizes the participation of people living with disabilities and females. For example, the game has a wheelchair game for people disabled individuals.
- Health: Rugby unions and charities are at the forefront of destigmatizing psychological health among men. The unions encourage people to participate in the game to improve their mental health.
- Education: Globally, Rugby promotes learning outcomes and empowers students. Rugby unions and player organizations have more opportunities to participate in this area. For example, VUSA Rugby Academy in South Africa is championing the education of young people.
All these events give the game a positive image, boosting its odds of being included in the Olympic schedule. There are strong indications that Rugby might find its way to the 2024 Olympics.
