Opinion: Where to next for the sevens?

Say no more, the Wellington Sevens has run it's course (Getty)
Say no more, the Wellington Sevens has run it's course (Getty)

It's no secret that the Sevens tournament in Wellington has lost its gloss.

New Zealand still has two more years of hosting the event, so given that the fans in the capital have voted with their feet, where else in this country could the event be hosted?

Dunedin

Ideally: There has been plenty of talk about how much the students would pack out Forsyth Barr and the Zoo would just go off, especially during Orientation Week. Being from Dunedin, naturally, I agree and I think it would be wicked for the city. It would be a marketers dream!

Reality: The world Sevens circuit schedule doesn't allow for that realignment to fit in with 'The Dunedin Sevens' idea. The world-wide tournament is run in two-week blocks covering two legs with four weeks in between. Matching up with O-week would mean the New Zealand leg of the Sevens would have to be moved back by more than a month meaning they would have to rejig the entire Sevens circuit schedule. I don't see a move to Dunedin happening, especially without the students.

Forsyth Barr Stadium was built in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup (Getty)
Forsyth Barr Stadium was built in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup (Getty)

Christchurch 

Ideally: Perfect for the growing city - Christchurch needs everything it can get its hands on to continue growing and I have no doubt a good crowd would show for the Sevens. Sell-out? Probably not. Despite that, Christchurch is New Zealand's second gateway to the world which would make it easier for overseas traveller.

Reality: Christchurch doesn't have its affairs in order to host such an event - infrastructure and hotels are lacking and that shows, by not being given a Lions test this year. I could be proven wrong but I don't see it happening either. Not for another decade at least.

AMI Stadium is the replacement for the damaged Lancaster Park (Getty)
AMI Stadium is the replacement for the damaged Lancaster Park (Getty)

Queenstown

Ideally: This place roared at the National Sevens tournament for years before it was taken away to Rotorua (which now has become equally as popular.) For me Queenstown ticks a lot of boxes and the world LOVES it! Beautiful backdrops and it is guaranteed there would be a crowd because Queenstown is always full of people and the venue is smack bang in the middle of town.

Reality: Broadcasters would be reluctant to go back south due to the money involved getting down there. Other than that I really can't fault Queenstown on their hosting capabilities. Why not target one of our country's biggest asset?

Wakatipu Rugby Club in Queenstown was a hive for fans during the National Sevens tournaments (Getty)
Wakatipu Rugby Club in Queenstown was a hive for fans during the National Sevens tournaments (Getty)

Auckland

Ideally: Auckland painfully ticks all the boxes, they have the economic support, more than a million people living there and is New Zealand's biggest city and number one gateway to the world not to mention a world class venue.

Reality: Auckland gets everything in terms of events, again, two Lions test this year? Not fair. We can't rely on Auckland anymore. Additionally with an already packed schedule at that time of the year with cricket and rugby league's Nines tournament it's unlikely Eden Park can take on the Sevens too.

Eden Park already has a busy summer schedule (Getty)
Eden Park already has a busy summer schedule (Getty)

Pacific Islands?

Ideally: I know what you're thinking, but hear me out. What works so well for these events is the crowd and passion behind the event. At the weekend in Wellington the crowd was minimal but there was always one solid group of fans - take the final for example South Africa vs. Fiji. There was a substantial presence by die-hard Fijian fans, brilliant! If we think back to 2011, how mad were the Tongan community for their team? The missing ingredient is passion and the Pacific Islands sure have a lot of passion for the great game.

Reality: Logistically it would be a nightmare for everyone involved and it would be difficult for the Islands to host so many people and would cost a fortune. Based just of if the crowd would turn up - the Pacific Island would take the cake.

Apia Stadium roared with passion during the All Blacks visit in 2015 (Getty)
Apia Stadium roared with passion during the All Blacks visit in 2015 (Getty)

In saying that, New Zealand Rugby has some tough decisions on their hands for where to next, because if they get it wrong we could seriously be looking at losing the New Zealand leg of the World Sevens circuit.

With New Zealand holding the rights to host the leg through until 2019, time is of the essence for them to get it right.

Caley is a digital producer based in Christchurch.

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