Ardie Savea's decision to turn his back on Sevens and the chance of Olympic gold is a blow for the game, but isn't really surprising.
Sevens used to be played pre-season, to get fit for the real thing, now it's used as a way to identify and develop talented players on the way up, and by those who couldn't cut it in 15s.
It had been hoped that by making it to the Olympics sevens will be taken seriously, but that hasn't happened.
(Photosport)
Rather than chase gold, Savea wants to try and help the Hurricanes win their first Super Rugby title and push for what should be a Test debut against Wales in June.
It's a slap in the face to the Rugby Union who have made winning gold in Rio a priority this year.
But there is no arguing with how the leading players have voted. Sevens, for now a least, doesn't rate.
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