The IOC committee is visiting London to consider which city should host the 2012 Olympic Games, and the IRB has been quick to remind them of the benefits they believe rugby would bring to a Games.

Rugby has not appeared at the Olympics since 1924, and the IRB believe that it is high time that it made a return, in the sevens format.

Mark Egan, Sevens Tournament Manager of the IRB, said: The IOC are meeting in Singapore in early July.

Their main decision is regarding the host city but they are also debating whether to alter the programme of sports within the 2012 Olympics.

Rugby is one of five sports being considered for inclusion along with golf, squash, karate and roller sports.

The IRB is currently going through a thorough consultation and lobbying process and an application was submitted to the IOC in November.

We are working closely with the IOC, providing them with information about sevens and rugby in general.

Egan believes that it is the sevens version of the sport which would make an ideal Olympic event.

If rugby is included it will be the sevens format. Sevens is in fact more global than the 15-a-side game in terms of competitiveness, Egan said.