Is sevens the next stage in the globalisation of rugby union or the Trojan horse that threatens the future of fifteen-a-side rugby? The sport is basking in the glory of its most successful World Cup, on and off the field. That New Zealand and Australia emerged as the finalists rubber-stamped the attraction and accessibility of the competition.

Rugby union is on a roll. But next year will be different. The undoubted main attraction will be the minor-player sevens. Since the Olympic movement accepted sevens in 2009, Rio de Janeiro has steadily been building in significance, both in the male and female codes.

The women’s world champions, England, suffered a sorry 2015 Six Nations Championship, with only two wins. Their traditional dominance was waived. The RFU