Rugby Sevens part of six high profile sports axed from 2026 Commonwealth Games
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 22.10.24. | 18:39
World Rugby issued a statement noting that the axing was a blow to fans and players but declared the sport still has a huge role to play in the future of the Games
Rugby Sevens is among the sports excluded from the much-anticipated 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The event originally slated for Victoria, Australia, has been moved to Glasgow, Scotland.
The venue change came after the Australian state complained about rising costs and subsequently pulled out of hosting. Glasgow stepped up but has done so by axing Rugby Sevens among other sports.
Hockey and cricket are also the highest-profile sports axed as part of Glasgow’s 11th-hour offering to help salvage the Commonwealth Games.
Other sports that have been removed include cycling, mountain biking, or road races while rhythmic gymnastics has also been cut leaving only artistic gymnastics.
The Scottish city also hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
That event included seventeen sports while the 2026 event will feature just ten. This number comes with several events having been downsized.
World Rugby issued a statement noting that the axing was a blow to fans and players but declared the sport still has a huge role to play in the future of the Games.
“While understanding the unique circumstances of the 2026 Games, and reassurances from the Commonwealth Games Federation that the decision does not set a precedent for future Games, the absence of rugby sevens, along with other team sports, at Glasgow 2026 is a significant loss for players, fans, and the Games themselves,” a spokesperson from World Rugby said.
Other Unions have continued to issue statements expressing disappointment with the same.
“The Australian women’s sevens team had hoped to defend the Commonwealth Games gold medal won before a packed stadium in Birmingham two years ago and the men’s side, having just achieved their best result at an Olympics in Paris this year, were similarly confident of a strong showing in Glasgow,” Australia Rugby Union said.
Kenya’s Shujaa finished seventh in the 2022 Commonwealth Games following their quarter-final drabbing at the hands of former champions New Zealand.
The result also saw them finish seventh in the last three editions of the Commonwealth Games and their wait of winning their first ever medal at the games is set to continue.
.jpg)
