7er-Rugby EM and the Hamburg Chase for the Olympics
Hamburg's Olympic Bid Influencing the European Rugby Event - International Rugby Exhibition Match Held in Support of Hamburg's Olympic Bid
Germany's men's team is gunning for the EU title in Hamburg, with their third attempt. Kicking off this second and final tournament on Friday versus the Czech Republic, coach Clemens von Grumbkow stated, "We aim to put on a solid show for the home crowd and ideally top the charts."
Ranked fifth after the initial tournament in Croatia, the men's team is under pressure. The women's team, ranked eighth, doesn't seem likely to contend in the medal race.
But the sports scene in Hamburg isn't just about the teams' performance. Germany's bid for the Olympics is in the works, and the 7er-Rugby EM in Hamburg serves as the kickoff event for this historic Hanseatic city in team sports. Sports secretary Christoph Holstein explained, "Now's when every move in the bidding cities is being scrutinized by the DOSB and the IOC, making events like these crucial for us."
State Minister for Sport and Volunteering, Christiane Schenderlein (CDU), will attend the 7er-Rugby EM. Holstein sees this as a nod to Hamburg.
However, the Steinwiesenweg facility falls short of Olympic standards. Nevertheless, Holstein clarified, "It meets the demands at present." And guess where the 7er-Rugby games are scheduled under Hamburg's concept? Not in Hamburg—they're set for the Holstein Stadium in Kiel instead.
Hamburg and its Olympic Pursuit
Hamburg's aim to host the Olympics is part of Germany's mission to bring the Summer Games back to the country, targeting the 2036 Games or future editions. Past attempts, such as the 2024 bid, ended in a narrow referendum loss, demonstrating diverse local opinions on hosting the event.
7er-Rugby EM: A Cornerstone of Hamburg's Olympic Bid
The 7er-Rugby EM in Hamburg is more than just a sports event; it helps Hamburg prove it can manage large-scale multi-sport competitions, enhanced Olympic credentials. It generates local enthusiasm and boosts Olympic momentum, addressing the shortcomings of previous bids.
Additionally, it highlights Hamburg's compact and efficient event planning, which is essential for Olympic requirements. Hosting fast-paced, spectator-friendly sports like 7er-Rugby demonstrates Hamburg's dedication to delivering an Olympic experience that prioritizes accessibility.
Hamburg's Olympic Competition
Germany's Olympic initiative includes several cities, with a decision on the country's representative expected by fall 2025 or 2026. Hamburg is up against competitors such as Budapest, Barcelona, and Santiago[2][5] in the race for the 2036 Summer Olympics[2]. The 7er-Rugby EM event serves as a tangible part of Hamburg's efforts to keep its Olympic ambitions steady in the face of fierce competition[3].
In Brief
The 7er-Rugby EM in Hamburg plays a vital role in Hamburg's Olympic bid by displaying its ability to efficiently host international sports events, generating local interest, and aligning with Olympic sport trends. It embodies Hamburg's vision of a forward-thinking, compact Olympic Games that focus on innovation and accessibility, critical factors as Germany prepares to choose its next Olympic host city, likely in 2036[1][3].
- FC countries could learn from Hamburg's approach to hosting the 7er-Rugby EM, as it showcases efficient event planning and focus on spectator-friendly sports like football.
- Despite the Men's team's fifth position in the initial tournament, they share football's fast-paced nature with the 7er-Rugby EM, making it an exciting addition to the European-leagues.
