Sevens a Wallaby breeding ground: Deans
The International Rugby Sevens competition will become a breeding ground for future Wallabies, national coach Robbie Deans says.
Deans said he was looking forward to the tournament in Adelaide in April including the opportunity to get a look at future stars.
"We see the Sevens program as a critical part of the rugby pathway," Deans said.
"I don't think we've maximised it in the past but we certainly intend to in the future."
Deans said the competition had already unearthed great talent and this year's event would be no different with a future Wallaby likely to emerge from the tournament.
"And I'd like to think over time there will be even more," he said.
"If you look historically, certainly in terms of the New Zealand Sevens program, a lot of players have emerged through there.
"It's a great opportunity for young players, it's a great opportunity for any player, to be honest.
"You've got to be fit, you get a lot of touches, you get a lot of involvement and you're accountable.
"But most importantly you get an opportunity to play rugby all over the world.
"That's a great background for a player coming on."
Deans was in Adelaide on Wednesday to conduct a junior coaching clinic and endorsed efforts by local rugby officials to host more matches featuring the Wallabies.
He said Adelaide Oval was a great destination and more matches in Adelaide would help raise the profile of the sport in South Australia.
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