British rugby sevens players, including Abbie Brown and Ellie Boatman, are seeking new avenues to maintain their careers following the decision to shift Great Britain’s full-time sevens programme to a part-time model in July. This transition was intended to reduce costs but has significantly hampered the teams’ ability to perform at the highest level. Both the men’s and women’s squads finished at the bottom of the Svns global series, resulting in their relegation to the second tier for the upcoming season.
Brown notes that the frequent changes in squad composition and limited training time have made it difficult to compete with nations that have maintained consistent training structures. To sustain their professional lives, many players have turned to coaching or playing for domestic clubs. Some, like Brown and Boatman, have even traveled to India and Japan to participate in local leagues.
A new domestic initiative, Ultimate Sevens, aims to provide additional playing and financial opportunities for these athletes. Led by former Olympic captain Tom Mitchell, the circuit will feature events in Madrid, Cardiff, Biarritz, and London. The platform intends to complement the current rugby calendar rather than replace it, offering a space for both established stars and rising talent to showcase their skills without the pressures of a failing international programme.
