Born only in 1993, RWC Sevens could die in 2009 after a brief, but hugely successful life.

International Rugby Board chairman Syd Millar suggested while in Hong Kong for this year's tournament draw in mid-February that there would be no room in an already crowded international calendar for a World Cup Sevens should the abbreviated form of the game become an Olympic medal event at the 2012 Games.

``If rugby wins back its place in the Olympics, then this will be the pinnacle of sevens. There might not be any need for a World Cup then,'' Millar was quoted as saying.

``There could be another World Cup Sevens in 2009, but who knows after that. If we are successful, the Olympics will be the biggest world stage for our sport.''

Irishman Millar, one of only three men - together with Carwyn James and Ian McGeechan - to have led British and Irish Lions sides to series victories, added: ``What happens at July's IOC meeting will have a bearing on the next World Cup Sevens.

``We will decide after that as to what course of action to take for 2009, and whether to continue after that.''

Rugby is one of five sports - together with squash, karate, goal and roller sports - bidding for Olympic recognition, and its case must surely be strengthened by having previously been played in its 15-a-side form at the 1924 Paris Games.

If rugby should return to the Olympic arena, the discipline will probably take the form of a 16-team tournament held over two days with qualifying competitions determining the line-up.

``There won't be more than 16 teams at the Olympics, but there will be a qualifying process where every union has a chance of making it to the Olympics,'' Millar was quoted as saying.

``This will mean that tournaments like the Hong Kong Sevens will become more important as they could be one of the final qualifying events for the Olympics.''

Tradition has it that the game of Sevens began in 1883, when Melrose Football Club was trying to find ways to boost its finances and a rugby competition was proposed.

The idea of several 15-a-side games being played on one afternoon was deemed impractical so it was suggested teams be reduced to seven-a-side and the first Melrose Sports took place in April 1883 with the home side eventually emerging as champion. Some 100 years later RWC Sevens was born.

Rugby Sevens became a Commonwealth Games event in Kuala Lumpur in 1998 where New Zealand emerged winner, beating Fiji in the final, and in Manchester in 2002 it was the same pair in the final with the same result.

The game will also feature in the 2006 edition in Melbourne where the top 16 Commonwealth countries will compete, with qualification determined by world rankings after this World Cup.

The hugely successful IRB Sevens Series has been in operation for just six seasons with New Zealand winning the first five tournaments.

``It is very important for rugby to be in the Olympics for then it would open doors around the world,'' Millar was quoted as saying while in Hong Kong.

``Countries will get access to funds and facilities. Rugby is a global game and it can only become bigger if it is an Olympic sport.''

Certainly the calendar is becoming crowded, but plenty of other Olympic sports still manage to fit continental and world championships into busy schedules.

Should the IOC re-admit the game in July and RWC Sevens consigned to an early grave, there could be no more appropriate setting to hold the 2009 edition and lay its body to rest than Scotland, the land of its birth.

If 2009 is to see its demise, there could surely be no better place to stage the wake.

roger.ryan@singtaonewscorp.com