§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has made to seek to ensure that the 2002 Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens are open to teams from both codes of rugby; and if she will make a statement. [20977]
§ Mr. Caborn[holding answer 6 December 2001]: Decisions on the sports at the Games are taken by the Commonwealth Games Federation who agreed with the Commonwealth Games Council for England and the host organisers to include Rugby Sevens in Manchester next year.
Rugby Sevens is governed in England by the Rugby Football Union. They set eligibility criteria in association with the international rugby union governing body. These restrict them to selecting the England team from members of affiliated clubs.