Rugby's could lose its Olympic status - report

Rugby is facing the prospect of being dumped from the Olympics amid accusations of unethical governance in the sport's unions, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The World Rugby elections were rocked by allegations of homophobia and discrimination against Fiji Rugby Union chairman Francis Kean, a convicted killer, who was stood down from the governing body's ruling council last week.

This has lead to concerns over the vetting process for officials which could be in breach of the IOC code of ethics. Sportsmail have since revealed that a letter to the International Olympic Committee has been drafted by former Samoa captain and Pacific Welfare CEO Dan Leo, calling for an investigation.

'We are taking advice from our lawyers about a letter we are drafting,' said Leo. 'I'm disappointed that World Rugby haven't launched an open investigation into Kean and France for nominating him.

'If World Rugby don't commit to governance reforms, our next letter will be to the International Olympic Committee, asking that they consider suspending rugby as an Olympic sport until they are fully compliant with IOC obligations.

'If it takes some short-term pain, i.e. being blocked from the Olympics, then so be it. But hopefully the sport can be proactive in this before that would happen.

'We have to push through now and make sure the lessons are learned and, most importantly, acted upon.'