Long considered an inferior version of the 15-man game, O'Connor believes the shorter, faster format will now gain international exposure as the world's rugby nations build towards a gold medal tilt.

''From an Australian perspective, if we qualify, it gives us a chance to win a medal,'' O'Connor said.

''[So] it's going to be good for the sport, really raise its profile. We don't have a national competition, our national team plays in international competition, but if we can build some national competitions and raise the profile it'll be good.''

While the Wallabies play international matches in New Zealand, South Africa and occasionally Europe, the Australian sevens team regularly travels to Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Africa, Dubai, Europe and the United States.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times