Super rookie Sid Harvey on potential sevens return for Olympics

Super Rugby Pacific rookie Sid Harvey will “see what happens” when the Olympic Games roll around, not ruling out a potential return to rugby sevens to play on the biggest stage in world sport – although the outside back is focused on the here and now.

Harvey debuted for the Australia Sevens side during the 2024/25 HSBC SVNS Series, which included a dream-like match-winner against Fiji at the Hong Kong Sevens. The Narrabri Rugby Club product scored in the corner with only seconds left before speaking with RugbyPass.

After that breakout taste of international rugby, Harvey returned to 15s with the Australia U20s, nailing a clutch conversion to seal a draw with New Zealand U20s in South Africa. The goal-kicking ace would later start in every appearance at the World Rugby Junior World Championship.

Harvey’s rapid rise didn’t stop there, starring for the NSW Waratahs during their run to the inaugural Super Rugby AUS title. The 20-year-old recently debuted at Super Rugby Pacific level and is the co-leader for the competition’s Rookie of the Year honours after six rounds.

Following last weekend’s start at fullback against the Blues in Sydney, many have earmarked Harvey as a player to watch this season. But it seems a pivot back to sevens could one day be back on the cards, in a bid to become an Olympian.

“The game of sevens is awesome. The Olympics, it’s literally the pinnacle of sport, no just rugby union but sport in general,” Harvey told reporters in Sydney.

“It’s always in-mind but for now it’s the next few weeks, next week, this week for Waratahs at the minute.

“We’ll see what happens when it comes down the track.”

Harvey debuted for the Waratahs at Super Rugby Pacific level as an impact player off the pine on March 6, suiting up in a 19-59 defeat to the Hurricanes at home. Coach Dan McKellar promoted Harvey to the run-on side the following week to face the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

But last weekend’s performance against the Blues was especially eye-catching, with former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper saying on Stan Sport: “He’s got time, he’s got pace, got a really complete skillset and looks like he just wants to compete.”

The 20-year-old was involved in a few potential try-scoring opportunities during the first half, but a couple of passes or kicks weren’t quite sticking. Harvey showcased an ability to kick off both feet, standing out during a maiden start at fullback.

“I suppose I didn’t play a lot of the sevens. There was always kind of snipes, I didn’t get a full run into it,” Harvey reflected.

“The training the last few months has been where I’ve grown that confidence from and being able to back myself just as I would against players my own age and size.

“Just the last few months training against some high-quality players and being able to back myself that I can match with them and do my thing against them.”