Rio's inhabitants will have little trouble in getting into the Sevens vibe © Getty Images

These were the words of Mike Miller, general secretary of the International Rugby Board, earlier this week as he and chairman Bernard Lapasset launched their final push for Olympics inclusion. I am delighted to report that their efforts ended with a ringing endorsement from the International Olympic Committee in Copenhagen earlier today.

Those of you familiar with Mr Miller may find it hard to imagine him partying with the best of them on the golden sands of Copacabana but he, Lapasset and the rest of the bid team deserve a few drinks and then some for their efforts over the last few years to get us to this point. It took a monumental effort and the IRB must be applauded for the care they have taken and for the precision of their campaign.

This decision really could be a major springboard for the sport in terms of development and broadening its appeal - the IRB currently have 116 members but there are 205 nations within the Olympics. Hong Kong and Dubai have long been party central when it comes Sevens but they are set to make way for what the IRB has promised will become the pinnacle of the shortened version of the game.

Sevens still has to live up to its billing when 2016 rolls around and I have no doubt it will and in doing so will cement its place in the Olympic programme. For those who have witnessed the colour and carnival atmosphere at any of the stops on the IRB Sevens World Series or any of the five Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments will also vouch for that.

Olympics inclusion does bring with it one headache for some of the world's leading unions. As with the 27 other sports in the Summer Games (including golf that also got the nod for 2016), England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will compete under the Great Britain banner. As a result the Rugby Football Union and their Welsh and Scottish counterparts will need to come together in a quest for medal glory while the Irish will be part of a unified side from the Republic.

Who will coach the side is a major decision to be made some time in the future and it will then be up to that man to decide the breakdown of his squad. At the moment he would be spoilt for choice with Wales having won this year's Rugby World Cup Sevens crown and England one of the leading sides in the IRB Sevens Series. Scotland were also semi-finalists in the last two events of the 2008-09 season so there will be no shortage of applicants for the job of spearheading Team GB's challenge. In addition, the lure of the Olympics may tempt some of the big names in the 15-man game to throw their hats into the ring. Watch this space.

The decision to award the 2012 Games to London sparked a debate within the UK's football community and in fear of a being made to form a unified team at the FIFA World Cup, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland opted out. As a result an England side will compete under the Team GB banner in three years time. But there is no danger of such pressures coming into play in 2016 with European rugby's leading exponents. They will embrace the chance to win Olympic gold together; safe in the knowledge their Rugby World Cup status is assured.

And who is my tip for Olympic gold? Well, the United States are current Olympic champions thanks to their victory at the 1924 Games in France and do not be surprised if they 'defend' their crown in Rio - you heard it here first!

Rugby's push to get back into the Olympics is gathering momentum and time is running out for you to play play your part!

The International Rugby Board is asking the global Rugby community to support its campaign for re-inclusion (in the 7s format) in the Olympic Games by participating in the IOC's Virtual Olympic Congress before February 28. The forum provides an opportunity for the general public around the world to provide feedback as the organisation progresses its plans for the future of the Olympic Games. Now admittedly it requires bit of work on your part but rest assured you are playing a key role in the development of the sport - Olympic status will open up a whole new world (and funding) for the sport - hence the concerted effort to mobilise the masses.

Rugby 7s is vying for one of a maximum of two spots in the Olympics with squash, baseball, softball, karate, golf and roller sports. However the IOC are under no obligation to choose any so the level of support each can point to is extremely important. A final presentation to the IOC executive will take place in June before the October vote in Copenhagen.

The IRB is giving it the hard-sell including the slick promotional video below that is charged with emotion and big names. Check it out before doing your bit by clicking here