If top players have come through this route I don't really understand why they didnt just send them to this tournament. I watched this thinking someone like Mike Brown or a quick running scrum half like Rhys Webb would do a good job for GB.
Maybe is it because it's a different type of fitness and stamina required and they've moved away from that and have got used to the fitness they need for 15s?
Yes. And different tactics and also training regimes. A lot of the players once they graduate to 15 a side rugby cannot escape their contracts. As Morozov says the top unions are using it as a tool to enhance ball and thinking skills on the field particularly forwards.
You only to have to look at some of the offloading skills of the forwards and see them implementing it in the full game.
And some of the players returning to sevens like Kolbe for the Boks have forgotten that spontaneous need to think and create. After all when playing sevens you have the ball far more in hand than in the full code.
And the US ? They have plenty of players especially at recreational level. The fact is until now there has been no system of professionalism and a clear route to becoming an Eagle.