The New Zealand Rugby Union has welcomed the International Olympic Committee's historic decision to re-admit rugby to the Olympic programme from 2016.

The IOC voted to support the inclusion of rugby sevens at the IOC Session being held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

NZRU CEO Steve Tew said: "Given New Zealanders shared passion for rugby and the Olympic Games, I am sure all Kiwi rugby fans would be excited at the prospect of our Sevens team representing New Zealand on the Olympic stage.

"I congratulate the IOC for their support of our game and for the IRB on its efforts to promote rugby's case to the IOC over many years which today has delivered a fantastic result for rugby," Mr Tew said.

Steve Tew and New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens will both be available for interview during Saturday October 10.