Rugby 7's at the Olympics - a Brief History

Rugby Sevens, a fast-paced and exciting variant of rugby union, made its debut at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. The inclusion of rugby sevens was a significant moment for the sport, which had been absent from the Olympics since 1924.

Rugby sevens is a shortened version of the traditional 15-a-side rugby game, with matches lasting just 14 minutes instead of 80. Each team has only seven players on the field at any given time, which creates a more open and fast-paced game. Rugby sevens also features a number of rule changes, including drop kick kick-offs from the centre of the field, three man scrums and line outs, and dropkick conversions.

At the Olympics, rugby sevens features both men's and women's competitions, with 12 teams competing in each. The format of the competition is similar to that of other Olympic sports, with a group stage followed by knockout rounds leading up to the medal matches.

The inaugural rugby sevens tournament at the Olympics was a resounding success, with both the men's and women's competitions featuring thrilling matches and dramatic finishes. Fiji, a small island nation in the South Pacific, captured the hearts of rugby fans around the world by winning the men's gold medal in dominant fashion. The Fijian team, known for their exciting and flamboyant style of play, defeated Great Britain 43-7 in the final to claim their country's first ever Olympic medal.

In the women's competition, Australia took home the gold medal after defeating New Zealand 24-17 in a closely contested final. The Australian team, led by captain Shannon Parry, had been dominant throughout the tournament and were deserved champions.

The inclusion of rugby sevens at the Olympics has had a significant impact on the sport, both in terms of visibility and participation. The exposure generated by the Olympics has helped to bring rugby sevens to a wider audience, particularly in countries where the sport is not traditionally popular. The Olympic Games also provide a platform for emerging rugby nations to showcase their talents on the world stage.

Since the debut of rugby sevens at the Olympics, the sport has continued to grow in popularity and participation. The World Rugby Sevens Series, an international competition featuring the world's top rugby sevens teams, has seen increased interest and investment in recent years, with tournaments held in countries around the world.

The next rugby sevens tournament at the Olympics is scheduled to take place in Paris in 2024. The tournament will feature both men's and women's competitions, with the number of teams in each expanded to 12. The inclusion of rugby sevens at the Olympics is now firmly established, and the tournament is expected to continue to be a highlight of the Olympic program for years to come.

In conclusion, rugby sevens at the Olympics has been a resounding success, with the tournament providing a platform for the world's best rugby sevens players to compete on the biggest stage. The excitement and drama of the tournament has captured the attention of rugby fans around the world, while the exposure generated by the Olympics has helped to grow the sport's popularity and participation. With the next tournament just a few years away, rugby sevens is set to continue its rise as one of the most exciting and dynamic sports in the world.