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A rugby sevens match being played during the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Author learza.

Top 10 Facts About The Rugby Sevens

The sport of rugby sevens has grown in popularity over the past few years and is now played professionally, with important international competitions including the Rugby Sevens World Cup and the World Rugby Sevens Series. It has overtaken the 15s version which started way before. This version of the game is very fast and thrilling as there are fewer players who have to cover a vast field.

It has captured the attention of sports enthusiasts of all ages with its exciting and dynamic competition. From its beginnings to its inclusion in the Olympic Games, we will study the Top 10 Facts about the Rugby Sevens in this article, as well as some of the important elements that make it such a distinctive and enjoyable sport. 

1. Rugby Sevens Is Played With Seven Players On Each Team

In contrast to the traditional game of rugby union, which has 15 players on each team, rugby sevens is played with only seven players on each team. Because there are fewer people on the pitch to cover the same amount of ground, the game is faster-paced and more open as a result. 

2. Matches Are Played In Two Seven-minute Halves

Rugby Sevens is played ing two seven-minute halves separated by a one-minute break. In this verson of the game, teams are always in a hurry to score points quickly and effectively, due to the time limitations. Being fast-paced game, it is therefore exciting to watch. In addition, tournaments are arranged in such a way that are able to play several games in a day or a weekend.

3.World Rugby Sevens Series is An International Competition

Rugby sevens is currently a professional sport that is played at international level, with the most prestigious being The World Rugby Sevens Series is always something to look forward to. It  consists of ten competitions staged in various nations, with teams receiving points for how well they perform in each competition. The top teams in the series at the end of the season advance to the Olympic and Rugby Sevens World Cups.

Find more fascinating stories about the 10 Interesting Facts about The Six Nations Rugby.

4. The Sport Is Known For Its Fast-pace And High-scoring Nature

As alluded earlier this version of the game is usually fast-paced and as a result produces high scores despite the limited time. Since there are fewer players on the field, the is more space created, leading to more opportunities for attacking play and tries to be scored. A try is worth five points, a conversion is worth two points, and a penalty or drop goal is for three points. The game’s fast-paced style and high-scoring contests make it an exciting and enjoyable sport to watch.

5. The Sport Has Its Own Unique Set Of Rules

Rugby tournament “Oktoberfest 7s”, Munich, 2017-09-29/30 at the Olympic stadium of Munich. Author Henning Schlottmann (User:H-stt).

The rules for rugby sevens are different from those of traditional rugby union. One of the most obvious variations is the possibility of taking a rapid penalty kick as opposed to organizing a lineout or scrum. This enables teams to quickly capitalize on penalties and surprise their opponents. A shorter contest duration, a smaller field, and fewer players on each team are additional noteworthy changes. With many opportunities for attacking play and try scoring, the sport’s distinctive set of rules makes it an exciting and dynamic game.

6. The Field Is Shortened To 70 meters By 50 meters 

Rugby Sevens Field. Author CalinkaPF.

Instead of the conventional length of 100 meters and width of 70 meters in rugby union, the field is shortened to 70 meters and a width of 50 meters. Because there is less room on the pitch, the game moves more quickly, and there is more room for offensive play and scoring opportunities. Players also need to be more physically fit and agile due to the smaller field size in order to cover the same amount of land with fewer players.

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7. The Series Consists of 10 Tournaments Held In Different Countries

The United States Rugby Sevens team at a meet and greet prior to the Wellington Sevens Series Rugby Tournament in New Zealand on Monday, February 3, 2014. Author US Embassy

One of the most loved rugby sevens competitions is The World Rugby Sevens Series. This is an annual event comprising of ten different competitions that are conducted in various nations around the world. Each tournament features teams competing for points based on how well they perform. The team with the most points at the end of the series is proclaimed the winner. The best teams in the series standings also earn invitations to the Olympic Games and Rugby Sevens World Cup. 

8. Rugby Sevens Is Well-liked In Many Nations

England Sevens Rugby Team. Author Jesús Gorriti.

Rugby Sevens is usually a crowd puller in many nations, with some having a particularly long history and heritage in the sport. Among the nations where this version of the game thrives best  New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, England, and Australia, among other nations.

In the recent past, one of the dominant teams in the sport, New Zealand has won multiple Rugby Sevens World Series and Rugby Sevens World Cup championships. The late Jonah Lomu, considered the best player to have graced the sport is a product of the Rugby Sevens.

9. Rugby Sevens Became An Olympic Sport in 2016

Due to its popularity across the world, a campaign was launched and in 2016, it was successfully launched as an Olympic sport at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both the men’s and women’s competitions were held, and in the men’s competition, Fiji took home the first gold medal, while Australia took home the first gold in the women’s tournament. It has continued to be part of the olympics as it increases its popularity, while, also giving rugby players  more opportunities to compete at the top level. 

10. Players Must Be Skilled In Both Attacking And Defensive Play

Players in Rugby Sevens must be adept at both attacking and defending because ball possession can change hands rapidly and frequently. Teams need to be able to switch between defense and attack rapidly since even the smallest error or missed tackle can result in a try for the opposition. Players must therefore possess advanced skills in a multitude of disciplines, including as kicking, tackling, passing, and ball handling, among others. While the game is fast-paced and physically demanding, with little time for rest or recuperation between plays, players also need to be extremely fit and strong.

In the recent past Rugby sevens has increased in its popularity all around the world. Its fascinating history and other facts addressed above including its introduction as an olympic sport is worth reading about. We can also not forget about the World Rugby Sevens series which I recommend all rugby enthusiasts to be part of.