Rugby sevens, also known as rugby sevens, is a version of rugby sanctioned by World Rugby, where each team consists of seven players and matches are played in two halves of seven minutes each. Today we’re going to tell you more about this sport and introduce you to the biggest names in rugby sevens today!
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Popular in regions such as Europe, Oceania and some Asian countries, this variation of the sport requires greater agility from the players, who are generally lighter and faster than rugby XV players.
One of the main advantages of rugby sevens is the short duration of matches and competitions, which usually take place over one or two days.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in rugby sevens today!
In countries where rugby is not yet very popular, rugby sevens is often used in exhibition matches to promote the sport.
Because of these characteristics, rugby sevens was chosen as the Olympic variant of rugby, making its debut at the 2016 Olympic Games.
The last time rugby was an Olympic sport before that was in 1924, with the union variant.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in rugby sevens today!
Today’s biggest names in rugby sevens: historical context
Between 1500 and the end of the 18th century, a game similar to calcio fiorentino, called “folk football” in Great Britain, was popular in Europe.
At the beginning of the 19th century, this sport began to be played in schools, with some allowing the use of both hands and feet (as in Rugby Town), while others used only the feet.
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William Webb Ellis, a student at Rugby School, was the one who conceived the idea of a game that used both feet and hands.
In the mid-1860s, the main schools in the UK met in London to standardize the rules.
The Rugby school, which advocated the use of feet and hands, chose to withdraw from the meeting and, together with other schools, developed “Rugby Football” or “Rugby Union”.
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The other schools, which only supported the use of the feet, created “Association Football”.
At the end of the 19th century, the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB) was founded, the forerunner of the current International Rugby Board (IRB), the sport’s highest regulatory body.
In the 1880s, Rugby Sevens was born in Scotland, a sport that is now Olympic.
Baron Pierre de Coubertin, a great supporter of rugby, helped to include the sport in the program of the 1900 Paris Olympic Games.
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After the 1904 Saint Louis Games, rugby returned to the Games in London 1908. When Coubertin stepped down as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1925, rugby left the Olympic program.
In Brazil, rugby began to become popular in 1960 and, three years later, the Brazilian Rugby Union was founded.
In 1972, the Brazilian Rugby Association (ABR) replaced the previous union. In 2009, Rugby Sevens was elected as an Olympic discipline for the 2016 Games.
In early 2010, the Brazilian Rugby Confederation (CBRu) was created, succeeding the ABR.
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Today’s biggest names in rugby sevens: rules
The rules of rugby sevens are similar to those of rugby union, but adapted for the faster pace and shorter duration of the game.
Matches are played in two seven-minute halves, with a two-minute break.
In finals tournaments, the duration can be increased to two ten-minute halves.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in rugby sevens today!
Each team has seven players on the pitch and five reserves, and can make up to five substitutions per game.
Matches are played on a pitch the same size as rugby union, and scoring follows the same system: a try is worth five points, a conversion is worth two points, a drop goal or penalty kick is worth three points.
The specific rules adapt the game to be faster and more dynamic, favoring attack and creating a more attractive and intense spectacle.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in rugby sevens today!
Game structure
- Duration:
- The game consists of two halves of seven minutes each, with a two-minute break in between.
- In tournament finals, the time can be extended to two halves of ten minutes each.
- Field:
- The pitch has the same dimensions as the Rugby Union pitch, approximately 100 meters long and 70 meters wide.
Teams
- Number of players:
- Each team has seven players on the pitch.
- There are five reserve players allowed on the bench.
- Substitutions:
- Five substitutions are allowed during the game.
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Pontuação
- Try:
- The main form of scoring is the try, which is worth 5 points.
- The try is scored when the ball touches the ground inside the opponent’s goal area.
- Conversion:
- After a try, the team has the opportunity to kick the ball between the posts for a conversion, which is worth 2 points.
- The conversion must take place within 30 seconds of the try.
- Penalty and Drop Goal:
- A penalty kick or drop goal is worth 3 points, but these forms of scoring are less common in Sevens.
Specific rules
- Scrum:
- It’s made up of three players from each team.
- The scrum is used to restart the game after minor infringements.
- Lineout:
- Used to restart play when the ball leaves the sideline.
- The two teams line up and a player throws the ball between them.
- Kick-off:
- The game starts and restarts after points with a free kick from the center of the field.
- The team that conceded the try receives the restart kick.
- Fouls and penalties:
- Fouls result in a scrum, penalty or free kick.
- Common infractions include dangerous tackles, offside and unsportsmanlike behavior.
- Cards:
- The yellow card results in the player being excluded for two minutes (sin-bin).
- A red card results in the player being sent off without the possibility of a substitution.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in rugby sevens today!
Gameplay
- Game pace:
- Rugby Sevens is characterized by its fast pace and constant movement.
- The smaller number of players and the reduced time make the game more dynamic.
Biggest names in Rugby Sevens today (Men – World)
Jerry Tuwai (Fiji)
Recognized as one of the best sevens players, Tuwai was a key player in winning gold medals at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics.
Perry Baker (USA)
Known for his speed, Baker is one of the USA team’s top scorers.
Dan Norton (England)
The record holder for tries on the world circuit, Norton is a legendary figure in the sport.
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Biggest names in Rugby Sevens today (Women – World)
Michaela Blyde (New Zealand)
An essential part of the New Zealand team, Blyde is known for her agility and precision.
Portia Woodman (New Zealand)
Considered one of the best players of all time, Woodman has an impressive tally of tries.
Charlotte Caslick (Australia)
A key player for Australia, Caslick is known for her ability in both attack and defense.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in rugby sevens are today!
Biggest names in Rugby Sevens (Men – Brazil)
Moises Duque
One of the main names in Brazilian rugby sevens, with highlights in several international competitions.
Lucas Muller
Important player in the Brazilian team, known for his speed and skill on the pitch.
Biggest names in Rugby Sevens today (Women – Brazil)
Raquel Kochhann
Captain of the Brazilian national team, Raquel is known for her leadership and playing ability.
Mariana Nicolau
Key athlete in the Brazilian team, recognized for her agility and consistent performance.
Quais países têm chances de medalhas nos Jogos Olímpicos de Paris 2024?
At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a few countries stand out as favorites for medals in rugby sevens:
- Fiji: In the men’s section, Fiji remains one of the main candidates, given its successful record and talented players like Jerry Tuwai.
- New Zealand: in both the men’s and women’s competitions, New Zealand is always a powerhouse, with players like Michaela Blyde and Portia Woodman leading the women’s team.
- Australia: Australia’s women’s team, with stars such as Charlotte Caslick, is also a strong contender for medals.
- South Africa: On the men’s side, South Africa have shown consistency and could spring a surprise in Paris.
So, which of today’s biggest names in rugby sevens are going to the Olympics?
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