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Standings 2024/25
Mens
Points
1
Argentina 7s
104
2
Fiji 7s
96
3
Spain 7s
88
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Points
1
New Zealand 7s
116
2
Australia 7s
106
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Rugby sevens is a fast-paced and exciting variant of rugby union. Also known simply as Sevens or even SVNS, rugby sevens has become increasingly popular on the international stage.
Today, rugby sevens is played across the globe and has risen to prominence in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Australia. It’s played globally as part of the new HSBC SVNS Series and even features at the Summer Olympics.
Excited to follow this year’s Rugby 7s action? Here at RugbyPass, our team of rugby experts follow every tournament and result, so you can stay informed. Browse below to discover the latest news and get your rugby sevens fix.
Rugby Sevens History
Rugby sevens has a long history that dates back to the 19th century. This variant of the game was founded in Melrose, Scotland in 1883 and it quickly grew in popularity. By 1900, Rugby 7s tournaments had been hosted in India, New Zealand, Australia and Ireland.
Fast forward to 1921 and the first rugby sevens tournament was held in England. Following this, the game exploded in popularity during the 1920s and 30s, when new competitions launched across the globe. This culminated in the 1970s with the launch of the first international rugby sevens tournament: the Hong Kong Sevens.
Since the turn of the millennium, rugby sevens has grown in popularity once again. From the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series to the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Olympics, the sport continues to expand its reach and attract new players and fans alike.
Rugby Sevens Tournaments
Following the Hong Kong Sevens, a wave of international rugby sevens competitions were launched. This included the World Rugby Sevens Series, the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series and Rugby World Cup Sevens. Additionally, rugby sevens was added to the Commonwealth Games in 1998 and made its Summer Olympics debut in 2016.
Today, rugby sevens is played across the world, including in Australia, Canada, Fiji, Japan, Kenya, Portugal, Samoa, South Africa, Tonga and New Zealand. It has also become popular in minor rugby-playing nations, such as Dubai, Hong Kong, Poland and Singapore.
The highlight of the rugby sevens calendar is the HSBC Sevens Series, which was rebranded in 2024 as HSBC SVNS. Organised by World Rugby and sometimes referred to as World Rugby Sevens, this tournament includes an annual series of rugby sevens events that feature the world’s best men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams.
The 2024 HSBC SVNS Series takes place across eight exciting events. The Series started in Dubai in December 2023 and will run until June 2024. Finals Day is set to be held in Madrid, Spain.
FAQs
What is Rugby Sevens?
Rugby sevens is a variant of rugby union. While traditional XV-a-side games feature 15 players on each team and 40-minute halves, rugby sevens teams are made up of seven players who contest seven-minute halves.
When did the First Game of Rugby Sevens Take Place?
The first game of rugby sevens took place on 28 April 1883. The first matches were played at The Greenyards, the home of Melrose RFC in the Scottish Borders. The hosts won this first tournament, beating six other sides to lift the Ladies Cup.
Who Invented Rugby Sevens?
Rugby sevens is a variant of rugby union. While traditional XV-a-side games feature 15 players on each team and 40-minute halves, rugby sevens teams are made up of seven players who contest seven-minute halves.
How many players feature in a Rugby Sevens team?
Fourteen players feature in a Rugby Sevens game. This format of rugby is seven-a-side, with two teams of seven players competing on a full size pitch. Each side competes to score tries, conversions, drop goals and penalties. The team that scores the most points wins the match.
How long is a half in a game of Rugby Sevens?
A half in a game of Rugby Sevens is seven minutes long. Just as the name suggests, a Rugby Sevens match is split into two seven-minute halves and the game lasts for 14 minutes. This is much shorter than 15s, where each half is 40 minutes long.
How long is half-time in a game of Rugby Sevens?
The half-time break in a game of Rugby Sevens is a maximum of two minutes. According to rugby laws, half-time can be one to two minutes long. This is significantly shorter than 15s, where half-time lasts for 10 minutes.
What’s the scoring system in a game of Rugby Sevens?
The scoring system in a game of Rugby Sevens is the same as 15s. A try is worth five points and two additional points are awarded for a conversion. Drop goals and penalties are worth three points each.
What are the main Rugby Sevens tournaments?
The main rugby sevens tournaments include:
- The World Rugby Sevens Series
- The World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series
- The Rugby World Cup Sevens
- The Commonwealth Games
- The Summer Olympics
Are the laws in Rugby Sevens different to 15-a-side rugby?
The laws in Rugby Sevens are different to 15-a-side rugby. Although the game is governed by the laws of rugby union, Rugby Sevens is subject to variations, including:
- Five substitutes and five interchanges (instead of eight)
- All conversions must be drop-kicked
- Only three players from each team can participate in scrums (instead of eight)
- Kick-offs are completed by the team that has just scored
- Yellow card suspensions are two minutes (instead of 10)
What are the seven positions in a Rugby Sevens side?
A Rugby Sevens side consists of three forwards and four backs. The three forwards are made up of two props and one hooker; the four backs contain a scrum-half, a fly-half, a centre and a winger.
Is Rugby Sevens in the Olympics?
Yes, rugby sevens is contested at the Summer Olympics. The sport made its Olympic debut at Rio 2016.
Do Women play Rugby Sevens?
Yes, women play rugby sevens.
Women’s rugby sevens became popular during the 1960s and 70s, as it allowed the development of leagues and tournaments with smaller teams. The first women’s rugby sevens internationals were played in 1997.
Who are the Most Famous Rugby Sevens Players of All Time?
The most famous rugby sevens players of all time include:
- Canada: Ghislaine Landry
- England: Ben Gollings and Dan Norton
- Fiji: Waisale Serevi and Marika Vunibaka
- New Zealand: DJ Forbes, Eric Rush and Portia Woodman
- USA: Perry Baker
When is the Next Rugby Sevens Tournament?
Rugby sevens is a variant of rugby union. While traditional XV-a-side games feature 15 players on each team and 40-minute halves, rugby sevens teams are made up of seven players who contest seven-minute halves.
Who are the Fastest Rugby Sevens Players?
Rugby sevens is known for being fast-paced. As a result, the sport has historically attracted some of the quickest athletes on the planet.
In the men’s game, look no further than Trae Williams and Carlin Isles, who have previously run the 100m in 10.1 seconds and 10.13 seconds respectively.
In the women’s game, keep an eye out for Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. She’s been clocked running at 31 kph! This equates to 11.6 seconds over 100m, which is less than half a second outside the women’s qualifying time for Tokyo 2020!
