Rugby sevens is a fast-paced and exciting sport that has gained popularity around the world in recent years. With its unique format, it is a thrilling variation of traditional rugby, offering a different set of challenges and strategies. In this blog post, we will explore the history, rules, tournaments, and players of rugby sevens, as well as why it is so exciting and how it compares to standard rugby.
Ireland’s Beibhinn Parsons makes a break
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/John Cowpland
History of Rugby Sevens
The origins of rugby sevens can be traced back to Scotland in the 1880s, where it was played as a fundraising event for charity. The format involved teams of seven players playing a shortened version of the game, with matches lasting around 15 minutes. The first official rugby sevens tournament was held in 1973 in Scotland, and the sport has since grown in popularity around the world.
How Many Players on a Rugby Sevens Team?
As the name suggests, rugby sevens is played with seven players on each team, compared to the standard rugby format of 15 players. The smaller team size allows for a faster, more open game, with more space for players to run and pass the ball. Each match is played over two halves of seven minutes each, with a one-minute break in between.
Different Rugby Sevens Tournaments
Rugby sevens has become an increasingly popular sport, with several major international tournaments held each year. The most prestigious of these is the World Rugby Sevens Series, a global circuit of 10 tournaments held in cities around the world. The series includes both men’s and women’s competitions, with teams earning points based on their performance in each tournament. At the end of the season, the team with the most points is crowned series champion.
In addition to the World Rugby Sevens Series, there are several other major tournaments held each year, including the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Olympics. Rugby sevens made its Olympic debut in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, with Fiji winning the gold medal in the men’s competition and Australia winning the women’s.
Who Are The Best Rugby Sevens Players?
There have been many great players in the history of rugby sevens, both male and female. One of the most legendary players is Waisale Serevi of Fiji, who is considered by many to be the greatest sevens player of all time. Serevi played for Fiji from 1989 to 2005, leading his team to many victories and earning the nickname “The Wizard” for his exceptional skills and ability to create scoring opportunities.
Other notable players include New Zealand’s Jonah Lomu, who played sevens early in his career before becoming a star in the standard rugby format, and Australia’s Emilee Cherry, who helped her team win gold at the 2016 Olympics. However, rugby sevens is a team sport, and success often depends on the performance of the entire squad rather than any individual player.
Why is Rugby Sevens So Exciting?
One of the reasons rugby sevens is so exciting is its fast-paced and open nature. With only seven players on each team, there is more space on the field for players to run and pass the ball, leading to a more open and flowing game. The shorter matches also add to the excitement, as there is less time for teams to build a lead or mount a comeback. Additionally, the physicality of the sport adds to its appeal, with players frequently making big tackles and collisions.
Another factor that makes rugby sevens so exciting is the level of skill and athleticism on display. Players must be able to run, pass, kick, and tackle at a high level, and the best teams often have a combination of speed, power, and agility. There is also a strategic element to the game, as teams must balance their attacking and defensive efforts and make quick decisions based on the flow of the game.
Rugby Sevens Vs 15 A Side Rugby
Compared to standard rugby, rugby sevens offers a different set of challenges and strategies. With fewer players on the field, individual skills and decision-making become more important, as there is less support from teammates. Additionally, the smaller team size means that players must be able to cover more ground and play in multiple positions, requiring a higher level of fitness and versatility.
One of the key differences between rugby sevens and standard rugby is the level of physicality. While both sports require physicality and toughness, rugby sevens often involves more open-field running and less scrummaging and mauling. This can make it more appealing to fans who are looking for a more fast-paced and dynamic game.
Another difference is the scoring system. In rugby sevens, a try is worth five points instead of the standard rugby format’s seven points, and there are no penalty goals or conversions. This means that teams must focus on scoring tries rather than relying on penalties or kicks, leading to a more attacking style of play.
Finally, rugby sevens often attracts a different set of players and fans than standard rugby. The shorter matches and fast-paced style of play can make it more appealing to younger fans and those who may not have a background in rugby. Additionally, rugby sevens has become popular in countries where rugby is not traditionally played, such as the United States and China, helping to grow the sport’s global appeal.
Conclusion
Rugby sevens is a fast-paced and exciting sport that offers a unique set of challenges and strategies compared to standard rugby. With its global popularity and growing profile, it is a sport that is sure to continue to captivate fans around the world. Whether you are a die-hard rugby fan or simply looking for an exciting and dynamic sport to watch, rugby sevens is definitely worth checking out.
FAQ
What is rugby sevens?
Rugby sevens is a variation of rugby in which each team consists of seven players instead of the standard 15. Matches are played over two halves of seven minutes each, with a one-minute break in between.
How is rugby sevens different from standard rugby?
Rugby sevens is played with fewer players and shorter match times, which leads to a more open and fast-paced game. There are also some differences in the scoring system, with tries worth five points instead of seven.
What are the major tournaments in rugby sevens?
The most prestigious tournament in rugby sevens is the World Rugby Sevens Series, which is a global circuit of 10 tournaments held in cities around the world. The Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Olympics are also major tournaments.
Who are some of the best players in rugby sevens?
There have been many great players in the history of rugby sevens, including Waisale Serevi, Jonah Lomu, and Emilee Cherry. However, rugby sevens is a team sport, and success often depends on the performance of the entire squad.
What makes rugby sevens so exciting?
Rugby sevens is exciting because of its fast-paced and open nature, with more space on the field for players to run and pass the ball. The shorter matches also add to the excitement, as there is less time for teams to build a lead or mount a comeback. Additionally, the physicality of the sport adds to its appeal.
What skills do you need to play rugby sevens?
Players in rugby sevens need to be able to run, pass, kick, and tackle at a high level. They also need to have a strong level of fitness and be able to play in multiple positions, as there are fewer players on the field.
Is rugby sevens a popular sport?
Rugby sevens has grown in popularity in recent years, with major tournaments held around the world and a growing number of fans. It has also become popular in countries where rugby is not traditionally played.
