Olympics explained: What is rugby sevens?

Rugby is one of the most notable sports at the international level and it’s making just its second appearance at the 2021 Olympics. But what is rugby sevens all about?

I learned two things working at one of the top colleges in the United States for rugby: it’s not gridiron football, and when in doubt, cheer for New Zealand.

While rugby is on the up and up stateside, it’s loved across the world from New Zealand to Russia. Traditionally played with 15 people in 40-minute halves, the goal is to get the ball from one side of the pitch (not a field) to the other for a try (not a touchdown) and conversion (definitely not like a field goal).

All of this is done without passing the ball forward. Only laterally, or behind.

Rugby sevens is the abbreviated and more energized little brother of the traditional “15s”

Since the modern-day Olympics’ inception, there have been three bids to add it to the cycle, with it finally getting a chance in 2016. But what makes the remix better than the original?

Rugby Sevens is the abbreviated version of 15s. Sevens incorporates… seven players. There are also seven-minute halves rather than 40, so the match moves quicker, with referees making quicker decisions and players having less time for things such as conversion kicks.

It’s traditional rugby on a Red Bull. It may not give you wings, but it sure gives you the entertainment you might be looking for this Olympic Cycle.