Fittingly for a sport that is growing in the region, the Rio 2016 rugby sevens test event will have a strong South American vibe. Eight women’s teams from the continent will compete at the Deodoro Stadium, which is expected to boast a carnival-like atmosphere during the Olympic Games.

The test event will take place on 5-6 March at Deodoro Olympic Park, the second largest Rio 2016 venue cluster. It will be contested by Brazil and Colombia, who have both qualified for Olympic Games, Argentina and Venezuela, who will be among 16 teams competing for the final place at the global repechage event in Dublin in June, as well as Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay and Peru.  

Become a rugby sevens expert with our interactive infographic

Rugby will return to the Olympic Games in Rio after a 92-year absence, although it previously featured in the traditional 15-player format. It is hoped that the sport’s reintroduction – especially in its exciting seven-a-side form – will boost rugby’s popularity in South America, where it has been growing in recent times. 

Brazil and Argentina shared the honours at a beach rugby event in Rio last December (Photo: Rio 2016/Alexandre Loureiro)

World Rugby, the sport’s governing body, introduced more than 100,000 children in Brazil to rugby in 2015 through its ‘Get Into Rugby’ programme and Argentine rugby legend Augustin Pichot told rio2016.com in December that the sport’s “enormous” growth in South America would only be increased by the introduction of sevens to the Olympic Games.

Brazil and Argentina share honours as rugby rocks Ipanema beach

“There is real excitement in Rio about the Games and our goal is to play the best rugby of our lives and win a medal”

Brazilian player Paula Ishibashi

The Olympic rugby tournament will take place between 6 and 11 August in the 15,000-seat temporary Deodoro Stadium, within a second Olympic Park that will stage a fascinating mix of traditional and newer Olympic sports. The likes of rugby sevens, BMX, canoe slalom and mountain bike will rub shoulders with equestrian, modern pentathlon, hockey and shooting.

Rio 2016 sports director Rodrigo Garcia said: “There has been a lot of hard work over the last 12 months to ensure that when rugby returns to the Games this year it has a huge impact, not only for the local Brazilian community but around the world too. The Deodoro Olympic Park will provide an exciting venue with a vibrant atmosphere.”

Brazil and Argentina will contest the Rio 2016 test event (Photo: Al Milligan/FotoJump/CBRu)

World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “We are excited about rugby sevens’ debut at what promises to be a spectacular Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the opportunity to reach and inspire new audiences around the world through participation on sport’s biggest stage.

“Rugby sevens’ winning blend of high-octane action, close competition and entertainment is proving a hit with young audiences, broadcasters and commercial partners and I am confident that Rio will love sevens.”

The Rio 2016 rugby sevens competition will comprise men’s and women’s events, each featuring 12 teams. Click here to see which teams have already secured their berths.

Rugby will be the fifth Rio 2016 test event to be staged at Deodoro Olympic Park, following equestrian, BMX, mountain bike, hockey and canoe slalom.