About
About
Aim of the game
In a seven-a-side version of rugby union, two teams attempt to score tries or win penalties, moving an oval-shaped ball from player to player by hand, always passing it backwards
Why should you watch this?
Rugby sevens is a fast-paced and action-packed game in which individual skill and incredible teamwork combine with spectacular results
Venues
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Drop-Kick
Used to start and restart a game, as well as for conversions and penalties, the player 'drops' the ball on its end before kicking it on the half-volley
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Knock-on
If a player drops a catch and the ball goes forward, the referee calls a 'knock-on', and a foul is awarded against their team
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Scrum
A dead-ball situation where three players from each side lock together and, using their feet, attempt to 'hook' the ball back towards their own players whilst pushing their opponents backwards
Impress your friends
Duration
Games last 14 minutes, split into two seven-minute halves. A maximum of five substitutions are permitted per match.
Players
Players may pass the ball from hand to hand as long as they do not pass it forward.
In open play, players may kick the ball:
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Upfield, as long as they or someone behind them are first to touch it from their team
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Into touch, at which point the opposing team receives a ‘line-out’ (throw-in)
If the player is outside their own 22m line when kicking for touch, the ball must bounce before going out of play otherwise the opposition’s line-out is taken from where it was kicked, rather than where it went into touch.
Scoring
There are four ways to score points:
Try (5 points): a player runs the ball over the opponent’s goal line and touches it to the ground
Conversion (2 points): a try-scorer has the chance to drop kick the ball over the posts from level with where the ball was touched down
Penalty (3 points): after a serious foul, a team is given the option to ‘kick for goal’ if the posts are within reach
Drop goal (3 points): a player can try for a drop-goal at any point if they feel they are in range and have enough time to set themselves
Fouls
A penalty is awarded for serious fouls and dangerous play. The team may either kick for goal and three points, or into touch to receive a line-out (throw-in).
For less serious fouls, a ‘scrum’ is awarded, where three players from each side come together, with the aim of getting the ball back to their team-mates to begin another offensive play.
Stats
Top Medalists
| Men | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FRA
FRA
|
1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | |
|
USA
USA
|
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
|
GBR
GBR
|
0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | |
