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Rugby Sevens Info and FAQs

Do you think of yourself as a rugby sevens expert? Or are you a rugby sevens newbie? Whether you know a little or a lot, our rugby gurus will help you become a true aficionado. We’ve been hard at work, answering your most popular rugby sevens FAQs and compiling all of the information you need to know. 

Whether you’ve got questions about what rugby sevens matches involve or you’re eager to dig into the history of the game, we’ve gathered the facts below. This includes the sport’s most famous players, concise answers about match structure and details that cover the most prestigious rugby sevens tournaments. 

With answers covering everything from the very first Sevens match right through to the sport’s Olympic debut, get ready to expand your rugby sevens knowledge right here at RugbyPass.


What is Rugby Sevens? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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!

Latest Sevens News

Cody Vai will look to help the All Blacks Sevens win more silverware alongside his brother Kitona.

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26 Apr, 12:36

The son of former Wallaby and Rugby World Cup winner David, Wilson is one of two changes to John Manenti’s side from Hong Kong.

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The tournament at the Stade de France, which is set to see Antoine Dupont represent France and Michael Hooper play for Australia, …

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24 Apr, 23:17
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The Olympics is less than 100 days away and Brian O'Driscoll and Bryan Habana are already expecting the sevens to be seismic.

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22 Apr, 21:40

Newcastle Falcons winger Adam Radwan has been granted permission to join the Great Britain Sevens team in their preparation for th…

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21 Apr, 21:17

Fiji men’s 7s coach Osea Kolinisau, who is in a race against time to help defend the country’s Olympic Games sevens gold medal…

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19 Apr, 17:59

The draw for HSBC SVNS Singapore has put Great Britain's men's and women's teams in the same pool as their main rivals for a place…

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19 Apr, 0:19

Fresh from their first triumph of the season in Hong Kong, All Blacks 7s have been handed a tricky draw for the Singapore SVNS nex…

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