What is rugby sevens

In , rugby sevens became an Olympic sport, and the gold medal was won by Fiji, the first gold medal every won by the country. What is rugby sevens, where did it get started, and how has it become so popular? May 27, by Alex Rees. Here's a quick dive into the history of rugby sevens, and some of its variations from the standard aside game: History In , the first known sevens tournament took place in Melrose, Scotland at the behest of butcher and Melrose RFC player Ned Haig. Related Content.

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RM vs. Rugby union is the most popular version of rugby worldwide. There are 15 players on the field for each team and the objective of the game is to score more points than your opponent. Scoring happens in the same four main ways: a try, a conversion, a penalty kick or a drop goal. There are however some differences in the way the game is played. The main difference between rugby sevens and rugby union is one mentioned above, the number of players on the field.

In sevens, there are seven players on each team. In union, there are 15 players on each team. In both sports , moving the ball up and down the field is done in three main ways: running with the ball, kicking the ball or passing.

Like in rugby union, the ball can only be passed backward or sideways in sevens. When a player is tackled in rugby union, a ruck will form if the player goes to the ground or a maul will form if the ball carrier doesn't go to the ground.

In sevens, a rolling maul is not allowed so it is not part of the game. Rucks happen a lot more quickly in sevens too. The ball still has to be released immediately by the tackled player.

However, due to fewer players being on the field, there is less of a chance of a multi-person ruck happening like in rugby union. Tactically, the games are slightly different as well.

In union, because of the number of players, there is less space to run with the ball. There is also less specialization by position. A set piece can occur in two ways:. Both teams line up opposite of each other before one team throws the ball through the middle of the two sides. Offside: Offside rules ensure there is space to attack and defend. Being in an offside position is not, in itself, an offense, but an offside player may not take part in the game until they are on-side again.

If an offside player takes part in the game, that player will be penalized. Forward Pass or Knock-On: If a pass has gone forwards, or a handling error has resulted in the ball moving forwards, a scrum will be awarded to the non-offending team.

Failure to release player or ball: After a tackle, the tackler must immediately release the ball carrier, and the ball carrier must immediately release the ball. Failure on either of these counts limits a fair contest for possession. If release does not occur within a reasonable time frame, the referee will award a penalty to the non-offending team. Failure to Roll Away: Any players on the ground when a ruck or maul is formed must immediately roll away from the ball, so as to allow continuity of play for the team in possession.

Failure to do so will result in the award of a penalty to the non-offending team. If they join from the side, they are in an offside position and taking part in the game, then this will immediately be penalized.

Yellow Card Sin Bin : A player receiving a yellow card is sent off the pitch for a 2 minute interval. The offending team will play down a player for that time period.