Rugby Sevens
62Rugby Sevens
Rugby sevens is a fast-paced, action-packed sport. It's a short version of rugby, with seven players per side.
It's an exciting game, and the spectators usually make a festival of it. Because of the short format, a number of teams can play each day in the tournament, adding to the excitement of the impatient spectators. The results are practically instantaneous!
Amongst the top teams are France, New Zealand, England, Fiji, not necessarily in that order.
A popular event especially amongst the younger crowd, the game is now short-listed to become part of the Olympics. it is already part of the Commonwealth Games.
Rugby, the full version, was part of the Olympics. It made its last appearance in 1924.
 | A powerful true story about the Highland Rugby Team. Amazon Price: $10.21 List Price: $24.99 |
|
LONDON WELSH CENTENARY SEVENS 1985 RUGBY PROGRAMME TEAMS INCLUDE KELSO,WASPS
Current Bid: $7.65
|
|
USA Sevens Rugby Tickets Saturday 6/2/2012
Current Bid: $25.00
|
|
LONDON FLOODLIT SEVENS 1993 RUGBY PROG SAMOA FIJI CAMBRIDGE UNI LONDON WELSH
Current Bid: $7.65
|
|
FIJI 1997 RUGBY SEVENS VICTORY SHEETLET UHM
Current Bid: $5.50
|
Rugby Sevens in the Olympics
Rugby sevens has been nominated to be an Olympic Sport. The IOC (International Olympic Committee) will make a final decision in October.
They will meet in Copenhagen. It is expected they will give the green light, and the game will enter the Olympics in 2016.
Sevens at Edinburgh 2008 - Canada v. Kenya
Rugby Rules
It would be too turgid to give an account of the rules of rugby. But an overview of the basics will certainly add to the enjoyment of watching the game. The video here gives a good and lively introduction to the game, far better than (my) words will provide!
Rugby 101
In the final game, Melrose and their opponent Gala Forest agreed to play an extra 15 minutes, as neither side had scored. After 10 minutes, Melrose got a try and, without even trying to kick their goal, prompty left the field claiming victory. Gala challenged their win complaining that they did not finish the game. It is said that the Melrose side countered that it was their tournament, so they made the rules.
That caused something of an uproar. But the referee decided in favor of Melrose.
That rule, that the first team to score in extra time wins the match, is now followed in the Sevens tournaments.
How It All Started
Rugby Sevens, also known as Sevens Rugby, originated in Melrose, Scotland in 1883. The committee of the Melrose Football Club wanted to put on a rugby tournament as part of a fund-raising sports day to raise funds for the club. They wanted to get several games played in one afternoon. Ned Haig, credited to be the innovator of the sevens game, said "it was hopeless" to try to get 15-player teams.
So the idea of using teams of only 7 players was adopted. Each match was to last 15 minutes.
Seven clubs competed, and the tournament was a huge success. Spectators even came by special trains. 1,600 tickets were sold. The tournament was won by the Melrose team, amidst some controversy.
 | Amazon Price: $39.50 |
 | Amazon Price: $25.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $39.50 |
 | Amazon Price: $35.00 |
CommentsLoading...
I have added a video that explains the basic rules of rugby, actually quite a fun animation to watch.
Rugby, and especially the Sevens, is full a action, and it's the thrill of the action and the pace of the game that's so exciting.
I'd bet that most people who enjoy the Rugby Sevens don't know the rules of the game!
Jessica Horn 2 years ago
Rugby is one of those sports that sounds really cool, but every time I try to watch it, I just can't seem to figure out the rules. I'm bookmarking your hub for the next time I stumble across a rugby game on TV.
Thanks!