Rugby, with its roots tracing back to medieval Europe, has undergone a remarkable journey to become a prominent fixture in the Olympic Games. While the traditional 15-player format of Rugby Union holds its place in history, Rugby Sevens, a faster and more intense variant, has taken center stage in the Olympic arena.
The origins of Rugby Sevens can be traced back to 1873, conceived by two Scottish butchers, Ned Haig and David Sanderson, as a fundraising event in Melrose. The game’s popularity grew, leading to the establishment of the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby) in 1886.
Rugby has a long-standing association with the Olympic Games, with a men’s Rugby Union event first included at the 1900 Paris Games. However, the sport was dropped from the program after the 1924 Paris Games.
After several attempts to reintroduce Rugby Sevens, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) finally welcomed it back for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. It has since become a regular feature in both the men’s and women’s programs.
Fiji has emerged as a dominant force in men’s Rugby Sevens, securing back-to-back Olympic gold medals in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. The sport is deeply ingrained in Fijian culture, and their men’s team is a force to be reckoned with.
The women’s competition has been a battleground between Australia and New Zealand, with both teams securing Olympic golds. Australia claimed the 2024 World Series title, but the gap between these two powerhouses and the chasing pack, including France and the United States, is narrowing.
As the Paris Olympics approach, anticipation for the Rugby Sevens competition is reaching fever pitch. The men’s tournament kicks off on July 24, just two days before the opening ceremony, concluding with the gold medal match on July 27. The women’s tournament will take place from July 28 to 30.
With the qualification process complete, the teams are set for a thrilling showdown in Paris.
Men’s teams: France, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Uruguay, Ireland, United States, Kenya, Samoa, Japan, and one more team to be determined.
Women’s teams: France, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Ireland, Brazil, Great Britain, Canada, South Africa, Fiji, Japan, and one more team to be determined.
Some of the key athletes to watch include:
Antoine Dupont (France): A world-class scrumhalf, Dupont is aiming for Olympic gold on home soil.
Michael Hooper (Australia): The former Wallabies captain has transitioned to sevens, bringing his experience and leadership to the Australian squad.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (New Zealand): An Olympic champion and the all-time leading scorer in the women’s world sevens series, Woodman-Wickliffe is a dominant force on the field.
Ilona Maher (United States): Maher, a social media star, is using her platform to promote body image positivity and raise awareness for the sport.
The Paris Olympics promises to deliver an exciting Rugby Sevens competition, filled with athleticism, strategy, and a global showcase of talent.
