Sevens

Rugby Sevens Info & 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 have created this page to 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.

Whether you’ve got questions about the laws of Rugby Sevens 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.

Do you know how the scoring system works? Or how the rules differ from the 15-a-side game? With answers covering everything from the very first Sevens match right through to the Olympic debut, get ready to expand your Rugby Sevens knowledge right here at RugbyPass.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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?

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?

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?

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?

Yes, Rugby Sevens is in the Olympics. Rugby Sevens is contested in the Summer Olympics and the sport made its debut at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. It featured again in 2020 and is expected to be retained during the 2024, 2028 and 2032 Olympics.

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?

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