What is Rugby Sevens?

Traditionalists, you may take your leave, but if you want to see all the intensity of rugby packaged into a smaller team, but with all the athleticism and physicality intact, then welcome to the world of Rugby Sevens. In no time you will understand the basics of the game and be able to join the excitement of exhilarating rugby. We have got you covered! 

Start with the Basics

“7s” (Yes, you have got to learn the lingo as well) is effectively a modified version of traditional rugby union. The key difference, as the name suggests, is that each team is complete with just seven players. The size of the field is exactly the same as traditional rugby, but the duration of the game is just 14 minutes divided into two halves of seven. 

Naturally, the reduction in the number of bodies on the field invites an electrifying brand of open rugby with an almost exclusive focus on attack. 

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The Objective

What is the objective you ask? Well it is quite simple, score more points than your opponent, and in so doing, showcase the most outrageous athleticism and skill known to a rugby field. 

Points are scored in the same way as in traditional rugby; a try is worth five points, and conversions are worth an extra two points. Penalties are usually taken quickly, with a greater focus on keeping the ball in play. So it is very unlikely that you will see a team opt to kick for poles – although keep in mind this is allowed of course and worth an extra three. 

Rules of Engagement 

The fundamental rules of traditional rugby remain relevant to seven’s rugby, however, with that being said, there are a few changes you should take into account. 

The Scrum 

You might find your traditional rugby friend suggesting this a farce – and they wouldn’t be wrong. Here the scrum is reduced from eight players to just three. They are not contested, which means the team in possession maintains possession of the ball. 

This speeds up the game and reduces the chances of unnecessary battles at scrum time…again, this is all in an effort to get the ball into play. 

Lineout’s

Typically, teams will only send around three players to contest the lineout. Not only does this result in quicker set plays, but the lineout itself becomes far more dynamic and intricate. 

Kick-offs (Restarts)

Unlike elsewhere in rugby, the team that scores points on the board is the team to restart the game. That is to say, the team which scores points effectively then gives away possession of the ball. This allows for an end-to-end encounter, and the team which had just conceded is afforded an immediate opportunity to respond. 

The Sin Bin

Discipline is still important, and players can still be cautioned. However, the yellow card suspension from the game is reduced to just two minutes. Yes, yes, it doesn’t sound like much, but with so much space and an already reduced number of participants – this deficit could hold a significant impact. 

Opportunity for Silverware 

The grandest stage of them all remains the Rugby World Cup Sevens. This, in a similar fashion to the Rugby World Cup, is held once every four years. In addition, there are tournaments like the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. These are prestigious tournaments which take teams around the world, hosting legs in multiple different countries in what is always an absolute spectacle.