Rugby sevens

THE 2 EVENTS

• 1 men's tournament (12 teams)

• 1 women's tournament (12 teams)

THE FORMAT

• In the first round, the teams are split into 2 groups of 6. The top 4 in each group advance to the knock-out stage: quarter-finals, semi-finals, bronze medal match and final.

• 7 players per team. Group matches will consist of 7-minute halves with a 2-minute half-time break. The final and bronze medal match will consist of 10-minute halves.

MILESTONES

Middle Age

Early forms of rugby begin to emerge all over Europe, with different names and rules.

1823

Legend has it that during a football game, William Webb Ellis, a pupil a Rugby School, picked up the ball and ran with it, thus creating the game of rugby. Although the story is considered a myth, the Rugby World Cup is named after the sport's so-called inventor.

1871

The first international match is played between Scotland and England, in Edinburgh.

1883

The first rugby sevens tournament is organised in Melrose, Scotland. The Melrose Sevens is still held annually to this day.

1886

The Irish, Welsh and Scottish Unions found the International Rugby Football Board. England refuses to take part, stating that it deserves greater representation, but ultimately joins the IRFB in 1890.

1900

Rugby union is part of the Olympic programme in Paris. France win the gold medal.

1924

Rugby union's 4th and final Olympic appearance, again in Paris. The United States are the surprise winners, with hosts France settling for silver.

1987

The first rugby union World Cup is co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. The All Blacks beat France in the final.

1993

The first rugby sevens World Cup is hosted by Scotland and won by England.

2009

The first women's rugby sevens World Cup is hosted by the United Arab Emirates and won by Australia.

2014

The International Rugby Board, the sport's governing body, is renamed World Rugby.

2016

After a 92-year absence, rugby (sevens instead of union) returns to the Olympics.