Rugby and the Olympics: Rugby sevens is alive and kicking for Summer Games in 2016, 2020

Rugby and the Olympics

RULES — Rugby sevens uses the same rules as traditional 15-a-side rugby union, with two major differences: Each team has only seven players and each half lasts seven minutes (rather than 40), separated by a one-minute break. Also, the scrum involves three players from each team, instead of eight, and conversion attempts after a try must be drop-kicked — instead of them usually being place-kicked. Matches even after regulation time go into extra time in five-minute periods.

OLYMPIC FORMAT — A four-day tournament involving 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams. Each country will bring 12 players to the games.

FIELD OF PLAY — Rugby sevens is played on a standard sized rugby field of about 110 meters by 70 meters.

ORIGIN — The format originated in the Scottish town of Melrose, where butcher Ned Haig had the idea of the game as a way of raising money for his club. The first Melrose Sevens was held in 1883. Tournaments are now held in nearly all the 96 countries which are members of the International Rugby Board, the sport’s ruling body.

OLYMPIC PAST — The traditional 15-a-side game of rugby was played at the Olympics in 1900, 1908, 1920 and 1924.

DEFENDING OLYMPIC CHAMPION — The United States won the last rugby gold medal at the 1924 Paris Games, beating France 17-3 in a final that included fighting in the stands and police protection for the Americans as they left the field.