The sport of Rugby Sevens, while relatively new to the Olympic Games, has quickly gained popularity amongst fans. As the Paris 2024 Games approach, anticipation for the Rugby Sevens tournament is high, particularly with France’s Antoine Dupont leading the charge for the gold.
The prestigious Stade de France, renowned for hosting the Rugby World Cup final, will serve as the venue for all matches. The men’s tournament will commence on 24th July, marking the first sport of the Paris Games. Following a brief pause for the opening ceremony on 26th July, the action will culminate on 27th July with the semi-finals and medal matches. The women’s competition will take place from 28th to 30th July, ensuring three days of enthralling Rugby Sevens action.
Rugby Sevens is played on a full-size pitch with seven players on each team, and matches consist of two seven-minute halves, with teams potentially playing multiple games in a day. Known for its relentless pace and wide-open spaces, the sport demands exceptional speed, endurance, strength, and strategic positioning from its players. The scoring system remains the same as the traditional 15-a-side game, encompassing tries, conversions, drop-goals, and penalties.
In terms of Olympic qualification, Great Britain has secured their place in the women’s event, while the men’s team is working towards securing their spot in the tournament. They have one final opportunity to qualify by winning the Olympic repechage tournament in Monaco from 21st to 23rd June.
Fiji stands as the two-time defending Olympic men’s champions, having clinched gold at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Australia secured the women’s gold medal in Rio, while New Zealand emerged as the reigning champions. The fierce competition and unmatched athleticism of these defending champions are certain to make the Rugby Sevens tournament at Paris 2024 an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide.
In conclusion, Rugby Sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games promises to be a captivating and adrenaline-pumping spectacle. As the world’s top teams take centre stage at the iconic Stade de France, fans can look forward to witnessing the sheer athleticism, skill, and determination that define this thrilling sport. With its growing popularity and global appeal, Rugby Sevens is set to have a significant impact at the upcoming Olympic Games.