The excitement is mounting for the Rugby competition at the upcoming Paris Games, which is poised to take place at the iconic Stade de France. With Fiji aiming for an impressive three consecutive victories in the men’s tournament and a competitive field in the women’s competition, rugby enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling spectacle.
The action is set to commence on Wednesday, July 24th, and will culminate on Tuesday, July 30th. The Stade de France, well-known for hosting French national soccer and rugby home games, will provide the backdrop for all the rugby matches at the Olympics.
Rugby at the Paris Olympics will consist of 7-v-7 games with rules akin to American football. The objective is to score more “tries” than the opposing team, with a try worth five points and an additional two points available for a successful kick. Games are played in two seven-minute halves, guaranteeing fast-paced and intense action on the field.
The field size for rugby at the Paris Olympics mirrors that of a standard rugby union game, spanning a maximum of 100 meters in length and 70 meters in width.
The qualifying nations for both the men’s and women’s rugby tournaments have been confirmed, featuring a diverse mix of powerhouse teams and emerging contenders. Notable names such as France, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States will be competing for glory in both categories.
Rugby’s journey to becoming an Olympic sport has been a long one, with the first bid dating back to 1932 and eventual approval received in 2009 for the 2016 Games.
Fiji leads the charge in men’s rugby with their consecutive gold medal victories in the last two tournaments. However, they face a challenging road to secure a third consecutive title, with formidable opponents aiming to dethrone them in Paris. Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand have been dominant forces in women’s rugby, each clinching a gold medal in the last two Olympics.
As the stage is set for rugby at the 2024 Paris Olympics, attention will be on the “Flying Fijians” as they pursue history, the spirited women’s teams looking to etch their names in Olympic glory, and the other nations aiming to make their mark on this grand stage. The world can expect nothing short of a riveting and dramatic showcase of physical prowess, tactical skill, and unwavering sportsmanship.
As sports enthusiasts eagerly await the start of this highly-anticipated event, the Rugby tournament at the Paris Olympics promises to deliver an enthralling and captivating spectacle that will undoubtedly be remembered in the annals of sporting history.