The shorter form of rugby, it's fast-paced and furious. Here are 7 things to know about rugby 7s:
1. Know Your History
Rugby 7s originated in Melrose, Scotland as an offshoot of rugby union, and the first Hong Kong Sevens Tournament was played in 1976. The sport has gained major popularity since then, due to its fast pace and competitive nature!
2. Know Your Timing
Rugby 7s is played in 7-minute halves, with a 2-minute break in between. It’s all over in 14 minutes, and anything can happen in a game of 7s, so you need to keep your eye on the ball.
3. Know Your Players
There are 7 players per team on the pitch in 7s. You have 3 forwards (a hooker and 2 props) and 4 backs (a scrum half, a fly half a centre and a winger). Each of them will bring their own blend of skills and experience, but being super fit is key!
4. Know Your Score
It’s 5 points for a try, and 2 points for the subsequent conversion kick. In rugby 7s you can kick a penalty for 3 points or kick a drop goal for 3 points. Also don’t forget a penalty try, which is an automatic 7 points, but that’s only if someone has been a bit naughty and illegally prevented a try scoring opportunity.
5. Know Your Competitions
The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series is an annual competition that consists of a number of tournaments held around the world, including our very own Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens! There is also the Rugby World Cup Sevens and The summer Olympics every 4 years.
6. Know Your Magnificent Seven
Anointed at the 40th birthday of the Hong Kong 7s in 2015, The Magnificent 7 are some of best to have played the game. We have Jonah Lomu, David Campese, Christian Cullen, Ben Gollings, Zhang Zhiqiang, Eric Rush and ‘The Little Wizard’ Waisale Serevi. What a line up.
7. Know Your Record Holders
Fiji are the proverbial champions having lifted the cup a record 19 times, followed closely by New Zealand on 11. There are too many outstanding individual records to note, but one close to our hearts is Chan Fuk-ping making history as the first Chinese player to represent Hong Kong at a Rugby World Cup Sevens in ‘97. Who’s going to be breaking records next?
Catch ya pitch side!