Traditionally Sevens was considered a bit of fun to wind down the season. Nowadays, however, it is seen as an extension to the season with more and more Sevens activities taking place.

Sevens is viewed as an important stage in the development of future England internationals. It truly is a global sport with a huge worldwide following.

Basic Rules

• Seven-a-side contact rugby
• Three-person scrum (instead of eight)
• Tournaments generally held in the summer months
• Seven-minute halves, one-minute half-time
• Recognised at international level

The key factor in sevens is that, as the name cleverly suggests, there are only seven players in each team. This means more ground for each person to cover, but also more possession of the ball for each player.

There are just three people in a scrum and two or three in a lineout, whereas in the full game there can be up to eight players in each.

As a result, technical offences are less common and play is faster and more free flowing. In addition, set pieces are a lot simpler to understand, which is great if you can't get your head around all those scrum laws!

With fewer players on the pitch, there is plenty of space for individuals to show off their skills. It is a game that really exploits the basics of rugby - running, passing, tackling and decision-making. To be successful you need speed, skill and stamina.

England Rugby Sevens Selection Policy 2015

Scotland Rugby Sevens Selection Policy 2015

Ireland Rugby Sevens Selection Policy 2015

Rugby event schedule

To view or print the Rugby event schedule please click here