rugby sevens at the summer olympics medals
What Is Rugby Sevens?
Rugby Sevens is a high-speed version of traditional rugby, featuring 7 players per side and 7-minute halves. Unlike the 15-a-side version, rugby sevens emphasizes speed, stamina, and open-field strategy, making it an exciting watch.
It debuted at the Summer Olympics in 2016 and quickly became one of the most talked-about additions to the Games. The matches are short, intense, and often unpredictable—perfect for Olympic audiences.
Olympic Rugby Sevens Format
The Olympic rugby sevens format includes:
- 12 teams in both men’s and women’s tournaments
- Pool stage followed by knockout rounds
- Two 7-minute halves per game (14 minutes total)
- Played over 2–3 days, with multiple games per day
- Medals awarded for Gold, Silver, and Bronze
Because of its compact nature, the sport allows fans to enjoy more games, more action, and more surprises in a short timeframe.
Rugby Sevens Debut – Rio 2016
The 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro saw the debut of rugby sevens—and it was unforgettable.
Men’s Results – 2016
- 🥇 Fiji – Gold
- 🥈 Great Britain – Silver
- 🥉 South Africa – Bronze
Fiji’s gold medal was the first Olympic medal in the country’s history, and they won it in dominant style with a 43–7 victory in the final.
Women’s Results – 2016
- 🥇 Australia – Gold
- 🥈 New Zealand – Silver
- 🥉 Canada – Bronze
Australia’s women’s team played with extraordinary speed and teamwork, defeating New Zealand to claim the top podium spot.
Rugby Sevens in Tokyo 2020 (Held in 2021)
The second appearance of rugby sevens at the Tokyo Olympics brought more drama and history.
Men’s Results – 2020
- 🥇 Fiji – Gold
- 🥈 New Zealand – Silver
- 🥉 Argentina – Bronze
Fiji defended their title, becoming back-to-back Olympic champions. Their skill and flair captured global admiration.
Women’s Results – 2020
- 🥇 New Zealand – Gold
- 🥈 France – Silver
- 🥉 Fiji – Bronze
New Zealand’s women bounced back from their 2016 silver to take gold, while Fiji’s women earned their first Olympic medal—a huge moment for the country.
Combined Rugby Sevens Medal Table (2016 + 2020)
| Country | 🥇 Gold | 🥈 Silver | 🥉 Bronze | 🏅 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiji | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| New Zealand | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Australia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Great Britain | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| South Africa | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Argentina | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Canada | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| France | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
As seen above, Fiji and New Zealand have emerged as dominant forces in Olympic rugby sevens.
Teams to Watch in Paris 2024
Looking ahead to Paris 2024, several teams are shaping up as strong medal contenders:
- Fiji – Can they make it three golds in a row?
- New Zealand – Strong in both men’s and women’s divisions
- France – Will they use home advantage to push for gold?
- Argentina & South Africa – Always dangerous in knockout rounds
- USA – Looking for their first-ever rugby sevens medal
Expect an even more competitive field as rugby sevens continues to grow globally.
What Makes Olympic Rugby Sevens Special?
Several factors make rugby sevens a standout Olympic event:
- Fast-paced and action-packed
- Short games = more matches in less time
- Higher unpredictability = thrilling upsets
- Small nations compete on equal footing
- Festival-like energy in the crowd and on the field
Because of its global reach and quick tempo, rugby sevens brings new audiences into the Olympic fold.
Star Players Who Made Their Mark
Over the last two Olympics, some players have become rugby sevens legends:
- Jerry Tuwai (Fiji) – Two-time gold medalist and MVP-caliber playmaker
- Charlotte Caslick (Australia) – Instrumental in Australia’s 2016 win
- Michaela Blyde (New Zealand) – Speed and skill at the highest level
- Perry Baker (USA) – Known for lightning-fast runs and flair
- Jaz Joyce (Great Britain) – A standout in both Olympic appearances
Their performances helped raise the profile of the sport and inspired millions of fans worldwide.
Olympic Rugby Sevens & Global Growth
The Olympic spotlight has helped rugby sevens expand beyond its traditional strongholds:
- More nations are funding women’s and youth programs
- Global viewership continues to increase
- Smaller nations now see rugby sevens as a path to Olympic success
- Professional players from the World Rugby Sevens Series get greater recognition
This increased visibility has created opportunities for athletes and inspired a new generation of rugby players.
Where to Follow Rugby Sevens Medal Coverage
You can follow Olympic rugby sevens results, schedules, and medal tables here:
- ✅ Olympics.com – Rugby Sevens
- ✅ World Rugby Sevens Series – Team profiles, rankings, and player stats
- NBC, BBC, YouTube – For match replays and live streams
- Social media – Use hashtags like #OlympicRugby, #RugbySevens, and #Paris2024
These platforms provide everything from live scores to behind-the-scenes interviews and Olympic highlights.
Conclusion
From Fiji’s historic first medal in Rio to the rise of New Zealand’s women in Tokyo, rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics has delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in modern sports.
As we approach Paris 2024, excitement continues to build for one of the Olympics’ fastest-growing events. With fast play, passionate fans, and underdog stories, rugby sevens is the definition of Olympic spirit.
About the Author
