Publication date: 19 Aug 2022

About Rugby World Cup Sevens

The Rugby World Sevens (RWCS) is an international competition between national Rugby Sevens teams. The men’s tournament has been taking place every four years since 1993. In 2009, the first women’s tournament was held for the first time. The World Rugby is the governing body of the championship. Its activities also extend to Rugby union.

Official Rugby World Cup Sevens website

2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens

The 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens will be held in South Africa from 9-11 September at the Cape Town Stadium.

History of RWCS

The first RWCS was held in Scotland. Scotland is believed to be the birthplace of the game. It all started in 1883 when two Scottish men suggested to the Melrose Rugby Club’s manager that the number of players on the field and playing time should be reduced in order to save money. In the same year, a Rugby Sevens match was played for the first time.

Until the 1920s, Rugby Sevens was popular within Scotland.

The first Rugby Sevens tournament was held in Argentina in 1921. From then on, the game began to gain popularity.

And in 1926, the first popular Rugby Sevens tournament in England was created and it was held in the county of Middlesex.

1973 was the year when the first international tournament was held between the national teams of Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Australia, England, France and Wales. Team England played Ireland in the final and beat them 22:18.

In 1993, it was decided to hold the first Rugby World Cup Sevens. The first RWCS took place in the same year and was held at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland. England beat Australia 21:17 and won the Melrose Cup.

In 2009, it was decided that Rugby Sevens should be included in the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Results of the previous Rugby World Cup Sevens championships

2026 Rugby World Cup Sevens

Information about dates and venues for the next Rugby World Cup Sevens is not available at the moment.

Keep an eye on the dates of Rugby Sevens tournaments and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.