Rugby sevens is a fast-paced, action-packed version of rugby union played with 7 players on each team instead of the traditional 15. The shorter match length and fewer players allow for more open running and passing plays. Sevens tournaments are held around the world, with the premier events being the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the Rugby Sevens World Cup. For rugby fans, watching sevens can provide thrilling entertainment. Luckily, there are several ways to watch rugby sevens online no matter where you are in the world.
How popular is rugby sevens?
Rugby sevens has exploded in popularity in recent years. The fast pace and exciting style of play make it a highly entertaining spectator sport. Some key facts about the growth of rugby sevens:
– Rugby sevens made its debut at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, bringing the sport much wider exposure. It will be featured again at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
– The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series has expanded to 10 men’s events and 6 women’s events for the 2018-19 season.
– Significant prize money is awarded on the Sevens Series circuit, with a total prize pool of over $7 million for men and $2 million for women.
– Major sevens tournaments like the Hong Kong Sevens and the USA Sevens regularly sell out large stadiums and attract huge crowds.
– According to World Rugby, sevens has “one of the most diverse, passionate and new fan bases of any sport.”
– Women’s sevens is one of the fastest growing women’s sports.
So in summary, sevens has seen tremendous growth thanks to its exciting style of play and accessibility to fans. The number of tournaments continues to expand and major corporate sponsors are investing in the game. All signs point to rugby sevens having a very bright future.
Growth of Sevens in the Olympics
Rugby sevens made its highly anticipated debut at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. This marked the first time rugby had been played at the Olympics since 1924. The men’s and women’s sevens tournaments were big hits in Rio, with fans packing the stadium for the fast-paced matches. According to World Rugby, the 2016 Olympic sevens reached:
– 9.7 million fans at the stadium
– More than 70 million new rugby fans via broadcast
– 269 million video views on World Rugby online platforms
Rugby sevens will return for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The growing profile of Olympic sevens has greatly increased the popularity of the sport globally.
Expanding World Rugby Sevens Series
The premier annual series of rugby sevens tournaments is the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. The number of events on the Series continues to grow, providing more opportunities for fans to watch sevens action. Key facts about the World Rugby Sevens Series expansion:
– 2018-19: 10 events for men, 6 events for women
– 2009-10: 8 events for men, only 2 for women
– Next season 2019-20: 11 events for men, 8 events for women
The Dubai Sevens and Cape Town Sevens were added as men’s events starting in 2018-19. New Zealand, Australia, and China will host new women’s Sevens Series events in 2019-20. This growth demonstrates the surging global interest in sevens.
Where to watch World Rugby Sevens Series
For rugby fans around the world, the premier place to watch sevens action is the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Here are some ways to watch the Sevens Series online:
World Rugby Sevens Series TV broadcasts and streaming
– The Sevens Series is broadcast on various major networks around the world. In some countries, you may be able to watch matches on free over-the-air channels.
– In other markets, matches are carried on paid sports channels or streaming services. For example, games stream live on ESPN+ in the USA.
– Check the World Rugby website for details on broadcasters in your country. Coverage is provided in territories across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
– Matches also stream live on the World Rugby website for free in some areas.
World Rugby PASS
World Rugby PASS is an online streaming platform launched by World Rugby in 2018. All matches on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series stream live on PASS.
– PASS costs $14.99 per month or $139.99 per year
– PASS provides live streaming access to all men’s and women’s Sevens Series events
– Replays of matches are also available on demand
For the most robust and reliable way to follow the Sevens Series online, a World Rugby PASS subscription is worth considering. It ensures you can watch every match live from anywhere in HD quality streaming.
Other streaming options
Some other ways to watch World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments online include:
– Sign up for a short free trial of a streaming service showing games in your region, like ESPN+ or FloSports. Just remember to cancel before you get charged.
– Check if any matches are streaming for free on the tournament’s official YouTube channel or Facebook page.
– Use a VPN to access location-restricted streams. Connect to a server in a broadcasting country to watch as if you were there.
– Search popular live sports streaming sites to see if they offer sevens coverage. Be sure the site is reputable before using.
So in summary, getting access to Sevens Series live streams takes a mix of using official broadcasters, dedicated rugby streaming services, and clever workarounds. With the sport growing rapidly, watching options are expanding.
How to watch other international rugby sevens tournaments
Beyond the Sevens Series, there are other major international rugby sevens competitions during the year. Here are ways to watch top events like the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Olympics sevens tournament online:
Rugby World Cup Sevens
– The Rugby World Cup Sevens is contested every four years. The men’s and women’s tournaments feature 24 nations competing over three days.
– New Zealand will host the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens from July 20-22 in San Francisco.
– Check the World Rugby site closer to the tournament dates for details on broadcasters. Streams will likely be available on World Rugby platforms.
– Sports streaming services like ESPN+ or NBC Sports Gold may provide World Cup Sevens coverage in certain markets.
Olympic Rugby Sevens
Catching rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics provides a chance every four years to watch sevens on the biggest global stage. Ways to watch Olympic sevens online include:
– In the USA, NBC provides comprehensive coverage of the Olympic sevens tournament on their platforms, including NBC Sports website and app.
– Other major Olympic broadcasters like BBC Sport (UK) and CBC Sports (Canada) are likely to show sevens matches on their digital platforms.
– Olympic sevens will also stream live on the World Rugby website in certain countries.
– Search for sevens highlights and replays on official Olympic YouTube channel.
So be sure to take advantage when sevens comes to the Olympics and World Cup. These global showcases provide a peak at the excitement of rugby sevens.
Regional tournaments
Along with the global tournaments organized by World Rugby, there are major sevens competitions at regional levels across the rugby world.
Europe
– The Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix Series features tournaments across Europe, streaming on Rugby Europe TV.
– The UK hosts the popular England Sevens tournament, part of the UK Sevens Series.
Oceania
– The Oceania Sevens is held annually in Fiji, streamed online at the Oceania Rugby website.
Americas
– USA Rugby hosts sevens championships for men and women, streaming on The Rugby Channel online.
– The Sudamerica Rugby Sevens series features both men’s and women’s contests.
Africa
– The Rugby Africa Sevens tournaments provide qualification pathways to the World Series and World Cup.
– The Safari Sevens in Kenya is a highlight on the African sevens calendar.
So rugby sevens has truly gone global. No matter where you live, checking out your region’s sevens circuit is a great way to get a taste of fast-paced rugby action.
Watching sevens live at a tournament
While televised and online streaming coverage make sevens more accessible than ever, nothing compares to experiencing a live sevens tournament in person. The party festival atmosphere and electrifying crowds take the excitement to another level.
Some of the most renowned sevens tournaments worldwide that offer a bucket list experience for live attendance include:
Hong Kong Sevens
– The Hong Kong Sevens is the most famous annual rugby sevens tournament.
– Held in April, it draws tens of thousands of raucous fans. Unique features include the costume contest.
– Hong Kong provides a one-of-a-kind crossover between sports and culture celebration. Tickets often sell-out months in advance.
USA Sevens (Las Vegas)
– Las Vegas hosts the USA leg of the HSBC Sevens Series every March at Sam Boyd Stadium.
– The Vegas Sevens provides a thrilling party vibe blended with top-tier rugby.
– General admission tickets start around $75 for a day pass. But be prepared for a jam-packed stadium.
Dubai Sevens
– Joining the Sevens Series in late 2018, the Dubai Sevens adds a new stop in a luxe setting.
– Played at The Sevens Stadium, it offers a desert oasis rugby party under the Arabian sun.
– Tickets for the Dubai event provide affordable access to the Series for fans in the UAE and Middle East.
Any chance you get, seeing a live sevens tournament is an experience every rugby fan should seize. The exhilarating atmosphere and speed of play make sevens a sensation in person.
How to watch rugby sevens on TV
Rugby sevens not only provides plenty of online streaming options, traditional television remains a go-to choice for fans to tune in. Here are some ways to watch sevens tournaments live on TV:
Local sports channels
– In many markets, sevens broadcast rights are held by major national sports networks.
– For example, TSN and Sportsnet show Canada Sevens coverage in Canada. Sky Sports has UK sevens rights.
– Check listings on sports channels you receive for upcoming sevens telecasts.
Cable/satellite rugby packages
Some dedicated rugby programming is available through premium sports packages on cable and satellite:
– In the USA, NBC Sports and CBS Sports have sporadic sevens coverage on cable.
– The Rugby Channel offers extensive sevens action via DIRECTV in the USA.
– Eurosport provides sevens coverage across Europe on cable/satellite providers.
– BeIN Sports broadcasts sevens in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada among other markets.
– SuperSport has pan-Africa rights for showing World Rugby sevens events.
Free-to-air networks
Major sevens tournaments like the World Cup or Commonwealth Games sevens sometimes air matches on free over-the-air networks:
– ITV has previously provided sevens coverage in the UK.
– CBBC is slated to show highlights of the 2022 Commonwealth Games sevens.
– Keep an eye out for local broadcasters airing big events like Olympic sevens on free TV.
While many sevens properties have migrated to online streaming, checking normal TV listings can still provide viewing options for fans. Tapping into sevens on TV provides a more traditional way to follow the emerging sport.
How fans can support and grow rugby sevens
Rugby sevens continues its upward growth trajectory, but still has room to expand its global reach and popularity. As a fan, there are several ways you can help support the development of sevens:
Attend local sevens tournaments
– Attending live sevens events is the best way to experience the excitement that will make you a lifelong fan.
– Exposure to new audiences is also key for growing sevens. Bringing friends who are casual or new fans helps sustain the game.
Get involved with a local rugby club or team
– Play sevens yourself or help coach a youth sevens program to pass on the love of the game.
Support developmental tournaments
– Emerging sevens circuits in new markets need fan engagement. Attend events put on by governing bodies in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Participate in social media communities
– Follow sevens accounts and use relevant hashtags. Help drive online conversation around the sport’s major events.
Watch officially broadcasted tournaments
– Streaming tournaments through legal channels and ratings on TV help provide revenue to reinvest at the top levels of the sport.
Rugby sevens is poised for massive growth into the future. By supporting tournaments, getting involved locally, and helping market the game, fans can play an important role in sevens reaching its full potential.
Conclusion
Rugby sevens is one of the most entertaining and rapidly emerging sports in the global arena. For rugby fans, the high-speed, wide-open play provides thrilling action. Luckily, the rise of sevens has made watching online easier than ever. Fans can live stream marquee tournaments worldwide like the World Rugby Sevens Series through dedicated rugby platforms or national broadcasters. With sevens making historic debuts in recent years at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, expect the sport to continue surging in popularity. So what are you waiting for? Tune in online and get ready for the non-stop running, passing, and scoring that makes rugby sevens so exhilarating to watch.