Rugby in Rio 2016

Jonah Lomu honed his skills on the 7s circuit before storming on to the world stage in the 15 a side game

The curtain has only just fallen on the 2012 Olympics in London, but thoughts are already looking ahead to the next Games in Rio, Brazil. In 2016, the Olympics will head to Rio for the first Olympic Games ever to be held in South America. This will undoubtedly be a massive occasion for Rio; however, rugby fans across the world are excited because the faster, more expansive version of rugby - 7s will be appearing in the Olympics for the first time. This cannot come soon enough for some fans who tire of watching events such as the speed walking or table tennis; rugby will take its rightful place at the top table in international sport.

Currently, 7s is only a part of the Commonwealth Games; the move to the Olympics can only benefit the sport. The IRB 7s circuit which runs throughout the year across the World has grown enormously. Inevitably, the top tier of 7s rugby is dominated by New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, South Africa and England, however, teams such as Zimbabwe, Kenya and Portugal have the chance to genuinely compete in the cup and plate tiers of the tournaments in the smaller version of the game.

The IRB 7s series has been vital to the development of players such as Jonah Lomu for New Zealand, Alex Cuthbert for Wales and Mark Cueto for England. Lomu obviously went on to achieve great success with the All Blacks in the 15 man game and Cuthbert has stormed on to the scene over the past year.

In England, 7s is only seen in the JP Morgan series, the final of which was recently won by London Irish in a narrow 31-29 victory over Gloucester. These tournaments have previously been used as pre-season preparation and as a chance to blood young Academy players. However, this season, some teams fielded their star playmakers including Freddie Burns and Jonny May of Gloucester and Tom Biggs and Matt Banahan of Bath. This shows that teams are using 7s to push their players in to peak physical condition and to give the crowds attending more of a show; attendances have risen in line with this change in attitude.

Rugby fans across Great Britain get bored over the summer months without domestic or international rugby and tentatively wait for their sides to start the new season while listening for squad news during the demanding pre-season schedule. However, with rugby making a move to the Olympics in 2016, lovers of the 15 man game will get to cheer their GB 7s squad on in hope of an Olympic Gold Medal.

7s matches are played on full length pitches and the games are 7 minutes each-way with a short break at half time. The action is fast and furious and basic skills are tested to the limit. Missed-tackles are exposed with only 7 defenders and passing has to be long and accurate. For those who hate to see aimless kicking in the 15 man game will love the 7s experience - kicking is used only in rare situations. Teams run the ball from their own try line and work their way up the field with ball in hand. Conversions are taken with drop-kicks to keep the games flowing and penalties are usually taken quickly.

In 2016, Team GB will have a wealth of talent to choose from; England players Chris Ashton and Alex Goode have declared their interest in representing their nation. But, who would be in your team?

Do you have any thoughts or comments? Are you looking forward to seeing 7s in the Olympics? Comment bellow or tweet and follow Crouch Touch Engage @CTErugby and @tommyd91.