Rugby sevens is a fast-paced, action-packed sport. It's a short version of rugby, with seven players per side.

It's an exciting game, and the spectators usually make a festival of it. Because of the short format, a number of teams can play each day in the tournament, adding to the excitement of the impatient spectators. The results are practically instantaneous!

Amongst the top teams are France, New Zealand, England, Fiji, not necessarily in that order.

A popular event especially amongst the younger crowd, the game is now short-listed to become part of the Olympics. it is already part of the Commonwealth Games.

Rugby, the full version, was part of the Olympics. It made its last appearance in 1924.

Rugby sevens has been nominated to be an Olympic Sport. The IOC (International Olympic Committee) will make a final decision in October.

They will meet in Copenhagen. It is expected they will give the green light, and the game will enter the Olympics in 2016.

It would be too turgid to give an account of the rules of rugby. But an overview of the basics will certainly add to the enjoyment of watching the game. The video here gives a good and lively introduction to the game, far better than (my) words will provide!

Rugby Sevens, also known as Sevens Rugby, originated in Melrose, Scotland in 1883. The committee of the Melrose Football Club wanted to put on a rugby tournament as part of a fund-raising sports day to raise funds for the club. They wanted to get several games played in one afternoon. Ned Haig, credited to be the innovator of the sevens game, said "it was hopeless" to try to get 15-player teams.

So the idea of using teams of only 7 players was adopted. Each match was to last 15 minutes.

Seven clubs competed, and the tournament was a huge success. Spectators even came by special trains. 1,600 tickets were sold. The tournament was won by the Melrose team, amidst some controversy.