Rugby league sevens

Rugby league sevens is a variation of the sport rugby league, though it is less commonly played as an alternative when compared with rugby league nines (played on a nine-a-side basis).

The game is substantially the same as full rugby league, however scrums involve only three players per team, and all kicks at goal must be made by drop-kicks. The major tournament was the World Sevens played prior to the start of the National Rugby League season in Sydney, but the tournament has been cancelled.

Rugby league sevens is particularly popular with pub teams — formed from the regulars at a particular public house, the reason for this is that it is often difficult for a single pub to form a full squad of 13 players and four substitutes of willing players.

The future

Currently there is no intention to bring an official tournament back, although Australian actor Russel Crowe hosts the Orara Valley Axemen Sevens Tournament at Coffs Harbour on the New South Wales North Coast. This tournament is participated in by teams representing countries of the world, local clubs and a few clubs from Brisbane. In 2005 the Souths Logan Magpies from the Queensland Wizard Cup and the Gold Coast Titans, who are entering the NRL in 2007, were two well known clubs that participated.

Major sevens festivals

* World Sevens

ee also

*Rugby league nines
*Rugby sevens