7’s Rugby

There are many differences between full 15’s rugby and 7’s, so I’m only going to go over the general gist of how the two differ.

In 7’s, there are teams of 7 instead of 15, as the name suggests, as well as having 7 minute halves instead 40 minute halves.  This is mostly because its fewer players dealing with just as much space as full 15’s.  In the game, each team only has two props, a hook, a scrum half, a fly half, an inside center, and an outside center.  All other positions in 15’s are dropped.

Rugby 7’s is what is currently played in the Olympics.

Rugby 7’s is a faster-paced game and is more speed and passing the ball oriented than slowing down the game and crash with the ball oriented.  That, however, doesn’t mean don’t play smart rugby.  Look before passing the ball, tackle low, and ruck.  From my experience playing 7’s, most teams don’t ruck, so this is important in gaining and maintaining possession of the ball.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBci5AH5N8g

Take note of how quickly the ball is passed.  Rucks have one person in them when they form.  The scrum half passes it out faster than would happen in 15’s.

Getting in a solid, clean pass is still important.  Sloppiness can lead to knock-ons (where the ball is knocked forward during an attempted pass and causes a scrum) and dropped balls.  If a good pass cannot be completed and you don’t have anyone with you, it is OK to go down with the ball.

 

80 Minute Challenge

One of the exercises that my team does to get ready for competitive fall season is the 80 minute challenge.  It simulates the intensity of a full length game of running and tackling.  Within this challenge, different core strengthening exercises are performed to mimic the effort needed in tackling, rucking, and scrumming.

This is the order I like to do the challenge in, but it can be switched up if need be.

  • 15 minutes running
  • 15 push ups
  • 15 sit ups
  • 10 minutes running
  • 5 up downs (also called burpees, where you jump up, jump down to push up position, then jump up again)
  • 30 second plank
  • 15 minutes running
  • 5 minute break
  • 15 minutes running
  • 15 push ups
  • 15 sit ups
  • 10 minutes running
  • 5 up downs
  • 30 second plank
  • 15 minutes running

This is called the 80 minute challenge because it includes 80 minutes of running.  Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to do this.  It took me about two hours to finish it.

This is both a physically and mentally challenging challenge, and is best done with up beat music and an encouraging running buddy.  Being an endurance exercise, don’t worry about speed.  Many rugby players have difficulty completing this challenge, so feel free to take breaks when necessary.  Just make sure to stop the time when you do.