Rugby sevens has boomed recently, giving fans a fast-paced, bite-sized version of the classic 15-a-side game. With fewer players and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it matches, it’s perfect for newcomers and countries eager to dive into rugby. Sevens rugby has earned a solid fan base worldwide, and the future is looking good.
Biggest Countries in Rugby Sevens
Certain countries have long dominated rugby sevens, both on the pitch and in terms of fan engagement. New Zealand, South Africa, and Fiji have consistently led the way, boasting top-performing teams and passionate supporters.
New Zealand’s sevens team is renowned, backed by an unrivalled rugby culture, and enough World Sevens Series titles to back it up. South Africa, with its impressive athletic talent pool, excels in the sevens format, consistently ranking among the world’s best.
Fiji, as a tiny island nation with a population of 900,000, in particular, punch way above their weight when it comes to rugby sevens. The Fijian team famously won the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in 2016, and again in 2020.
Countries with the Largest Fan Base
The largest fan bases for sevens rugby are concentrated in traditional rugby nations, though other countries have shown growing interest. Australia and England are home to passionate rugby sevens followings, hosting major tournaments and attracting large audiences.
The Hong Kong Sevens, one of the sport’s most iconic events, draws massive crowds and highlights the extensive support for the game in Asia. The USA has also seen a surge in sevens popularity, partly due to the shorter format that aligns with American sports culture.
Elsewhere in Europe, France has developed a strong fan base, especially after hosting and winning the men’s Paris Sevens event guided by rugby superstar, Antoine Dupont.
Emerging Nations in Sevens Rugby
Looking to the future, several emerging nations are making waves in the sevens scene. Kenya has become a major contender, known for their speed and agility on the field, with a fan base that’s growing across Africa, and internationally.
Ireland is rising in sevens, making strides internationally and gaining local support, boosted by their 15s team’s success. Japan, Germany, and Spain are also investing, highlighting sevens’ global growth and potential for new audiences.
Looking Ahead
The future’s looking lively for rugby sevens. With its lightning-fast action and fresh fan appeal, sevens is poised to thrill crowds across the world. As more countries dive in, sevens is set to go global in a big way.
