Rugby sevens will be making its Games debut in Rio and following ratification by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of the inaugural rugby sevens qualification process, hosts Brazil will be one of 12 teams in both the men's and women's competition taking part in the Olympics.

"The decision to include Brazil is good for rugby, good for Brazil and good for the Games,"  International Rugby Board (IRB) chairman Bernard Lapasset said.

"Rugby in Brazil is experiencing rapid growth and inclusion will generate further impetus and excitement, while giving the Brazilian rugby family and sports fans across the nation something really special to look forward to at their home Olympic Games.

"We are excited and honoured for rugby sevens to be making its Olympic Games debut in Rio and believe that the Games will be great for rugby and rugby will be great for the Games.

"We are working in partnership with the Rio 2016 Organising Committee and the IOC to deliver a rugby sevens event that delivers outstanding competition, showcases our most skilful players, delivers a very special vibrant atmosphere and engages new and young audiences around the world."

Brazil's women's rugby sevens side will be getting to grips with opposition at Rio 2016 after being awarded automatic qualification ©Getty Images




The qualification format for both the men's and women's competition for Rio 2016 will see four nations qualify from the 2014-2015 IRB Sevens World Series, one nation from each of the six IRB regional competitions and one from the world play-off.

"We are delighted to be announcing a truly global qualification structure that presents the opportunity for all our Member Unions to participate, ensures at least one team from each IRB region qualifies and delivers the best teams and players to ensure rugby sevens contributes significantly to the success of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games," added Lapasset.

"This structure comes with the full support of our national Member Unions, who are excited at the prospect of competing on the world's greatest sporting stage and showcasing rugby sevens to new audiences in Brazil and around the world."

Rugby in Brazil is experiencing rapid growth in participation according to the IRB
©AFP/Getty Images



Later this month, São Paulo will host the third leg of the IRB Women's Sevens World Series as rugby continues to gain momentum in Brazil.

The IRB will continue to collaborate with the Brazil Rugby Union and the Rio 2016 Organising Committee to further the profile and reach of the sport in Brazil in the countdown to the Games, which has seen participation grow by 25 per cent since 2011, according to the IRB.

In 2013, the IRB injected $400,000 (£245,200/€296,000) into rugby in Brazil to enhance the Union's development and high performance structures, while 9,000 children were introduced to the sport for the first time through the IRB's Get Into Rugby programme.

"We are delighted that the IRB has taken this decision which will not only increase excitement for rugby's return to the Olympic Games in Rio but also help create further positive momentum for the sport of rugby in Brazil," said Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman.

To view the full rugby sevens qualification process for Rio 2016 click here.

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