Supported by World Rugby and run by the Brazilian Rugby Union (CBRu), the competition saw the men's and women's teams representing Argentina, Italy, hosts Brazil and the purpose built Rio Barbarians, take centre stage on one of the world's most iconic beach cities, at its busiest time of year.

Played in two halves of five minutes, with rolling subs and no set pieces or breakdowns, beach rugby sevens is non-stop action played in heavy sand.

Still recognisable as rugby, the game is instead restarted with free-kicks ensuring the action is fast and furious.

Argentina went unbeaten in the men's four-team Super Desafío beating Italy, Rio Barbarians and Brazil 8-6, 11-3 and 8-7 respectively to take the title.

Two games were organised in the women's division and Brazil won both.

The Argentine girls' tough defence ensured both wins were hard-fought but overall the home favourites scored 14 tries to the visitors' eight.

The tournament was broadcast live for three hours as Rio 2016 looks to promote rugby sevens ahead of the Olympic Games in under two years' time.

Argentina and Brazil have laid down the gauntlets in the sands of Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro as they won the beach rugby sevens invitational tournament ©Twitter



The teams attracted a crowd of well over 1,500 for a full day's entertainment, with a coaching clinic for children, an international and a local section also on offer from event organisers Confederaçao Brasilera de Rugby, World Rugby and Rio 2016.

"For the city it is really important; a first opportunity here in Rio, at Ipanema, a very famous beach, to take rugby to the people," said Rio 2016 sports director Rodrigo García.

"For us it is always important and a big responsibility to work with a new sport on the sports programme of the Olympic Games.

"We have been working hard and there has been a lot done with World Rugby to develop the game in Brazil.

"We are very excited to have this sport on the programme."

World Rugby Regional Development Manager for South America, Santiago Ramallo, added: "Rio 2016, World Rugby and the Brazilian Rugby Confederation set up this great tournament to start promoting rugby here in Rio as we start looking forward towards the Olympics.

"Rugby is the fastest growing sport in Brazil and Beach Rugby is a very big tool to promote sevens ahead of the Olympics."

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