Those included will become the first rugby Olympians for 92 years in the Brazilian city, with 12 teams competing in both men's and women's competitions.

Fifteen-a-side rugby union has appeared at four versions of the Olympics - last doing so in Paris in 1924 - but Rio will mark the debut of the sevens variant of the sport.

Top players from the bigger format have opted to try their hand at sevens in a bid for Olympic glory, including New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams, a double World Cup winner who has been named in the Kiwi squad.

American wing Carlin Isles, described as the fastest man in rugby, will be another to watch while his compatriot Nate Ebner will be involved after taking a temporary break from NFL side New England Patriots.

Sevens' most prolific try scorer Collins Injera of Kenya and Argentina's Rugby World Cup star Juan Imhoff will also be involved in Brazil.

In women's competition, Australia's Ellia Green, New Zealand's all-time leading try scorer Portia Woodman and Canada captain Jen Kish will be among the stars.

American Jillion Potter, meanwhile, makes the Games after an inspirational story which has seen her battle both cancer and a broken neck.

Beaumont said: "Confirmation of the squads for the 12 men's and 12 women's teams represents another significant milestone for rugby sevens on the road to Rio 2016.

"With less than three weeks to go we are well and truly on the home straight and anticipating spectacular and successful rugby sevens competitions at Rio 2016.”

Competition in Rio will take place over six days at the Deodoro Stadium.

Sevens was added to the Olympic programme, alongside golf, at the International Olympic Committee Session in Copenhagen in 2009.