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Latest News
Andy Vilk, head coach of Italy men's sevens
4 min read

RWC Sevens 2022 qualifying

Italy men’s sevens team seeks return to the big stage

The European men's qualification tournament for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 is on the horizon with the prize of four tickets to Cape Town, South Africa at stake in July.

RWC Sevens 2022 qualifying

Thu 19 May, 2022
4 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Black Ferns Sevens renew riveting rivalry with Australia on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia wrapped up the 2022 Series title in Langford, but the Black Ferns Sevens left Canada with plenty to celebrate as they begin a busy period.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 3 May, 2022
4 min read
Madagascar Women's Sevens
3 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: Madagascar latest team to book ticket to Cape Town

Following another intense weekend of qualifying action we now know the identity of 12 women's and 20 men's teams who will compete at RWC Sevens 2022.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Mon 2 May, 2022
3 min read
HSBC Spain Sevens Seville 2022 - Women's
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe keen to drive Ireland onto Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

We spoke to the prolific Ireland star about backing up the team’s success in Seville and plotting their path to Cape Town in September.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 26 April, 2022
4 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
5 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Everything you need to know about Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Your guide to RWC Sevens 2022, which will take place in Cape Town between 9-11 September this year.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Fri 8 April, 2022
5 min read
2018 Highlights
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
08:29 mins

Highlights: New Zealand win big in San Francisco

New Zealand retained their Rugby World Cup Sevens title in San Francisco
Mon 23 July, 2018
08:29 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
07:03 mins

Highlights: New Zealand women's win Rugby World Cup Sevens

Check out all the top action as New Zealand win The Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco
Sun 22 July, 2018
07:03 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
06:30 mins

HIGHLIGHTS: Men's semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day two

Men's semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day two of action at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 #RWC7s
Sun 22 July, 2018
06:30 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day One
06:51 mins

Highlights: Men's quarter-finals decided

Men's quarter-finals of Rugby World Cup Sevens decided after incredible first day at AT&T Park
Sat 21 July, 2018
06:51 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
06:26 mins

Highlights: Women's semi-finals confirmed at Rugby World Cup Sevens

Championship semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day one of action
Sat 21 July, 2018
06:26 mins
Olympics
Tuesday 20 July, 2021
2 min read

Olympics star Lauren Doyle helps to put USA rugby on the map

Rugby has even reached deepest Illinois, thanks to the exploits of the US Women’s Sevens Eagles star.
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As you approach Boody, Illinois, there is nothing remarkable about the place but it could soon be 'home' to an Olympic champion. 

On the one road in and the one road out, as you pass on through to Decatur to the north or St Louis to the south, a huge water tower, with the name of the town daubed across the top of it in giant yellow letters, dominates the skyline.

But there is also one other thing to distinguish Boody from all the other drive-through places on Illinois Route 48 – a road sign dedicated to its most famous former citizen, USA pro rugby player Lauren Doyle.

It was erected in her honour after she brought home a silver medal from the Pan-AM Games in 2015, so goodness knows what the reaction will be if the Women’s Sevens Eagles do well and medal at the Olympics in Tokyo.

First-time Olympian @ilona_maher with an update on Day Two in #Mimasaka. #Tokyo2020 | @TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/fVM7xgkewn

— USA Rugby (@USARugby) July 17, 2021

At the last count, Boody had a population of just 363, and every one of them, including Doyle’s parents and wider family, will no doubt be glued to the TV at home (there are no bars in the town) to watch her in action.

“I haven’t been home in quite a long time but I’ve done a few interviews and there have been a lot of good luck texts and Facebook messages. That side of things has definitely ramped up since the squad was named,” she said from the team’s training base in Mimasaka.

Doyle, aged 30, took up rugby at East Illinois University after becoming “burnt out” by track and field and is now one of the most experienced USA players on the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, with 66 tries from 148 matches.

Sports fans in Boody either support the Chicago Bulls in Basketball or the Chicago Cubs or the St Louis Cardinals in Baseball, depending on family allegiances.

But if the USA can deliver in Tokyo, they will have a new team and a new sport to get behind.

“Nobody in Boody had probably ever heard of rugby before (Doyle took it up) and everybody that watches (the Olympics) will probably not have any idea what’s happening. But that’s okay because if we get on the podium or win gold, that will definitely help rugby become a sport in the US that flourishes, I think,” she said.

The USA are in Pool C in Tokyo with reigning Olympic champions Australia, hosts Japan and China.

“We are going to treat every team with the utmost respect and take it one game at a time and try our hardest,” said Doyle.

“Fifth place didn’t really reflect how well we competed against some of the top teams in Rio in 2016, and it was a tough one to take.

“It just didn’t go our way that time but, hopefully, this time around we’ll make a statement.”

If the Women’s Sevens Eagles make the right statement and medal, Boody will need a new sign, to replace Pan-Am Games with the words Olympic Games next to Doyle’s name.

“If they want to update it, I’d be happy with that. It would be pretty cool!” she said.

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Trending News Show all
HSBC Canada Sevens 2022
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Marcos Moneta on his rapid rise and historic sevens season for Argentina

The Los Pumas Sevens speedster has had a year to remember by scooping up individual and team accolades, and he tells World Rugby about the journey so far and how football influenced his playing style.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Thu 26 May, 2022
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A huge crowd will welcome all 16 core teams for the penultimate round of the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series at Twickenham Stadium on 28-29 May with all to play for in the race for the 2022 Series title

Rugby sevens

Wed 25 May, 2022
3 min read
Alex Davis England Sevens
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HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – London

England sevens skipper Davis: “Let’s embrace and enjoy playing at home”

Ahead of this weekend’s action in Twickenham, captain Alex Davis reveals what it’s like to step out in front of a home crowd in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – London

Tue 24 May, 2022
3 min read
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HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Toulouse

Fiji and New Zealand the winners after a brilliant HSBC France Sevens

Ireland reach their first ever men’s final as the women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series comes to an end for 2022 with Australia worthy winners following an outstanding season. Argentina hold a two-point lead over South Africa in the men's Series standings

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Toulouse

Sun 22 May, 2022
7 min read
HSBC France Sevens 2022 Men's
8 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Toulouse

Big names fall on dramatic day of upsets at HSBC France Sevens in Toulouse

Argentina and Australia were knocked out in the men’s quarter-finals, while Series leaders South Africa and heavyweights New Zealand failed to even make the knockout stages. Australia and New Zealand’s women impressed, while Fiji reached the final four in both events.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Toulouse

Sat 21 May, 2022
8 min read
HSBC France Sevens 2022 Men's
6 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series - Toulouse

Men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series favourites suffer shock defeats on opening day in Toulouse as women’s champions Australia continue fine form

South Africa, Australia and Argentina were all beaten on the opening day of the HSBC France Sevens men’s event, while New Zealand and Australia caught the eye with some big wins in the women’s competition

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series - Toulouse

Fri 20 May, 2022
6 min read
Rikki Swannell becomes first females to commentate on men's series
5 min read

Feature

Behind the microphone: Groundbreaker Rikki Swannell

World Rugby talks to the New Zealander about becoming the first female lead commentator on the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and her life in sports broadcasting.

Feature

Fri 20 May, 2022
5 min read
Andy Vilk, head coach of Italy men's sevens
4 min read

RWC Sevens 2022 qualifying

Italy men’s sevens team seeks return to the big stage

The European men's qualification tournament for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 is on the horizon with the prize of four tickets to Cape Town, South Africa at stake in July.

RWC Sevens 2022 qualifying

Thu 19 May, 2022
4 min read
Serevi Coaching Roadshow - HSBC Event
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Fiji are in Toulouse to win: “There is still room for improvement,” says Gollings

Gold and silver medals in their last two HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series outings have Fiji feeling good ahead of French tournament

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Thu 19 May, 2022
3 min read
HSBC France Sevens 2022
4 min read

Rugby Sevens

Captains ready for lift off at HSBC France Sevens

Toulouse welcomes a full line-up of 16 men’s and 12 women’s teams for the first time in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series on 20-22 May

Rugby Sevens

Wed 18 May, 2022
4 min read
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