Revised Rugby Sevens Schedule for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games organising committee and the International Olympic Committee have announced the revised competition schedule for the Tokyo Olympic Games which were postponed by a year due to the COVID19 pandemic with the Opening Ceremony now set for 23 July 2021.

In a reverse from the previous edition in Rio, the men’s rugby sevens competition will take place first, running over three days from 26-28 July, with the women’s competition following on 29-31 July, which sees the gold medal match falling on ‘Super Saturday’ – traditionally a highlight of the games.

The organising committee has re-confirmed that there will be two sessions on each competition day. The morning sessions will kick-off at 09:00 JST and finish at 12:00 JST and the evening sessions will begin at 16:30 JST and end at either 19:00 or 19:30 JST. The medal matches will take place in the evening sessions.

As per the pre-postponement schedule, the times have been selected in the interests of player welfare to avoid the peak heat of Japanese summer time and maximise fan atmosphere and engagement.

The race to Tokyo Olympic qualification is almost complete with 21 of the 24 teams having already secured their tickets to Tokyo.

The remaining two women’s and one men’s places will be decided at an Olympic Repechage event prior to the qualification deadline.

The rugby sevens will take place at the Tokyo Stadium.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said, "The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is the pinnacle event for the world’s finest rugby sevens players and confirmation of the competition dates is an exciting boost to the rugby community ahead of what promises to be a special Games. Set against the backdrop of society’s emergence from the COVID19 pandemic, I am sure that Tokyo 2020 will be a a special celebration of sport and solidarity."

Rugby sevens was a highlight of a spectacular Rio 2016 Olympic Games on debut, with Australia’s women and Fiji’s men winning gold medals – the first Olympic rugby medals since 1924, and the first Olympic medal in Fiji’s history.

Rugby pictures: Pictures from 2019 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2018 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2017 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2016 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures of Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2015, Pictures of the Asia Rugby Sevens Olympic Games Qualifier in Hong Kong, Pictures of Singha Thailand Sevens 2015, Pictures from the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour in Hong Kong, Pictures of Hong Kong Sevens 2014, Pictures of Hong Kong Sevens 2013, Pictures of Chartis Cup 2012 and Pictures of Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2012.

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