Rugby returns to the Olympics at Rio 2016 after a 92-year hiatus -- but in the seven-a-side version instead of the 15-man code used in previous versions.
Rugby returns to the Olympics at Rio 2016 after a 92-year hiatus -- but in the seven-a-side version instead of the 15-man code used in previous versions.
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New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams, who gave his Rugby World Cup winner's medal to young fan Charlie Lines after October's final at Twickenham, is among a number of union stars hoping to go for sevens gold in Brazil.
New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams, who gave his Rugby World Cup winner's medal to young fan Charlie Lines after October's final at Twickenham, is among a number of union stars hoping to go for sevens gold in Brazil.
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All Blacks center Williams has never played sevens, but wants to join other illustrious sportsmen such as Usain Bolt to have tasted Olympic glory.
All Blacks center Williams has never played sevens, but wants to join other illustrious sportsmen such as Usain Bolt to have tasted Olympic glory.
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As a former New Zealand heavyweight boxing champion, Williams is also keen to emulate Muhammad Ali, who won light heavyweight gold in the 1960 Olympics in Rome as Cassius Clay.
As a former New Zealand heavyweight boxing champion, Williams is also keen to emulate Muhammad Ali, who won light heavyweight gold in the 1960 Olympics in Rome as Cassius Clay.
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Australian fly-half Quade Cooper could also follow his close friend and fellow part-time boxer Williams to Rio after securing a clause in his Toulon contract to play sevens.
Australian fly-half Quade Cooper could also follow his close friend and fellow part-time boxer Williams to Rio after securing a clause in his Toulon contract to play sevens.
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South Africa's record try-scorer Bryan Habana is another of rugby union's big names keen to play at the Olympics. He is one of several Springboks players included in a provisional squad for the 2015-16 World Series.
South Africa's record try-scorer Bryan Habana is another of rugby union's big names keen to play at the Olympics. He is one of several Springboks players included in a provisional squad for the 2015-16 World Series.
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The last time rugby was included at the Olympics was in 1924 in Paris. Here the U.S. (in white) takes on Devonport Services in a warmup game in April that year.
The last time rugby was included at the Olympics was in 1924 in Paris. Here the U.S. (in white) takes on Devonport Services in a warmup game in April that year.
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The U.S. beat France in the final to win gold in the Colombes Stadium -- the fourth time rugby had appeared at the Games since its debut in 1900.
The U.S. beat France in the final to win gold in the Colombes Stadium -- the fourth time rugby had appeared at the Games since its debut in 1900.
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