Rugby Sevens Schedule Confirmed For Olympics

The match schedule for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Rugby Sevens competition has been confirmed by Tokyo 2020 and World Rugby with 19 days to go until kick-off.

Ireland, who are in Pool C, will kick off their challenge against South Africa at 11am (local time) on Monday, July 26.

The USA are next up later in the day, while their final pool game against Kenya is on Tuesday, July 27, before teams move into the play-off stages.

Men’s Tournament Schedule – click here

Women’s Tournament Schedule – click here

Players, teams and fans around the world can now finalise their preparations and look forward to six days of intense, action-packed competition at Tokyo Stadium, with matches played during two competition sessions per day.

The tournament will get off to a flying start with the highly-anticipated encounter between Rio 2016 Olympic champions Fiji and hosts Japan in the opening match of the men’s competition on July 26 at 9am local time.

Another highlight in the men’s schedule sees antipodean rivals New Zealand and Australia take to the pitch in the final match in Pool A on July 27.

The men’s competition will culminate with the gold medal match at 6pm local time on Wednesday, July 28.

The women’s competition gets underway on Thursday, July 29 when France face Fiji. The 10,000 fans permitted inside Tokyo Stadium will be looking forward to the fourth match of the day when Japan start their campaign against reigning Olympic champions Australia.

The women’s gold medal match will take place at 6pm local time on Saturday, July 31, as part of ‘Super Saturday’ – traditionally a highlight of the Games.

Speaking at yesterday’s squad announcement, Ireland captain Billy Dardis said:

Going to Tokyo, we – as a squad – are representing so much more than ourselves and our families, but Irish sport and Irish rugby on the biggest sporting stage.

“To lead this group out at the Olympics will be an extremely proud moment.”

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin commented: “With today’s confirmation of the match schedule, we move an important step closer to the highly anticipated kick-off for Olympic Rugby Sevens in Tokyo.

“Players and teams can now fine-tune their preparations for every match, while fans around the globe can mark their calendars and set their alarm clocks to cheer on their teams.

Rugby Sevens has captured the imaginations of millions of people around the world, attracting an estimated 30 million new fans on Olympic debut at Rio 2016.

“With just 19 days to go, we cannot wait for Rugby Sevens to once again step on to the Olympic stage and thrill global audiences with its fast-paced, highly skilful and action-packed style of sporting entertainment.”