Rugby finally returned to the Olympics in a seven-a-side format for both men and women in the 2016 Rio Games, where the aggressive and energetic sport captivated fans from around the world.

A century ago, rugby featured 15 players and only men participated in the physical-contact sport. The version at the 2021 Olympics, by contrast, is a faster-paced seven-a-side game.

USA’s Lauren Doyle (6) and teammates take the pitch to face Japan in a pool play rugby match, July 29, 2021, at the Budokan during the Tokyo Olympics. The USA defeated Japan 17-7. USA’s Kayla ...

Alev Kelter is a two-time member of the U.S. women’s rugby team. She was the team’s top scorer at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where Team USA finished fifth.

UPDATED: July 30, 2021 at 3:49 PM CDT Anchored by Eastern Illinois graduate Lauren Doyle, the U.S. women’s rugby team lost in the quarterfinals Friday and have been eliminated from medal contention.

After never finishing an Olympic rugby competition better than fifth, the U.S. women are taking home a bronze medal after a thrilling 14-12 comeback victory against Australia on Tuesday.

THE Women’s Rugby World Cup is set to take England by storm this summer! The tournament will see the Red Roses hosts look to ...

Rugby finally returned to the Olympics in a seven-a-side format for both men and women in the 2016 Rio Games, where the aggressive and energetic sport captivated fans from around the world.

Rugby finally returned to the Olympics in a seven-a-side format for both men and women in the 2016 Rio Games, where the aggressive and energetic sport captivated fans from around the world. Here’s ...

Rugby finally returned to the Olympics in a seven-a-side format for both men and women in the 2016 Rio Games, where the aggressive and energetic sport captivated fans from around the world.