Some of the world's greatest athletes can perform on a world stage! My support goes out to Team USA and my personal favorite rugger, my avatar and hero, South African centre Jean de Villiers!
They have approved seven a side rugby - which is a short but entertaining 14 minute ( 2 x 7 minute halves) version of the game, in which speed and fitness are more key than technical ability. The pacific island nationsare good at this version of rugby. It is fun to watch and should attract new people to the game. I played for a couple of years on the wing and at full back (which is nothing like a Football fullback!)
Oh God, it is a lot of running for players. It is something akin to six-man football, more and faster action. Wears you out mentally and physically very quickly.
As for how many teams can qualify for the olympics, I'll have to look that up.