Rio Delights in Promotional Countdown to Olympic Rugby 7s

Lots of good rugby during the Holidays this year but a particularly exciting story was a rugby exhibition beach tournament help in Rio! This event was the launch of rugby’s promotional campaign for the 2016 Olympics.

Played at the world famous Ipanema Beach, four men’s – Argentina, Brazil, Italy and a Barbarian-type invitational – and two women’s – Brazil and Argentina – international teams attracted a crowd well up over 1,500.

In the men’s division, Argentina were severely tested but went unbeaten on the day. In the final the hosts, Brazi held Argentina to the closet score of the day 7-8.

In the women’s division, two games were organized and Brazil won both. The Argentine girls’ tough defense ensured both wins were hard-fought but overall the home favorites scored 14 tries to the visitors’ 8.

Rio 2016 Sports Director Rodrigo García was on hand with members of his staff to further acquaint himself with the spirit of rugby. “For the city it is really important; a first opportunity here in Rio, at Ipanema, a very famous beach, to take rugby to the people,” he said.

Men’s Tournament

Argentina 6 – Italy 4
Brazil 11 – Río Barbarians 4
Brazil 6 – Italy 7
Argentina 11 – Rio Barbarians 3
Italy 10 – Rio Barbarians 0
Argentina 8 – Brazil 7

Women’s Tournament

Brazil 6 – Argentina 3
Brasil 8 – Argentina 5