The inclusion of Sevens at the 2016 Olympic Games will act as a "calling card" to grow all forms of the game on a global level, the sport's governing body said Wednesday.

The abbreviated form of Rugby Union, a high-octane game featuring seven-a-side teams competing in pool action before progressing to a knock-out stage, was accepted by the International Olympic Committee for the Rio Games.

Vasco da Gama's soccer stadium will be the Rugby Sevens venue for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, it was announced on Wednesday.

The Brazilian Olympic Committee has revealed that Sao Januario Stadium will be renovated to accommodate the Sevens, which as we all know returns to the Games for the first time since 1924.

It is official, the closest thing to the Olympics in terms of it being a ginormous multi-sport event - the Commonwealth in New Delhi Oct 3-14 have announced their rugby lineup. Sixteen countries will participate in the Rugby Sevens tournament.

Samoa, who secured their first International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series crown last week, reigning Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens champions New Zealand, hosts India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Uganda, England, Scotland, Wales, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga , Canada and Guyana will participate in the tournament from Oct 11-12.