The game they play in heaven will once again be part of the biggest sporting event in the world, as Rugby Sevens joins the Rio 2016 Olympic program.

The seven-a-side game, which was conceived in the 1800s, has in recent years gained a huge international following, both for its fast-paced action and carnival atmosphere.

The sport’s first Olympic hit-out will take place next January when teams from eight nations head to Sydney to contest the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF).

The AYOF, which incorporates 17 sports and nearly 1700 athletes, will give young Rugby Sevens athletes a chance to compete in an Olympic-style event which includes the Rugby tournament as well as an Opening Ceremony, media commitments, drug testing and education and Village accommodation.

Off the back of the National Schools Rugby Sevens tournament on the Gold Coast, an Australian men’s and women’s team were selected to compete at the AYOF.

The two teams each feature 12 young players who will join the road to Rio and begin nipping at the heels of some of their senior idols.

“Since Rugby Sevens was announced as an Olympic sport, we have seen an amazing shift in the game both in Australia and internationally,” Rebecca Tavo, captain of the Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens side said.

“The standard of players has increased so much and these young girls that are coming through are fantastic. They’ve come from league and touch and they are all fit and fast.

“I was watching them play up at the Gold Coast and they are excited, they’re buzzing about the Youth Olympics and the prospect of Rio.”

Tavo, alongside Australian Men’s Sevens captain Ed Jenkins, will be an athlete ambassador for the AYOF and will mentor and encourage the young players whilst keeping an eye on their form.

“I won’t be surprised if some of these athletes are in our squad in a matter of months,” Tavo said.

“They could be looking at the World Cup which is at the end of June in Russia next year. I want Australia to win and if these girls can be the best, I want them in the side.”

Rugby Sevens will be played at St Ignatius School in Lane Cove from Friday 18 – Saturday 19 January. The competition will feature teams from China, Great Britain, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, South Africa and Tonga.

The Australian rugby 7s teams for the 2013 Australian Youth Olympic Festival:

MEN
Ericson Aukafolau (NSW)
Arthur Currie (NSW)
Adrian Delore (NSW)
Lolo Fakaosilea (QLD)
Guy Hamilton (QLD)
Andrew Kellaway (NSW)
Jack McCalman (NSW)
Tepai Meoroa (NSW)
Patolo Toeta (VIC)
Jack Tuttle (QLD)
Bill Valetini (VIC)
Brad Wilkin (QLD)

WOMEN
Brooke Anderson (NSW)
Charlotte Caslick (QLD)
Georgie Friedrichs (QLD)
Eva Karpani (SA)
Rebeka Lally (NSW)
Natahlia Moors (NSW)
Evania Pelite (QLD)
Tiana Penitani (NSW)
Danielle Smith (NT)
Leticia Stowers (QLD)
Emma Tonegato (NSW)
Brooke Walker (QLD)