The International Olympic Committee overwhelmingly voted to reinstate Rugby as an Olympic sport today. The game, last played at the games in 1924, was reinstated alongside golf for the 2016 and 2020 games. 

Each sport received a majority of support in separate votes after leading athletes and officials from both sport gave presentations, including a taped video message from Tiger Woods and other top pros in the game. Woods has indicated he would play in the Olympics if golf were accepted for 2016.

"There are millions of young golfers worldwide who would be proud to represent their country," Woods said from the Presidents Cup in San Francisco. "It would be an honor for anyone who plays this game to become an Olympian."

Rugby was voted in 81-8 with one abstention, a decision that will undoubtedly ramp up excitement for the summer games. The United States won the last rugby gold medal at the 1924 Paris Games, beating France 17-3 in a final game that spawned intense fighting in the stands and police protection for the Americans as they left the field under threats of extreme violence.

"The sevens format is made for television, made for sponsors, and most importantly loved for fans and players alike," said bid leader Mike Miller, the secretary-general of the International Rugby Board. "Rugby and Rio were made for each other. A great atmosphere, great sport and a good time. And I think that's what the Olympic Games are going to be all about."

Rugby and golf both made their Olympic debuts at the second modern Olympic games in Paris in 1900. Golf was included again only at the 1904 St. Louis Games, and 15-a-side rugby variation was featured three more times before being excluded.

"This is an important day in Welsh rugby history and certainly delivers a major boost to our Rugby Sevens ambitions," said Joe Lydon, Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) head of performance and development.

"The exposure rugby sevens will get from inclusion in the Olympics will draw many new people into the sport and that has clear benefits for the whole of Welsh rugby."

Rugby sevens is played on a standard sized rugby field of about 110 meters by 70 meters. The Olympic format will be a four-day tournament involving 12 men's and 12 women's teams. Each country will bring 12 players to the games.