Rugby Sevens has more and more global followers - fans through the turnstiles and watching on TV around the world - but what is it that makes it such a difficult sport to ignore? TV commentator Nigel Starmer-Smith gives seven good reasons.

1. Chasing Gold

The IOC Session, Copenhagen, 9th October 2009 was a huge - arguably the biggest - day in rugby's history. Only time will tell on that one, but there really is no way around the fact that Sevens becoming an Olympic sport from the 2016 summer games in Rio is life-changing. It's already affected change in many of the countries competing at the top level and also way down the pecking order. More countries believe they can compete in Sevens, following the example of the likes of Kenya, Portugal, Canada and USA, and with National Olympic Committee funding due to enter the fray in a big way we're all going to have to hold onto our hats because this sport could really take off over the next four years. And that includes, perhaps even more so, the women's game, which really is set to benefit from the Olympic umbrella. China's women for a 'soft' gold in 2016? Don't bet against it..

2. Non-stop action

I've seen and commentated on a fair few test matches in my time that have been almost immediately forgettable. That's just part and parcel of the 15-man game, but I don't think the same can be said for Sevens. Yes, you may get the odd match that doesn't really spark, but it's over in 14 minutes and you're on to the next 'mini test'. Sixteen nations, sometimes 24, a try on average every 75 seconds, arguably the fittest and quickest players in the world who are supreme athletes, designed and honed for purpose and ready and willing to thrill the crowds.

3. The Fans

And more on those crowds - they seldom disappoint on the HSBC Sevens World Series. Often spurred on by the beautiful weather, they turn up dressed as smurfs, avatars, borats, biggles, you name it... Often the flair off the pitch comes pretty close to matching it on the pitch. They sing, they dance, they cheer, they party and I must say that they probably played a huge part in the IOC's decision to add Sevens to the programme. Imagine Sevens fans and Rio combined...

4. The competitive edge

I've already alluded to it, but it's worth reiterating - there really is no easy game anymore in Sevens. Sure, you may still get the odd 50-pointer where a well-oiled Series regular comes up against a genuine minnow who are thrilled simply to be there. But in the main New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens has to think long and hard these days before fielding anything like a second string against the likes of Russia, Canada, Portugal and USA, not to mention the likes of Argentina, Samoa and Fiji who are already well established Cup champions and even World Series winners in Sevens. Plus, physically, it is far easier for many countries out there to compete in Sevens now. Although the shorter game is becoming increasingly physical, it's still easier to pick up and excel in than 15s. The challenge comes from all sides.

5. Easy to follow

I often think sitting at home watching a test match or a domestic 15-a-side game that for a non-rugby follower it must be difficult to follow and pick up. The tackle area, the scrum, the breakdown, the difference between a free-kick and a penalty: all these things are so much more transparent in Sevens and that really matters when you're taking Rugby as a whole to brand new markets, which the World Series does. North Americans have a famously short attention span when it comes to their sport and Sevens really fits the bill as we'll see here this weekend.

6. Those kits!

Aren't they marvellous! I must say when I first saw England turn out in their now famous 'tangerine dream' outfit, I thought there had been some kind of mistake! Even the players didn't like it. But over the course of time these brighter strips have become synonymous with Sevens. South Africa's is different, Australia's lime green also. I'm all for it.

7. Global hot spots

Last, but certainly not least, the Sevens is all about global 'Destinations'. And I'm certainly not complaining! Hong Kong, Dubai, Las Vegas, Wellington, the Gold Coast, Tokyo, London - these are all fantastic places for the players to visit and we all get the benefit. 'Iconic' is a much and often mis-used word, but it does quite aptly describe many of the venues that the Sevens travels to.

Highlights : Wellington finals day