World Rugby has given its approval for a new five-a-side version of the sport with an international tournament likely to be held in London this year.

British newspaper The Times reports, the world’s major rugby 7s nations including England, Australia, Wales, Fiji and France are potential participants.

Former Fiji 7s coach and Olympic gold medalist Ben Ryan has helped develop the new format.

The matches will last for ten minutes and are played indoors on artificial grass pitches.

The new format lays emphasis on quick gameplay and does not have a half-time break or change of ends, while action resumes from the defending team’s end after a try is scored.