Rugby 7s proved once again in 2011 why it is one of the most exciting games in the world. The sport is evolving rapidly. Sevens tournaments are becoming more competitive and more fun to watch. And I'm just referring to the fans. This sport is like a runaway train. Don't bother trying to get out of the way... just get on board.

No rugby team was under more pressure in 2011, or maybe ever, and still the All Blacks were far and away the best squad to take the pitch this year. For that, they are Universal Sports' Team of the Year.

‘Tis the season for Year End Lists and far be it from me to violate a long-established literary tradition like that.

There have been some unforgettable moments in the last few decades of the modern 7s game. True fans of the fastest sport on two feet will remember the first 7s World Cup in 1993 where England, led by the brilliant running of Andrew Harriman and bruising hits of future England captain Lawrence Dallaglio, held off a late charge by Australia to win the first title.

You've got only a few days left to get a gift for the serious amateur athlete on your list. Here are a few ideas; you can thank me later:

The winners of the debut Women's National College 7s Championship this weekend at Texas A&M say they were inspired by an animated movie about a boy who befriends a flying lizard because he wasn't Viking enough to kill it.

As teams in the HSBC 7s World Series head into the holiday break, the tour's leaders will be figuring out how to develop a competitive edge for their February return, while the bottom of the event's 12 core squads continue to search for ways to push toward the top.

Time for another edition of Ask Mr. Rugby Answer Guy! Dear Mr. RAG, Are you allowed to tackle another rugby player by the hair? I've read the law book and there is nothing specific about it. What would the penalty be?

The HSBC 7s World Series is starting to heat up. If the first two weeks are an indicator, this year's title chase will be the closest contest yet.

[PHOTO src="570278" size="mediumLandscape" align="right" ]RugbyBuzz Gift Guide, Item # 14
For those who actually read:
Sports psychologist Gary Mack wrote "Getting in the Zone," about how to put yourself into that space where, during the game, you can seemingly do no wrong. I was in it once, for about 30 seconds, and it was AWESOME.