Who kicks off after a score, and what are the kick-off rules?

In sevens, the team that scored kicks off. This is the opposite of fifteens. Under the World Rugby Laws of the Game 2026 sevens variations:

• The restart is a drop kick from on or behind the centre of the halfway line.
• It must be taken within 30 seconds of the conversion being taken or declined, or of a penalty goal or dropped goal being kicked. Sanction: free kick.
• The kicker's team-mates must be behind the ball. Sanction: free kick.
• The ball must reach the 10-metre line. Sanction: free kick.
• The ball must not go directly into touch. Sanction: free kick.
• If the ball goes into the opponents' in-goal without touching anyone, and they ground it or it goes dead or into touch-in-goal, the receiving team gets a free kick.

After an unsuccessful kick at goal goes dead through in-goal, the restart must be taken within 30 seconds.