BlitzBoks drawn in tricky Pool for Rio
Favourites Fiji have been drawn in Pool A with defending Olympic champions USA, as well as South American rivals Argentina and Brazil.
Pool B is another tough group, which includes South Africa, Australia, France and Spain, while it doesn't get any less competitive in Pool C as New Zealand will play Great Britain, Kenya and Japan.
In both competitions, the top two teams from each pool, plus the two best third-placed sides, progress to the quarterfinals.
Speaking at the draw, World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Today’s announcement represents another exciting milestone on rugby Sevens' road to Rio 2016. Confirmation of the pools bring the competitions to life and add a further injection of excitement for teams and fans alike.
"We were determined to return rugby to the Olympic Games because we knew inclusion would be game-changing for our sport. We knew it would open the door to reach and inspire new participants and fans worldwide and enable our top men's and women's players to realise their dreams of becoming Olympians, competing alongside the greatest athletes in the world. That dream is now very much a reality and we are excited and honoured to be back on sport’s greatest stage."
Incoming Chairman Bill Beaumont, who begins his mandate on July 1, said: "I anticipate that it will be one of the highlights of Rio 2016 as we showcase this great sport to a new audience of hundreds of millions around the world and inspire the next generation to get into rugby. It’s an exciting time to be involved in rugby and I know that all our member unions are ready to make the most of this opportunity as we continue to grow the game across the globe.
"As we rapidly approach one month to go, we are anticipating very special and successful rugby Sevens events that showcase the very best of our dynamic sport and its character-building values."
Men's Pools – August 9-11 (seeding in brackets):
Pool A: Fiji (one), USA (six), Argentina (seven), Brazil (12)
Pool B: South Africa (two), Australia (five), France (eight), Spain (11)
Pool C: New Zealand (three), Great Britain (four), Kenya (nine), Japan (10)
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