Monaco’s national rugby sevens team has secured a historic place at the 2027 European Games in Istanbul, marking the Principality’s first representation in a team sport at the competition.
The announcement was made by Princess Charlene, President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation, during the 2026-2027 season presentation on Wednesday 7 October. The Princess personally delivered the news to the team, confirming its qualification for the fourth edition of the European Games, which will take place from 16 to 27 June 2027.
The achievement follows an impressive season for Monaco, whose European Trophy Championship performance in June earned the team fourth place overall in Europe’s second division, placing Monaco among Europe’s top 16 rugby sevens nations and securing its qualification for Istanbul.
Monaco’s place at the Games was earned entirely on the pitch, without an invitation or special status, reflecting the team’s progress.
PRINCESS CHARLENE CELEBRATES MILESTONE
Princess Charlene praised the team’s determination and efforts that brought them to this moment. “For the first time in our history, our senior team has been selected to take part in the European Games next June in Istanbul,” she announced.
“This is not luck. It is the quiet accumulation of early mornings, hard training sessions and matches won by a single point. It is perseverance – the willingness to begin again, season after season, until the work finally speaks for itself.”
She also highlighted the significance of the achievement for a country of Monaco’s size, with the European Games bringing together over 7,000 athletes from nearly 50 countries. “That is what sport does: it gives a small country a very loud voice, and it shows the next generation what is possible when passion meets patience,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of Prince Albert II and herself, Princess Charlene expressed their pride in the players, coaches, families, and staff who dedicated themselves to getting to this point.
POTENTIAL PATHWAY TO LOS ANGELES 2028
The European Games also offer a possible pathway towards Olympic qualification in rugby sevens, giving Monaco another goal to pursue. With an already ambitious calendar ahead, Monaco will compete at home in the Games of the Small States of Europe in May, looking to defend its title before travelling to Istanbul in June.
For Princess Charlene, the achievement recognises the team’s progress and presents an opportunity to inspire younger generations. “Be proud of how far you have come. But above all, be proud of the story you will continue to write together,” she told the players.
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Photo credit: Michael Alesi – Palais Princier