The Rugby 7s Olympic qualification stages played out in Monaco over the weekend. The three days of matches saw some two dozen teams from around the world battle it out for the final two spots at the upcoming Paris Games.  

Between 21st and 23rd June, the Stade Louis II hosted 24 teams, 12 men’s and 12 women’s, from across the globe. The men’s tournament was ultimately won by the South African Blitzbocks, who defeated Great Britain in the final, while the women’s team from China achieved victory and will now feature at the Olympics.  

Prince Albert II of Monaco was among the crowd who turned out to watch the tournament, and both of the winning teams were later congratulated by the Prince and Gareth Wittstock, the brother of Princess Charlene.  

“I have always admired the sport of rugby. I am very pleased to be here today and witness all these teams put in their best effort,” shared the Prince in an interview ahead of the final games. 

In the women’s tournament, China beat Kenya 24-7 in the final, securing their second consecutive appearance in the Olympics’ Rugby 7s discipline. 

Chen Keyi, who scored twice for her team, couldn’t contain her joy and anticipation, saying, “We are feeling really good. We are so excited to go to Paris!”

South Africa’s men’s team, the Blitzboks, also cemented their Olympic bid by defeating Great Britain 14-5, much to the delight of the numerous South African fans present in the stadium.  

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Photo credit: World Rugby Sevens