Monaco Rugby Sevens, the champions of France, have added a first European title to their trophy cabinet with victory in Prague over the weekend.

Jérémy Aicardi led his side, who hadn’t competed as a team since being crowned French champions in Paris back in November, to success in the Czechian capital.

176 points scored in one day

Les Monégasques, even in the absence of captain Johan Demai-Hamecher, were imperious throughout the tournament, blowing aside each opponent as they came. Monaco scored 176 points on the first day of competition across three matches (53-0, 50-5, 73-0).

On the second day of competition, a 52-5 victory against Czech Development was followed up by a 47-7 victory against NZ Ambassadors XV. By the final, it was clear that Aicardi’s side were unparalleled in the tournament, and so it proved as Monaco beat Italian champions Nati Scombinati (22-7) to lift the Prague Rugby Sevens trophy and take home a cheque of €3,000.

A Monegasque in the lineup

The dominance displayed by Monaco was even more impressive given the absence of stars, as well as the integration of new players. Monegasque Ian-Sören Cabioch was rewarded for his form during the Games of the Small States of Europe with a call-up, as well as his victory with the Monaco Impis during the Melrose Sevens tournament earlier this year.

Attention now turns towards retaining their French crown. Monaco will soon begin preparing for the next edition of the In Extenso Rugby Sevens, which begins in Clermont-Ferrand on 15th September before stages in Lyon (22nd September) and Pau (29th September).

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Photo source: Monaco Rugby Sevens