THE IRELAND WOMEN’S Sevens side won their second plate title in as many weeks as they defeated Netherlands in this afternoon’s final.
After securing qualification from the group stages of the Rugby Europe Women’s Grand Prix Series tournament in Malemort yesterday, Ireland were overpowered by France in Sunday morning’s quarter-final.
A 34-0 defeat meant Anthony Eddy’s side dropped into the plate competition and a narrow win over Ukraine in the semi-final set-up another decider with Netherlands.
Just like they did in Russia last week, Ireland had enough in the tank to eventually prevail 19-5 to finish fifth overall.
Ireland will next month compete at the European Olympic Repechage qualifier in Lisbon as the Road to Rio continues.
The Men’s side, meanwhile, will face Serbia in the Rugby Europe Division B final later this evening.
After scoring 27 unanswered tries on Saturday, Ireland continued their ruthless form with a 76-0 win over Malta in the quarter-final and then an equally convincing 59-0 victory over Slovenia in the last four.
The winner of this tournament earns a place Rugby Europe Olympic Repechage tournament and if Ireland can win that event, they will then have the opportunity to compete in the World Olympic Repechage next year with the final spot for Rio 2016 up for grabs.
Well done Ireland Sevens team, both Woman and Men.
Apart from trying to make the Olympics, what do the Women’s side have to do in order to gain entry into the World Series?
Get better
Great stuff!
It does not sit well with me that Ireland are basically certain not qualify for the mens 7s tournament and are unlikely to qualify for the women equivalent at the olympics. I would argue that Ireland is one of only 6 countries care about this sport (Britain competes as one team remember) and we are odds on not to have either team at the games. The IRFU failed big time here.
I agree. They have left it too late and now have a uphill battle to get to Rio. Ya never know thou. Better late than never!