The Fijiana 7s team, overseen by coach Saiasi Fuli, is set to announce its 15-player roster for the Paris Olympics this week. The team will depart for France on Monday, July 15. The male counterpart, guided by coach Osea Kolisau, left for the competition on the previous Monday.
The schedule for the men’s sevens tournament is from July 24-27, with the victors of the gold medal match on July 27 marking the first team sport gold award of the games. Accredited by a fiercely competitive nature, the women’s games run from July 28-30.
The women’s competition line-up shows reigning Olympic champions and SVNS League victors New Zealand squaring off against Fiji, Canada, and newly accepted China in Pool A. Pool B showcases a captivating line-up with Rio 2016 Olympic and SVNS 2024 champions Australia competing against Ireland, Great Britain, and newcomer South Africa. Host nation France, who clinched the silver medal at Tokyo 2020, will be up against the USA, Japan and Brazil in Pool C.
Regarding the men’s pools: Pool A features New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Japan, Pool B has Argentina, Australia, Samoa, Kenya, and Pool C includes Fiji, France, the USA and Uruguay.
World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont, lauded the rugby sevens Olympic pools as a monumental event for the sport, especially in Paris. He praised rugby sevens for its growth and appeal, highlighting the anticipation for the Paris Games to kick off with this exciting sport. Sir Beaumont also expressed confidence in Paris hosting a spectacular rugby event, as demonstrated by the Rugby World Cup 2023.
The action will unfold at the redesigned Stade de France, which boasts a capacity of 69,000 seats.