Fijiana 7s coach, Saiasi Fuli, is set to announce his 15-member team for the Paris Olympics this week. The team is slated to leave for France on Monday, July 15. Fuli revealed that they would be at the HFC Bank stadium the following day.
The men’s sevens team, coached by Osea Kolisau, took off on Monday as well. The men’s competition will run from July 24-27, while the women’s tournament will take place from July 28-30. The mens’ gold medal match on the 27th will mark the awarding of the Games’ first team sport gold medal.
The women’s competition showcases three strong pools. In Pool A, reigning Olympic champions and SVNS League winners New Zealand compete against Fiji, Canada, and newly qualified China. Pool B features Rio 2016 Olympic and SVNS 2024 gold medalists Australia against Ireland, Great Britain, and first-time participants South Africa. As one of the three top-ranked teams, Pool C hosts France, silver medalists at Tokyo 2020, and will compete against the USA, Japan, and Brazil.
Men’s pools are similarly divided: Pool A comprises New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Japan; Pool B includes Argentina, Australia, Samoa, Kenya; and Pool C houses Fiji, France, USA, Uruguay.
Sir Bill Beaumont, World Rugby Chairman, anticipates a riveting tournament for rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the French capital. He notes that rugby sevens is a highly appealing sport that will captivate fans globally. He references the huge ticket demand, powerful rivalries, and high hopes of the strong French teams as markers of its popularity.
He reflects on the successful Rugby World Cup 2023 in Paris, expressing confidence that the Olympic Games will see a similar turnout of passionate fans. All the games will be held at the renovated Stade de France, which can hold up to 69,000 spectators.