The coach of the Fijiana 7s team, Saiasi Fuli, is set to announce his 15-player team for the upcoming Paris Olympics sometime this week. The team is scheduled to depart for France on Monday, July 15.
The men’s sevens competition is slated to take place from July 24 to July 27, with the women’s tournament following close behind, from July 28 to July 30. The men’s gold medal match, to be held on July 27, will mark the awarding of the first team sport gold medal of the Games.
In the women’s competition, reigning Olympic champions and SVNS League winners New Zealand will face challenges from Fiji, Canada, and China in Pool A. Pool B features a thrilling lineup as well – with Rio 2016 Olympic and SVNS 2024 gold medalists Australia facing Ireland, Great Britain, and newcomers South Africa. Pool C includes host nation France, who emerged with a silver medal from Tokyo 2020 and will face-off against the USA, Japan, and Brazil.
The men’s pools are as follows: Pool A hosts New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, and Japan; Pool B includes Argentina, Australia, Samoa, and Kenya; and Pool C comprises Fiji, France, USA, and Uruguay.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming tournament: “The rugby sevens Olympic pools promise to be an epic, coming-of-age tournament for our sport in the French capital,” he said. He also highlighted the potential of rugby sevens to grow the sport and emphasized its ability to excite and captivate fans worldwide. According to him, the Olympic Games in Paris will showcase an amazing rugby spectacle, with passionate and knowledgeable fans creating an electric atmosphere. All matches will be held at the refurbished, 69,000 seat Stade de France.