Spain claim Rio Rugby sevens berth

By Shamseer Jaleel

Spain claimed the last spot for Rio Rugby Sevens (men’s) in August 2016 when they edged out the much fancied Samoa in the Cup final 22/19. At the short breather Samoa led 14/12. 

Sri Lanka ended as the 14th best team out of the 16 teams battling it out in Monaco last weekend. Samoa were disappointed but ended as the second best team winning the Silver and Russia claiming the Bronze. The Women’s sevens last berth will be booked this weekend when the 16 teams battle it out in Dublin over the weekend. 

Asian team Hong Kong (6th) ended the tournament on a high note claiming number 6 after losing out a tough Canadian outfit by one converted try. Korea ended one spot above Sri Lanka at number 13. With this exposure Sri Lankan outfit will be looking forward to use the experience to the best use at the Asian Sevens series 2016 which will kick-off in Hong Kong early September and move on to Korea and the last leg in Sri Lanka. 

President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) Asanga Seneviratne speaking to Daily FT said: “We have performed reasonably well in this tournament within a short span of time for training. Our season end in March. With the break for April holidays, it gives us only one month for this tournament. On the second day our guys performed well, almost winning all three encounters. We need to have two separate squads for sevens and fifteens.” He added: We wanted to play a sevens event overseas before tour but unfortunately all teams were involved with the World sevens series and did not find a good tournament for our players to attend. We will focus on sevens from junior level onwards, giving exposure for school boys starting at Under 16, Under 18 levels with some overseas tours. We will tour for the Youth Asian sevens in Malaysia and Hong Kong later next month at Under 20 level. We need lot of funds and expect some sponsors to come forward to prop up with us in order to take Sri Lankan sevens rugby to the next level.”