Lagos – The World Rugby Federation, on Thursday announced that Monaco and Dublin would host the final rugby sevens qualifying tournaments for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
A statement released by Eoin McHugh, the tournament communications manager for World Rugby announced.
It said that Monaco would host the men’s tournament from June 18 to June 19, 2016 at the Stade Louis.
Dublin’s UCD Bowl would host the women’s repechage from June 25 to June 26.
“With 11 of the 12 teams confirmed for both events, the climax to the global qualification process will deliver the final men’s and women’s teams.
“The magnificent Stade Louis in Monaco will host the men’s tournament on June 18 to June 19, while Dublin’s UCD Bowl will host the women’s repechage, a week later on June 25 to June 26.
“A total of 16 men’s teams will compete in Monaco for the one remaining place for Rio 2016 from Aug. 9 to Aug. 11,’’ it said.
It listed the countries as: Uruguay, Chile, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Russia, Germany, Ireland, Hong Kong, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Samoa, Zimbabwe, Morocco and Tunisia.
It said that the winner would join Fiji, South Africa, New Zealand, Great Britain, Argentina, USA, France, Japan, Australia, Kenya and hosts, Brazil at Rio 2016.
“Mirroring the men’s process, 16 women’s teams will be in action in Dublin, having secured a place via the regional qualification process.
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They are Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Russia, Spain, Ireland, Portugal, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Samoa, Cook Islands, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong and China.
It added that the winners would also join New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Great Britain, Colombia, U.S., France, Fiji, Japan and hosts, Brazil at Rio 2016.
“Monaco will follow the completion of expanded men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, which kicked off in Dubai last weekend.
“And will see the world’s finest players compete across 10 series events in iconic, global destinations,’’ it also quoted Bernard Lapasset, the World Rugby Chairman as saying.
“These are exciting times for rugby worldwide and after a record-breaking Rugby World Cup 2015.
“Rugby sevens takes centre stage within its biggest and best year, culminating in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
“We are delighted that Monaco will host some of the world’s finest men’s teams as they compete to claim a coveted final Olympic qualification place.
“I will like to thank Prince Albert of Monaco for his enthusiasm and determination to bring rugby sevens to an iconic stadium in a sporting city.
“And we look forward to showcasing rugby sevens at its entertaining best.
“There is a real excitement around Ireland hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017 and, following on from August’s terrific qualifying tournament for the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Series’’.
It adds: “the UCD Bowl in Dublin has proved to be an excellent venue where fans will be treated to some top class women’s sevens next June, as teams battle it out for the final place at Rio 2016.
“These final repechage tournaments are the culmination of a long process that gives all our member unions the opportunity to participate and qualify for the Olympic Games.
“This pathway reflects the universality and global nature of our sport’’.
David Nucifora, Director of Irish Rugby Football Union High Performance said: “having successfully hosted the recent World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series qualifying tournament in August.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to bring world-class sevens back to Ireland and UCD. This gives us another great opportunity to showcase women’s sevens in Ireland.
“And with a place in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio up for grabs, it is an extremely important tournament for all the teams involved,’’ it read. (NAN)
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