Britain seal men's and women's sevens spots for Tokyo Olympics

Mon, Jul 15, 2019, 3:30 AM
AFP
by AFP
England qualify for the Tokyo Olympics after winning the European leg of the women's qualifying series in Kazan. Photo: AFP
England qualify for the Tokyo Olympics after winning the European leg of the women's qualifying series in Kazan. Photo: AFP

Britain has qualified men's and women's teams for the Tokyo Olympics sevens competition after winning European qualifying tournaments at the weekend.

The men beat hosts France in the final in Colomiers and their female counterparts overcame home team Russia in Kazan earlier in the day in two qualifying competitions for European nations.

England represented Team GB in Olympic qualifying for the event as they did four years ago in reaching rugby sevens' first appearance at the Games.

Japan have automatically qualified for both competitions for their home Olympics.

 England's Megan Jones holds off Russia's Daria Shestakova in their clash at the European Olympic qualifying tournament. Photo: AFP

Reigning champions Fiji, the US, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and Canada have already guaranteed their spots among the 12 teams for the men's events.

Rio winners Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, and Brazil have qualified for the women's tournament.

The winners from qualifying competitions in Oceania, Africa and Asia will also feature in Japan.

The two runners-up from all the tournaments will play in two 12-team competitions for both men's and women's sides next June for the final places in Tokyo.

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