IRELAND’S FLEDGLING SEVENS setup are one step away from Olympic qualification after a third place finish in today’s Rugby Europe Olympic repechage in Lisbon.
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The men’s team, containing many players who had not played Sevens rugby before entering the international setup this summer, went to Portugal this weekend knowing a top three finish was required to keep their Olympic dream on track.
And they delivered on the promise and progress they have shown in recent weeks with a 15 – 7 win over Georgia in today’s third place play-off.
Anthony Eddy’s men began the day in fine form, underlining their high seeding with a commanding 17 – 0 quarter-final win over Lithuania with Harry McNulty, Adam Byrne and Mark Roche crossing the try-line.
The final would prove out of reach however, as Russia prevailed 24 – 10 in the semis to leave Ireland with no margin for error. Thankfully, the young squad were able to regroup in time to see off Georgia and keep their feet on the road to Rio with tries from Ian Fitzpatrick, Harry McNulty, Terry Kennedy
To qualify for the Olympic Games, Ireland must now win the 12-team World Olympic repechage which takes place in June of next year.
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