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Latest News
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Three
1 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Island Tribe to keep fans protected as the sun shines on Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Island Tribe has been appointed as an Official Supplier of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 in Cape Town, as momentum continues towards the biggest showcase of the sevens game on the planet.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Thu 23 June, 2022
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World Rugby logo - one to use for generic releases
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RWC Sevens 2022

Match officials selected for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 in South Africa

World Rugby has announced the selection of match officials for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022, which takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 9-11 September.

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Fri 10 June, 2022
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Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: 100 days to go

As the countdown to RWC Sevens 2022 heads into the final 100 days, we give you the lowdown on the showpiece tournament to get you excited for kick-off in Cape Town.

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Wed 1 June, 2022
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Italy men’s sevens team seeks return to the big stage

The European men's qualification tournament for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 is on the horizon with the prize of four tickets to Cape Town, South Africa at stake in July.

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Thu 19 May, 2022
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Black Ferns Sevens renew riveting rivalry with Australia on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia wrapped up the 2022 Series title in Langford, but the Black Ferns Sevens left Canada with plenty to celebrate as they begin a busy period.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 3 May, 2022
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2018 Highlights
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
08:29 mins

Highlights: New Zealand win big in San Francisco

New Zealand retained their Rugby World Cup Sevens title in San Francisco
Mon 23 July, 2018
08:29 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
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Highlights: New Zealand women's win Rugby World Cup Sevens

Check out all the top action as New Zealand win The Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco
Sun 22 July, 2018
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Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
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HIGHLIGHTS: Men's semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day two

Men's semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day two of action at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 #RWC7s
Sun 22 July, 2018
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Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day One
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Highlights: Men's quarter-finals decided

Men's quarter-finals of Rugby World Cup Sevens decided after incredible first day at AT&T Park
Sat 21 July, 2018
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Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
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Highlights: Women's semi-finals confirmed at Rugby World Cup Sevens

Championship semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day one of action
Sat 21 July, 2018
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Olympic Repechage
Saturday 29 May, 2021
2 min read

Russia’s Elena Zdrokova: “Repechage defeat has made us stronger”

After the heartache of missing out on Rio 2016, Russia’s women will head to Monaco next month determined to win the World Rugby Sevens Repechage.
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Elena Zdrokova summed up the feeling within the Russia camp at the last Olympic Repechage tournament in Dublin when she said, “it felt like the world had collapsed”.

Russia breezed through to the final of the event to play an equally dominant Spain in a meeting of the top two sides.

But it was Las Leonas who came out on top, winning 19-12 to earn a place in the rugby sevens competition in Rio.

Then just a teenager, Zdrokova cartwheeled in celebration after Russia had beaten Ireland in the semi-finals but the Spain defeat left her on knees.

“I had just started playing for the national team and did not quite realise what had happened,” said Zdrokova, who finished the tournament as joint top try-scorer.

“We lost so many key players and, suddenly, we were unable to cope with the responsibility, psychologically.  

“There was complete devastation, as if the world had collapsed, but that defeat made us stronger.”

Team-mate Baizat Khamidova, who is also set to play in a second repechage tournament, echoed Zdrokova’s thoughts about the missed opportunity five years ago.

“That was tough and hurtful. It was one of the most painful losses for our team,” she concurred.

Hard at work! Our Women continue preparations for the @rugby_europe European Championship and the @Olympics qualifying tournament pic.twitter.com/GhbbHuWHd8

— Russian Rugby (@russiarugby) May 19, 2021

One last chance

Now Russia have the chance to make amends. On 19-20 June, they will be one of the 12 teams contesting the last two tickets to the Olympic Games in Tokyo at the World Rugby Sevens Repechage tournament in Monaco.

At 30 years of age, Khamidova recognises she may never get another opportunity to play at the Olympics and believes the team is better prepared to make it over the line.

“This is the most important tournament for me now. Maybe, I won’t get a chance like this ever again,” she said.

“Now we have good bench players, they will help us a lot, for sure. Also, we have got better with our ball control and understanding of the field.”

After three months without training because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia quickly made up for lost time under the watchful eye of new South African head coach Graham Bentz.

The team is also benefitting from a full-time video analyst and new medical facilities. And Khamidova feels they will be ready to hit the ground running once they take to the field in Monaco.

“We’ve had seven tours and a good training camp with the national team plus a really good and intense sevens Championship, here in Russia. Now everything is good, we’re getting ready.”

Russia have been drawn in the same pool as Argentina, Samoa and Mexico. At the Rio 2016 repechage, they beat Samoa 47-0 and then went on to beat Argentina, equally comfortably, 34-0, in the Cup quarter-finals.

Zdrokova insists, however, that there is no danger of complacency. “We will not underestimate any opponent during the tournament. Of course, every team will show a decent level of rugby, but we’re prepared for anything.”

Read more: Mexico’s sevens Serpents ready to grow in Monaco Olympic Repechage >>

 

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