Global Partners
Global Partners
label.rwc7s2022.logo-alt-text label.rwc7s2022.logo-alt-text label.rwc7s2022.logo-alt-text
Listen Live
  • Get Tickets
  • Teams & Qualifying
  • Video
  • News
  • Get Tickets
  • Teams & Qualifying
  • Video
  • News
  • Venue
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ Tickets
  • About RWC Sevens
  • Media
  • Contact Us
World Rugby
Website language
English
  • English
  • Français
  • Español
  • 日本語
Website language
English
  • English
  • Français
  • Español
  • 日本語
  • About RWC Sevens
  • Media
  • Contact Us
Latest News
Andy Vilk, head coach of Italy men's sevens
4 min read

RWC Sevens 2022 qualifying

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.

RWC Sevens 2022 qualifying

Thu 19 May, 2022
4 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

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
4 min read
Madagascar Women's Sevens
3 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: Madagascar latest team to book ticket to Cape Town

Following another intense weekend of qualifying action we now know the identity of 12 women's and 20 men's teams who will compete at RWC Sevens 2022.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Mon 2 May, 2022
3 min read
HSBC Spain Sevens Seville 2022 - Women's
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe keen to drive Ireland onto Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

We spoke to the prolific Ireland star about backing up the team’s success in Seville and plotting their path to Cape Town in September.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 26 April, 2022
4 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
5 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Everything you need to know about Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Your guide to RWC Sevens 2022, which will take place in Cape Town between 9-11 September this year.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Fri 8 April, 2022
5 min read
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
07:03 mins

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
07:03 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
06:30 mins

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
06:30 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day One
06:51 mins

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
06:51 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
06:26 mins

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
06:26 mins
Rugby World Cup 2021
Saturday 25 September, 2021
6 min read

Italy qualify for Rugby World Cup 2021 as Scotland keep their own dream alive

We recap the action from a breathless final day of the Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifier that saw Italy book their ticket to New Zealand next year and Scotland snatch a late victory to advance to the Final Qualification Tournament.
  • label.share.via_facebook_messenger
  • label.share.via_whatsapp
  • label.share.via_facebook
  • label.share.via_twitter
  • label.share.via_copy
    URL Copied

It was a dramatic day of action at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma on Saturday, but after two cracking matches, it was hosts Italy who finished top of the Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifier standings to confirm their place alongside Canada and USA in Pool B in New Zealand next year.
 
The Azzurre saw off Spain 34-10 with a crucial bonus point in the first game of the day to move onto 10 points, meaning Ireland had to beat Scotland with a bonus point to claim the Europe 1 spot on the head-to-head rule, having overcome Italy 15-7 in round two.
 
Ireland looked on course for a narrow win that would have taken them into the Final Qualification Tournament that will determine the 12th and final qualifier for RWC 2021, until Sarah Law kicked a conversion with the final act of the game to snatch a 20-18 victory that keeps alive Scotland’s hopes of reaching a first Rugby World Cup since 2010. 

Scotland join Samoa and Colombia as the teams confirmed for the four-team Final Qualification Tournament with the runner-up from the Asia regional process still to be determined.

Italy head coach Andrea di Giandomenico said: “The players must take all of the credit for this result today and what we have to come in the future because they work so hard for each other and love to represent their country. I feel like Italy deserves to go straight to the World Cup with the way we have played in recent matches.

“Probably the turning point of the tournament was the week between the defeat against Ireland and this game against Spain, the way we handled the pressure was impressive to go on and play well and not make mistakes like we had done in the last game.”

👋 See you at #RWC2021, @Federugby 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/Wm6l7eT2ul

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 25, 2021

ITALY 34 SPAIN 10

Italy eventually ground down Spain to win the day’s first game to the delight of the home crowd.
 
Perhaps unsurprisingly given what was on the line, the game started rather cagily, but it was Italy who nearly took the lead in the ninth minute when captain Manuela Furlan went close, but play was brought back for an earlier knock-on.
 
They did take the lead in the 14th minute, though, when a well-worked lineout move saw tight-head prop Lucia Gai power over for a try. Centre Michela Sillari converted for a 7-0 lead.
 
Two minutes later things got even better for the host nation when a lovely kick over the top of the Spanish defence by scrum-half Sara Barattin was perfectly placed for Sillari, who scored the try before missing the conversion to leave the score at 12-0.
 
Number eight Lourdes Alameda and scrum-half Patricia Garcia tried to spark a Spain fight-back as the first quarter of the match came and went, but they were repelled time and time again by the Italian defence.
 
With 11 minutes to go until half-time Italy extended their lead to 15-0 when Sillari kicked a penalty.
 
Spain had to get themselves on the scoreboard before the interval to get a foothold in the game and they did so in the 34th minute when Patricia Garcia kicked a penalty, 15-3 the way it stayed until half-time.
 
Those points seemed to give Spain confidence and they started the second half well. In the 45th minute a great run by centre Amaia Erbina got them close to the try-line and a couple of phases later they were held up as they tried to go over for a try.
 
Five minutes before the hour mark their territorial possession eventually paid dividends when an excellent pass from fly-half Anne Fernandez de Corres found centre Amalia Argudo on an arcing run and she went over under the posts for a try. Patricia Garcia converted to make it 15-10 to Italy with all still to play for.
 
That hurt Italy and sparked them back into action, second-row Giordana Duca scoring their third try with 19 minutes remaining, Sillari converting to make it 22-10.
 
That left Italy hunting their fourth try and a crucial bonus point and it came with five minutes to go when fly-half Veronica Madia popped up on the wing to go over and spark celebrations. Sillari missed the conversion.
 
Right at the death, Italy were awarded a penalty try when Barattin was tackled off the ball when she looked set to score. Spain replacement Paula Medin was yellow carded and Italy had won 34-10.

After the match, Furlan said:  “I am so proud to lead this group of players, we are all friends and we never give up and we had to really fight hard to beat Spain and get the bonus point after they came back into the game.”

Spain head coach José Antonio Barrio said: “We gave it everything and when we got back to 15-10 down we thought we could go on and win the game, but after that Italy got stronger and were more clinical than us.”

Five points down, a minute left on the clock and then this happens... 😲@Scotlandteam | #RWC2021 pic.twitter.com/Z36keMyPSX

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 25, 2021

IRELAND 18 SCOTLAND 20

Scotland fought back from 18-13 down to win the second game with the last kick.
 
The opening exchanges were tight, but as 15 minutes came and went it was still 0-0.
 
It was going to take something special to break the deadline and it came from Ireland tight-head prop Linda Djougang, who used her power to bust through five Scottish defenders to score an excellent try. Fly-half Stacey Flood missed the conversion.
 
In the 24th minute, Scotland were awarded a kickable penalty with Ireland flanker Edel McMahon yellow carded for a dangerous tackle on her opposite number Rachel McLachlan. Helen Nelson made no mistake, kicking the penalty to make it.
 
Scotland had a lot of possession while Ireland were short-handed, but the Irish defence stood firm and she returned with her side still leading by two points.
 
Two minutes before half-time, playing with a penalty advantage, Nelson’s lovely kick into the dead ball area was touched down by winger Rhona Lloyd for a try. Nelson missed the conversion from out wide, but they were 8-5 up at the interval in this nervy encounter.
 
Scotland’s scrum had come to life late in the first half and after 46 minutes they won a scrum penalty.
 
Replacement fly-half Sarah Law, just on for the injured Nelson, kicked to touch and, from the resultant lineout, Scotland eventually scored their second try through hooker Lana Skeldon. It was again unconverted, but Scotland now led 13-5.
 
In the 53rd minute, a Flood penalty for Ireland reduced the arrears to five points.
 
And on the hour mark, the Irish had their second try, veteran replacement loose-head prop Lindsay Peat crashing over after they kept the ball alive for a number of phases.
 
Flood converted and it was 15-13 to Ireland before she added a penalty to give her side a five-point cushion.
 
With five minutes to go Ireland were chasing the two tries that they needed for a bonus-point win, but Scotland still had a win in their sights and full-back Chloe Rollie burst into the Irish 22 with a brilliant run.
 
A couple of phases later a dangerous tackle by Irish centre Eve Higgins on Scotland centre Lisa Thomson saw her given a yellow card, meaning they would finish the game with 14 players.
 
Scotland kept the ball alive in the final two minutes and Rollie finally burst through to score a try to tie the scores, running round nearer the posts to give Law an easier conversion attempt. 
 
Law held her nerve to kick the winning conversion with the clock in the red to spark Scottish celebrations and leave Irish players in tears as their Rugby World Cup 2021 dreams are over.

After the match, Scotland head coach Bryan Easson said: “We will think about the repechage event soon, but for now I just want to praise the grit and determination these players showed in those last few minutes.

“There was a turning point in the game when we turned over the ball in our own half when Ireland were 18-13 up and you could see our energy levels going up at that point.

“We knew we’d get another opportunity and we took it when it came.

“The belief in this group has been building up and up over the last two years and I am very proud.”

His Ireland counterpart Adam Griggs said: “We are all devastated, we had the win within our grasp and it slipped away.

“We seemed to lose momentum in the last 10 minutes, credit to Scotland they were fighting for their lives, but we would have hoped to see that game out and at least have made the repechage.

“The girls have worked so hard and they are hurting a lot right now.”

Trending News Show all
HSBC Canada Sevens 2022
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Marcos Moneta on his rapid rise and historic sevens season for Argentina

The Los Pumas Sevens speedster has had a year to remember by scooping up individual and team accolades, and he tells World Rugby about the journey so far and how football influenced his playing style.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Thu 26 May, 2022
3 min read
20220525_002
3 min read

Rugby sevens

London welcomes the stars of rugby sevens

A huge crowd will welcome all 16 core teams for the penultimate round of the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series at Twickenham Stadium on 28-29 May with all to play for in the race for the 2022 Series title

Rugby sevens

Wed 25 May, 2022
3 min read
Alex Davis England Sevens
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – London

England sevens skipper Davis: “Let’s embrace and enjoy playing at home”

Ahead of this weekend’s action in Twickenham, captain Alex Davis reveals what it’s like to step out in front of a home crowd in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – London

Tue 24 May, 2022
3 min read
20220522_150
7 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Toulouse

Fiji and New Zealand the winners after a brilliant HSBC France Sevens

Ireland reach their first ever men’s final as the women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series comes to an end for 2022 with Australia worthy winners following an outstanding season. Argentina hold a two-point lead over South Africa in the men's Series standings

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Toulouse

Sun 22 May, 2022
7 min read
HSBC France Sevens 2022 Men's
8 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Toulouse

Big names fall on dramatic day of upsets at HSBC France Sevens in Toulouse

Argentina and Australia were knocked out in the men’s quarter-finals, while Series leaders South Africa and heavyweights New Zealand failed to even make the knockout stages. Australia and New Zealand’s women impressed, while Fiji reached the final four in both events.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Toulouse

Sat 21 May, 2022
8 min read
HSBC France Sevens 2022 Men's
6 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series - Toulouse

Men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series favourites suffer shock defeats on opening day in Toulouse as women’s champions Australia continue fine form

South Africa, Australia and Argentina were all beaten on the opening day of the HSBC France Sevens men’s event, while New Zealand and Australia caught the eye with some big wins in the women’s competition

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series - Toulouse

Fri 20 May, 2022
6 min read
Rikki Swannell becomes first females to commentate on men's series
5 min read

Feature

Behind the microphone: Groundbreaker Rikki Swannell

World Rugby talks to the New Zealander about becoming the first female lead commentator on the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and her life in sports broadcasting.

Feature

Fri 20 May, 2022
5 min read
Andy Vilk, head coach of Italy men's sevens
4 min read

RWC Sevens 2022 qualifying

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.

RWC Sevens 2022 qualifying

Thu 19 May, 2022
4 min read
Serevi Coaching Roadshow - HSBC Event
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Fiji are in Toulouse to win: “There is still room for improvement,” says Gollings

Gold and silver medals in their last two HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series outings have Fiji feeling good ahead of French tournament

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Thu 19 May, 2022
3 min read
HSBC France Sevens 2022
4 min read

Rugby Sevens

Captains ready for lift off at HSBC France Sevens

Toulouse welcomes a full line-up of 16 men’s and 12 women’s teams for the first time in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series on 20-22 May

Rugby Sevens

Wed 18 May, 2022
4 min read
Global Partners
label.rwc7s2022.logo-alt-text
  • Rugby World Cup Limited © 2007 - 2022. All Rights Reserved.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Cookies Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Rugby World Cup Sevens
  • World Rugby Media Zone
Website language
English
  • English
  • Français
  • Español
  • 日本語