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Latest News
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
3 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

“You only live once”: History maker Sharni Williams targets 15s challenge after RWC Sevens 2022 success

Williams will join up with the Wallaroos squad for Rugby World Cup 2021 having completed a unique quadruple with Australia in Cape Town.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Tue 13 September, 2022
3 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
2 min read

RWC Sevens 2022

Angelo Davids pays emotional tribute to Neil Powell

Blitzboks star says his departing coach, who presided over the most successful period in South Africa sevens history, is like a father figure to him.

RWC Sevens 2022

Tue 13 September, 2022
2 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
5 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: How an “incredible” weekend unfolded

Following the conclusion of RWC Sevens 2022 in Cape Town, we recap some of the highlights from a truly special weekend.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Mon 12 September, 2022
5 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
9 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Fiji and Australia crowned Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 champions in Cape Town

Fiji claimed their third men’s Rugby World Cup Sevens title by beating defending champions New Zealand, while Australia’s women took down New Zealand to win the title for the first time since 2009 in Cape Town.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Sun 11 September, 2022
9 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens - South Africa 2022
7 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Ireland stun hosts South Africa as semi-finals confirmed at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Ireland earned a superb win over the Blitzboks in the final game of an intense day of quarter-final action that also saw defending champions New Zealand remain on course to defend their title in the men’s and women’s events

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Sat 10 September, 2022
7 min read
Latest Videos
Perry Time | Episode 2
09:58 mins

Perry Time | Episode 2

Thu 15 September, 2022
09:58 mins
Seven of the Best | Rugby World Cup 7s | Men's Tries
04:17 mins

Seven of the Best | Rugby World Cup 7s | Men's Tries

Thu 15 September, 2022
04:17 mins
Seven of the Best | Rugby World Cup 7s | Women's Tries
03:24 mins

Seven of the Best | Rugby World Cup 7s | Women's Tries

Thu 15 September, 2022
03:24 mins
TUDOR presents every Daring Play of the Day from Rugby World Cup 7s: Women's
01:05 mins

TUDOR presents every Daring Play of the Day from Rugby World Cup 7s: Women's

Catch up on all the Daring Plays of the Day from the women’s competition at #RWC7s
Tue 13 September, 2022
01:05 mins
TUDOR presents every Daring Play of the Day: Men's Rugby World Cup 7s
01:09 mins

TUDOR presents every Daring Play of the Day from Rugby World Cup 7s: Men's

Relive all the best Daring Plays of the Day from the men's tournament at #RWC7s
Mon 12 September, 2022
01:09 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 qualifier
Tuesday 23 November, 2021
3 min read

Andrés Ortíz: Costa Rican star eyes Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 ahead of qualifier

As the qualifier to Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 approaches, Andrés Ortiz is hoping to lead the way for his country.
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Costa Rica, which is home to a growing rugby scene, will host the Sudamérica Rugby Sevens Costa Rica 2021 tournament between 27-28 November, 2021, where nine nations will compete for two places in Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022. The latter is to be played in Cape Town, South Africa, from 9-11 September, 2022.

Whilst the home team might find it hard against the more experienced likes of Chile, Brazil and Uruguay, they have been working tirelessly for months with the goal of showcasing the sport in the nation’s biggest sporting stadium, the Estadio Nacional.

“It is a very professional environment, with a lot of hard work behind us and a structure on hand to assist,” says Andrés Ortíz, the France-based centre that joined Los Ticos a couple of weeks ago ahead of the tournament, on the left in the photo.

A Costa Rican player making a career in French rugby is a story of dreams and pioneering that transcends borders. It is a story of opening doors for future players to shine in the country that will host Rugby World Cup 2023. One such player is Andrés Ortíz.

🔥¡Confirmado el fixture!🔥

💥¡¿Listos para el torneo?!💥#SAR7s #Purorugbypuravida #ElRugbyNosUne pic.twitter.com/KyQoyzInd1

— Costa Rica Sevens (@Costaricasevens) November 19, 2021

Having picked up the game at 21, eight long years ago, he fell in love with it instantly. So much so that in 2017, after shining at the Juegos Centroamericanos (a multi-discipline sporting event for the region), he travelled to France thanks to a French coach that he’d met when the coach was helping the national team.

“I arrived on 11 December, 2017,” he recalls. “I played my first season in Rabastens, a 40-minute drive from Toulouse and after winning the league, moved to my actual club, Saint Sulpice la Pointe, also close to Toulouse.”

When not training for the competitive Federale 2, the French fifth division, semi-professional Ortíz works for Airbus as part of the team that paints their A350 and A330s. He is hoping to jump a couple of divisions up in the next season, but at the moment, the goal at hand is back home, in San José, where it all started for Ortíz at Universitarios Club de Rugby.

“The goal for the Sudamérica Rugby Sevens Costa Rica 2021 tournament is to be the top Central American team. Sevens is a fun game so after that, who knows?”

“I found a team that works very hard, with a lot of discipline and the goal of planting Costa Rican rugby as high as it can. We have a blend of experienced players and some fresh faces. Unlike the old days, when you had to push players to go to national training sessions, today you have a very motivated squad of around 20, 25 players. Rugby in my country is evolving fast.”

Hosting an international sevens qualifier in San José is something that will certainly give the game exposure and profile.

“To further develop the game, we must work on making it bigger, and clubs and Federation are doing a great job. Having rugby in the Estadio Nacional is huge.”

The first modern sports and event arena in Central America, the Estadio Nacional can hold 35 thousand spectators, but at the moment, mainly due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, only 1,800 tickets will be sold. Ortíz hopes that when they sell out they will allow a bigger capacity.

For Ortíz, playing there is huge.

“Playing rugby at the Estadio Nacional will be an historic occasion – something that gives us huge pride and exposure. We are a soccer-mad country and that our sport can set foot in this stadium will be a turning point, showing the government that rugby can organise good events. It will open doors.” And opening doors is something Ortíz is keen on.

His team mate at Saint Sulpice, Byron Monge, is also back to join the national team for the Sudamérica Rugby Sevens Costa Rica 2021 tournament.

“I was asked if I saw myself as a trailblazer. Yes, because I don’t want to be the last Costa Rican to play overseas, but the first of many. I have learnt a lot and my rugby is so much better for the experience. I have a lot to share. Not all has been perfect, I’ve had my high and low points, but if I can help my fellow countrymen to give it a go, the benefit for rugby in Costa Rica will be huge.”

Trending News Show all
2023 Sydney Sevens - Day 1
7 min read

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Big comebacks and top tries as the HSBC Sydney Sevens returns in style

We review the opening day’s play from Australia where New Zealand, leaders in both of the Series, maintained their winning momentum.

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Fri 27 January, 2023
7 min read
Dubai Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens
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HSBC Sydney Sevens

Big names and new faces – your HSBC Sydney Sevens squads

On a weekend when Gastón Revol will equal James Rodwell's record for most HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament appearances, we take a look at the key squad news in both the men’s and women’s events.

HSBC Sydney Sevens

Thu 26 January, 2023
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Gaston Revol and Santiago Gomez Cora
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HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Gastón Revol constantly renewing goals as he approaches Series record

Argentina's Gastón Revol will equal James Rodwell's record for most HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament appearances when he plays in Sydney this weekend.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Wed 25 January, 2023
4 min read
HSBC Sydney Sevens
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Rugby sevens

HSBC Sydney Sevens ready for action

The world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge provided the backdrop as captains of the 28 men’s and women’s teams gathered ahead of the HSBC Sydney Sevens which kicks off on Friday, 27 January.

Rugby sevens

Wed 25 January, 2023
2 min read
HSBC New Zealand Sevens 2020 - Men's
3 min read

World Rugby Sevens Series

Kenya legend Collins Injera calls time on illustrious playing career

The second highest try scorer in HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series history said that “after 17 years of literal blood, sweat and tears, it’s time to step away”.

World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 24 January, 2023
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HSBC New Zealand Sevens - Day 2
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World Rugby Sevens Series

Argentina, New Zealand and USA the big winners on road to Paris 2024

Following a pulsating HSBC New Zealand Sevens, we take a look at what the results mean for the standings and the race for Olympic qualification.

World Rugby Sevens Series

Mon 23 January, 2023
3 min read
HSBC New Zealand Sevens 2023 winners
6 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Argentina and New Zealand the winners in Hamilton

A dramatic day two of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series action ends a breathless weekend.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Sun 22 January, 2023
6 min read
HSBC Hamilton Sevens
6 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

A cracking day one of sevens in Hamilton

Teams hit top form in first run out of 2023 to set up an excellent Sunday in New Zealand.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Sat 21 January, 2023
6 min read
HSBC Cape Town Sevens
3 min read

World Rugby Sevens Series

Marcus Tupuola having fun on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

On the eve of the HSBC New Zealand Sevens, we caught up with the USA player to discuss the mentality shift behind his stunning start to the 2023 Series.

World Rugby Sevens Series

Fri 20 January, 2023
3 min read
Singapore Sevens
8 min read

HSBC New Zealand Sevens

Tuwai returns to boost Fiji at HSBC New Zealand Sevens

Star-studded squads, blended with experience and youth, have been named for this weekend’s HSBC New Zealand Sevens in Hamilton.

HSBC New Zealand Sevens

Thu 19 January, 2023
8 min read
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