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Latest News
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
Dubai Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens 2021 - Men's
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Perfection, not silverware, the focus for South Africa and Selvyn Davids

We caught up with the Blitzboks star, who has helped guide his side to the top of the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings as the countdown continues to their home Rugby World Cup Sevens.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 5 April, 2022
3 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 19 February, 2022
3 min read

Colombia one step closer to Rugby World Cup 2021 after beating Kazakhstan

They will now take on Scotland in the final Rugby World Cup 2021 qualifier on Friday, 25 February
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Colombia are through to the final Rugby World Cup 2021 qualifying match after they outworked and outfought Kazakhstan at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, securing a famous 18-10 triumph.

Kazakhstan started the semi-final match as favourites given that they are 15th in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings powered by Capgemini and Colombia 26th, but the former had not been able to play a test match since 2019 until this one.

And that rustiness showed in their performance, the loss meaning they will not be going to a seventh Rugby World Cup and that head coach Anna Yakovleva, captain Karina Sazontova and the team will be very disappointed.

However, take nothing away from Colombia - they played some smart rugby in attack and defended solidly, especially given that they played for 65 minutes with only 14 players after a red card.

Showing true power! 💪

Two scintillating tries for @fecorugby 🇨🇴 🔥#RWC2021 pic.twitter.com/jn8sHUMjHf

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) February 19, 2022

Colombia now progress to play ninth in the world Scotland on Friday, 25 February at the same venue with the winners of that match qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand in October and November.

A breakdown of all the action

In this game, Colombia, led well by skipper Leidy Soto from the centre, got off to a promising start. In the third minute - had a pass from Isabel Cristina Romero been slightly more precise - winger Juliano Soto would have scored a try in the right corner.

Sixty seconds later, Juliana Soto nearly got the opening points, but she was well held up by the Kazakhstan defence over the try line.

It was still scoreless, but Colombia, who defeated African challengers Kenya 16-15 in a play-off in Nairobi at the end of August to get to this point, took confidence from their start.

They did take the lead in the 14th minute when referee Kat Roche from the USA awarded them a fourth penalty of the game and winger Maria Isabel Arzuaga kicked the three points.

The game then turned on its head soon after.

Colombia No.8 Maribel Mestra hit Kazakhstan stand-off Balzhan Koishibayeva late as she kicked the ball clear and, after talking it through with TMO Ian Tempest, the referee decided that there was shoulder to head contact.

And then there were 14

Mestra was red carded and it left Colombia shorthanded for the remainder of the game.

As the end of the first quarter came, centre Luydmila Sherer - who later went off with a knee injury - showed her power in attack as Kazakhstan tried to get points on the board, but she was well dealt with by the defence.

The 14 players of Colombia were putting everything into the game and, in the 26th minute, they had a chance to stretch their lead to six points, but the penalty from Arzuaga slid wide.

As the half hour came and went, the score was still 3-0 and Kazakhstan were struggling to hit their stride.

They then had their loosehead prop Yelena Yurova yellow-carded, their discipline not helping them get onto the front foot.

Arzuaga missed the resultant penalty, but from a five metre scrum soon after Juliana Soto, who is the older sister of captain Leidy Soto, showed great strength to go over for a try in the corner. The conversion was missed, but they led 8-0 at half-time.

Kazakhstan clearly had the words of their coaching team ringing in their ears when they came out for the second half because they scored a try almost straight after the break.

The five points came from scrum-half Nigora Nurmatova and although it could not be converted, it was now 8-5 and ‘game on’.

Yurova then returned to the fray and Kazakhstan were back to 15 players against the 14 of Colombia.

In the 54th minute, Nurmatova was forced off with a calf injury as they continued to try and get the lead for the first time in the match with a second try.

However, it was Colombia who went closest next, Juliana Soto again showing her strength to nearly score just before the hour mark.

Kazakhstan then won an important scrum penalty near their own line, but plucky Colombia were not taking any backwards steps and were still keeping the pressure up.

And in the 64th minute they scored an all-important second try, Arzuaga going over for the five points after some great hands by her teammates. She then added the extra two points from the conversion and Colombia were 15-5 up.

The final moments

With five minutes to go, Kazakhstan second-row Daiana Kazibekova picked up from the bottom of a ruck and dashed over for a try to set up an exciting finale. The conversion was missed by back-row Kundyzay Baktybayeva and it was 15-10.

Colombia stayed calm in the closing stages though and Arzuaga sealed the victory with a penalty to make it 18-10 and spark wild celebrations from head coach Lissete Martinez and her charges.

Colombia scrum-half Yamileth Andrea Ramirez was named Mastercard Player of the Match, but this was a real team effort.

And the final qualifier between Colombia and Scotland (kick-off 19:00 local time / 15:00 GMT) will now be a very interesting one.

Scotland will start as favourites, but having watched this game they will certainly not be taking Colombia lightly.

The victors will join New Zealand, Australia and Wales in Pool A at the 12-team showpiece event later in the year.

READ MORE: Final Qualification Tournament Opponents Will Have Scotland’s “Utmost Respect”

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2018 Commonwealth Games women's final
3 min read

Commonwealth Games

All the build-up to rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games 2022

Now that the line-ups are complete in both the men’s and women’s tournaments, we take a look at who has won gold in the past and the sides competing to add their names to the roll call of honour in July.

Commonwealth Games

Wed 11 May, 2022
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Madagascar qualify for rugby world cup sevens
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Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Discipline and hard work at the heart of Madagascar's success on the road to Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

The Madagascar women's sevens team has achieved their historic dream of qualifying for a Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament for the first time. At the heart of this achievement lies a lot of hard work, determination and discipline.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Wed 11 May, 2022
4 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
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HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Seven women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series players to watch in Toulouse

Following an exciting weekend in Langford we look at seven women’s stars who could light up Toulouse between 20-22 May.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Thu 5 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 Canada Women's Sevens 2022
7 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia clinch overall 2022 series title while late Lily Dick try gives them Cup win in Langford

Hosts Canada took fifth place while Ireland flyer Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe bagged 12 tries as they won bronze in the HSBC Canada Sevens in Langford.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Mon 2 May, 2022
7 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
5 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia edge towards HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series glory in Langford as New Zealand provide thrills on return

Australia are closing in on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series title after a perfect start to the penultimate event of the season in Canada, while the Black Ferns came back with a bang at the Starlight Stadium.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Sun 1 May, 2022
5 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Captains on top of the world ahead of the HSBC Canada Women's Sevens in Langford

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series returns to the home of Rugby Canada after a 1,083 day break as Australia look to clinch their first Series title since to 2018.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Fri 29 April, 2022
3 min read
Santiago Gómez Cora
5 min read

rugby sevens

Santiago Gómez Cora: “You have to be patient, trust a lot and do the hard work”

World Rugby caught up with Los Pumas Sevens coach about Argentina’s recent win in the HSBC Canada Sevens and what it means to him going forward.

rugby sevens

Thu 28 April, 2022
5 min read
Charlotte Caslick
3 min read

HSBC Sevens Series

Series title within Australia’s reach as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series returns to Langford

We spoke to Australia co-captain Charlotte Caslick about her team's mindset heading into this weekend's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series stop in Langford knowing they can wrap up the series title.

HSBC Sevens Series

Wed 27 April, 2022
3 min read
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