Team GB will have a rugby sevens team at Rio 2016 after England secured the fourth and final qualification spot on day one of the London leg of the World Series at Twickenham.
With this season’s World Series offering an automatic qualification route for next year’s Olympic Games, England were nominated to contest the race on behalf of Team GB.
Going into the day, they knew a quarter-final appearance would confirm qualification – something they achieved after a 40-0 win over Kenya and a 56-7 victory over Brazil in their first two pool games.
The latter result confirmed England would definitely progress out of their pool into the Cup quarter-finals, regardless of the outcome against Scotland in their final pool game.
“The boys put in a great performance,” said England’s James Rodwell.
“It was a tough challenge for us to get through with the massive Olympic qualification looming above us but we stuck to our goals and put on a massive performance.
“It was a big responsibility for us at the beginning of the season to try and qualify Team GB.
“As a team we’ve been making sure we focus on getting things right for England first and foremost and if we got that right, then Olympic qualification would take care of it self.
“We are really grateful for Team GB for giving us the chance to qualify.”
England will look to continue their momentum on Sunday in the latter stages of the Cup competition.
While for Team GB, the news takes the number of quota places secured for Rio 2016 so far to 55, with equestrian, athletics, shooting and sailing berths already confirmed.
“It’s fantastic to welcome rugby sevens to Team GB and it’s hugely exciting to know that will be represented in the sport at an Olympic Games for the first time,” said Team GB Rio 2016 Chef de Mission Mark England.
“To secure the quota places here in London at the end of the first qualification phase is a great achievement and we can now look forward to the Rio 2016 next summer.
“With the men’s places confirmed, we wish England’s women luck for next weekend in Amsterdam when they look to qualify on behalf of Team GB during their final round of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.”
© Sportsbeat 2015