Samoa and Fiji have secured their spots at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 after an impressive performance at the Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship 2023 in Brisbane. The men’s team from Samoa and the women’s team from Fiji have earned their tickets to the Olympics, marking a significant achievement for both nations.
Samoa’s men, led by Brian Lima, put on a stellar display throughout the weekend, culminating in a remarkable 24-0 victory over Papua New Guinea in the men’s Olympic final. This victory means that Samoa will make their Olympic debut in France next year, a momentous occasion for the team and their supporters.
On the women’s side, Fijiana sevens secured their place in Paris with a dominant 54-0 win in the women’s Olympic final, also against Papua New Guinea. This outstanding performance has solidified Fiji’s presence at the upcoming Olympic Games, showcasing the team’s exceptional talent and determination.
Although both Samoa and Fijiana achieved Olympic qualification, they were unable to clinch the championship titles. The All Blacks Sevens and Australia emerged as the winners in the respective overall Championship finals, demonstrating their prowess in the sport.
Despite not securing the championship, the Olympic journey continues for Papua New Guinea’s men and women, as well as Tonga men and Samoa women. These teams will have the opportunity to compete in the Final Olympic Qualification Tournament in 2024, having finished as the second and third highest ranked non-qualified nations in each tournament.
Samoa’s qualification for the Olympics was a hard-fought achievement, as they narrowly missed out on automatic qualification via the World Rugby Sevens Series 2023. However, their determination and skill were evident in Brisbane, where they secured their place in the Olympic Games.
The road to Olympic qualification for Samoa was paved with impressive victories, including a perfect four wins from four in the Men’s Pool B campaign. They displayed exceptional form by not conceding a single point throughout their matches, showcasing their dominance on the field.
Fijiana’s journey to Olympic qualification was equally impressive, as they overcame the disappointment of missing out on automatic qualification during the 2023 Series. Their outstanding performance in Brisbane, highlighted by a series of commanding victories, secured their place at the Games in Paris.
While both Samoa and Fijiana may not have claimed the championship titles, their qualification for the Olympics is a testament to their skill, determination, and unwavering spirit. The upcoming Olympic Games in Paris will undoubtedly be an exciting opportunity for these teams to showcase their talent on the global stage.
The Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship in Brisbane has set the stage for an exhilarating Olympic Games in 2024, with Samoa and Fiji’s qualification adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event. As these teams prepare to represent their nations on the Olympic stage, their remarkable journey to qualification serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and dedication in the world of rugby sevens.