Ireland’s men and women advance to final Olympic Sevens qualifier

Ireland's sevens sides are just one big step away from qualification for next summer's Olympic rugby sevens tournament.

Wins over Germany and Portugal at the European repechage earlier today earned Ireland's women a place in this evening's final and a berth at the final world qualification event next year. https://twitter.com/niamhbriggs15/status/622772668773892097 Ireland took a first-half lead against Spain in the final but were pegged back and eventually beaten 26-19, but their place at the final qualifiers in the spring is secure. The men have also been in action in Lisbon, but the young squad suffered a 24-10 defeat by Russia in their semi-final, meaning victory against Georgia in the third-place play-off is required to keep their own hopes of heading to Rio alive. But the boys in green put up a fine display against the Georgians to book their place in the final qualifier. https://twitter.com/IrishRugby/status/622815121673449472