New Zealand women qualify for Paris 2024 with Canada Sevens win, Argentina take men's title
The defending Olympic champions will be in the French capital for a title defence after securing a top-four finish on the 2022/23 World Rugby Women's Sevens Series.
Rugby Sevens
Women's rugby sevens Olympic champions New Zealand will be back to defend their title at Paris 2024 after securing their qualification from the HSBC World Rugby Women's Sevens Series on Sunday (5 March).
The Black Ferns registered their 24th consecutive win on the circuit in a thrilling HSBC Canada Sevens final against Australia at BC Place in Vancouver, as the two old Antipodean rivals clashed in their 21st Sevens grand final meeting.
Led by Sarah Hirini, who began proceedings and also played a part in the second New Zealand try, the Black Ferns ran out 19–12 winners, guaranteeing them a top-four finish in this season's Women's Sevens Series standings – and automatic qualification for Paris 2024.
The men's title was won by Argentina, who defended their Canadian crown by beating France in a high-scoring final which ended 33–21.
Argentina were ahead 7–0 and 14–7, but France bit back and even edged ahead before the South Americans tied it at 21 with five minutes to play.
Marcos Moneta – who scored the first try – caused all sorts of problems for the French with his pace, and Argentina pulled away with two late scores.
Both series next move to Hong Kong, China at the end of the month, with just one further women's event after that and three more stops for the men's tour beyond the next.