The line-up for the men’s competition in Cape Town is complete
Men’s Sevens World Cup qualifying: Who has reached the tournament?
Men’s 2022 Sevens World Cup qualifying has finished, with all 24 places for September’s tournament in Cape Town confirmed.
After a lengthy process that has touched all corners of the globe and overcome the complications of the pandemic, the line-up was completed by the European nations in mid-July.
All the familiar names are present, but they will be joined by emerging sevens nations for whom making the event is a success in itself.
Who has qualified?
The eight quarter-finalists from the 2018 Sevens World Cup automatically qualified for the 2022 iteration.
As such, hosts South Africa are joined by England, Scotland, France, Fiji, Argentina, USA and defending champions New Zealand.
The remaining 12 spots were split between the five other continental confederations.
Europe: Portugal were the story of July’s qualifying tournament in Budapest, as they beat Spain 20-19 to secure a spot in Cape Town. The Spaniards had won all three pool games in the competition but their Iberian rivals, despite winning only one group match themselves, caused a dramatic upset.
Ireland, excellent on the World Sevens Series circuit this year, narrowly avoided a shock defeat themselves, defeating Georgia 17-12 in their play-off. Wales beat Belgium 24-12 and Germany, who will be World Cup debutants, saw off Italy 24-7 to seal qualification in more comfortable fashion.
The flights are ready for South Africa! ✈️
Congratulations to @PortugalRugby, @WelshRugbyUnion, @RugbyDeu, and @IrishRugby for securing their places at the #RWC7s! ? pic.twitter.com/KXYmRp8SrA
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) July 17, 2022
South America: Uruguay eased to the Sudamerica Rugby Sevens title last November to capture one of the two remaining South American places. They were joined by Chile, who edged Brazil in the semi-finals.
Africa: Uganda, Zimbabwe and Kenya qualified through the 2022 Rugby Africa Sevens Championship. While Uganda and Zimbabwe reached the final of the tournament with ease, World Cup regulars Kenya needed a tense win over Zambia to claim the third and final place.
The popularity of rugby in Africa has increased rapidly and we are proud to be part of this growth.
To all the rugby teams and Africans all over the world, we wish you a happy #AfricaDay #ChangingTheGame pic.twitter.com/XQ6gzSyrFr
— Uganda Rugby Cranes (@RugbyCranes) May 25, 2022
North America: Canada and Jamaica emerged from the America North Super Sevens tournament last April.
Asia: Hong Kong and South Korea claimed the two remaining spots after making the final of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series. Japan missed out after losing 21-14 to South Korea in the tournament’s semi-finals.
Oceania: Australia, Samoa and Tonga received a berth after last April’s qualifying tournament was cancelled due to Covid-19.
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