The line-up for the women’s competition in Cape Town is complete
Women’s Sevens World Cup qualifying: Who has reached the tournament?
Women’s 2022 Sevens World Cup qualifying has finished, with all 16 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.
Many familiar names are present, but they will be joined by emerging sevens nations indicative of the women’s game’s continued growth.
Who has qualified?
Alongside hosts South Africa, the semi-finalists from the 2018 Sevens World Cup automatically qualified for the 2022 iteration.
As such, France, USA, Australia and defending champions New Zealand received a place.
The remaining seven spots were split between the five other continental confederations.
Europe: England and Ireland carried out professional jobs in the qualifying tournament in July, with both winning all three pool games and their quarter-final in Budapest to book their place in Cape Town. Poland were equally impressive, as the eastern European nation also returned a perfect record to qualify for their first World Cup. The final spot available was taken by Spain, who needed a last-minute try to beat Belgium 14-12 in their winner-takes-all encounter.
Tickets booked for the #RWC7s! ?
Congratulations to @EnglandRugby, @ferugby, @pzrugby, and @IrishRugby for securing their places in South Africa! ? pic.twitter.com/X2S8iqr1Jy
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) July 17, 2022
Africa: Madagascar’s dramatic extra-time victory over Uganda in the 2022 Rugby Africa Sevens Championship semi-finals gave them the only African berth. Since South Africa won the tournament, finishing as runner-up was enough for the island nation to secure a debut World Cup appearance.
North America: Canada emerged from the America North Super Sevens tournament last April.
BIG NEWS! ? Canada’s Women’s and Men’s Sevens teams qualify for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 ?
LET'S GOOOO CANADA! ??
Next Up ➡️ HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens at Starlight Stadium in Langford, BC on April 30 & May 1!
Get Tickets Now at Link In Bio ? #Canada7S | #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/xX1efOZGHk
— HSBC Canada Sevens (@CanadaSevens) April 25, 2022
Asia: China and Japan claimed the two remaining spots after making the final of Asia Rugby Sevens Series.
South America: Brazil and World Cup debutants Colombia claimed the two available spots via the Sudamerica Rugby Women’s Sevens.
Oceania: Fiji received the only Oceania berth after last April’s qualifying tournament was cancelled due to Covid-19.
Download the digital edition of Rugby World straight to your tablet or subscribe to the print edition to get the magazine delivered to your door.
Follow Rugby World on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.