The Telecom Fijiana team have qualified for the 2016-17 World Sevens Series.

This was after the Iliesa Tanivula-coached team finished in eight spot in the last tournament in  Clermont –Ferrand in France yesterday.

“Our target was to be in top eight and this is a good preparation for the Rio Olympics in August,”Tanivula said.

Fiji had a disappointing second day of the tournament going down to Canada 12-5 in the Cup quarter-finals after which the side lost to USA 14-12 in the Plate Semi-final.

The Fijians lost the 7th place playoff match to Spain 13-10.

After the completion of the series, Fiji finished 8th with 34 points.

The top nine teams in the standings secured their spots on next year’s Women’s Sevens World Series and also confirmed the seedings for the repechage in Dublin on June 25-25.

Russia taking the top seed, Spain the second seed and hosts Ireland will occupy the third seeding for the last chance to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio in August.

The Canadians were made to work hard for their 12-5 success in the Cup quarter-final stage by a valiant Fiji side, who were eventually undone by a double from the outstanding Ghislaine Landry.

Meanwhile, Australia’s women made history in France when they became the first Australian Rugby team to win a World Rugby Sevens Series.

After five rounds of the series, the girls in gold needed just a quarter-final win over Spain in Clermont to secure the title, after winning series rounds in Dubai, Sao Paulo and Atlanta this season.

However the double eluded Sharni Williams and her team, with Canada beating the series champions in a thrilling final in front of an incredibly passionate crowd in Stade Gabriel-Montpied in Clermont.

While Australia battled bravely in the Auvergne, Canada were the best team in the 20 minute final, with Kelly Russell picking up Player of the Final with an impressive display, particularly in the first half. Tries from Magali Harvey, Russell, the superb Ghislaine Landry and Brittany Benn saw them edge the Australians, 29-19.

Australian captain Sharni Williams was disappointed with the loss to Canada but was delighted to finally get her hands on a sevens series trophy.

“For us it’s a massive boost. It’s fantastic. Women’s rugby is changing and evolving in Australia and we’re happy to be leading the charge.

“We put in all the preparation we could for the final but we weren’t the best team and credit to Canada, they were the best team on the day and we didn’t show up. But these things happen and it keeps us grounded.

“We can’t get complacent now and we have to aspire to be better going into the Olympics, but we’re going to enjoy tonight,” said Williams.

Edited by Osea Bola

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