Spain book ticket to Rio

Spain qualified for the Olympic Games at Samoa's expense when they won the Monaco Sevens Cup final 22-19 on Sunday.

Ignacio Martin was Spain’s hero, scoring a last-gasp try to secure a historic victory in a pulsating match at Stade Louis II.

Spain, who impressed on day one and defeated Ireland in the Cup quarter-finals, dominated the opening exchanges of the final. They led 12-0 through tries by Carron Llorens and Hernadez Jimenez, but Samoa hit back with two quick tries to lead 14-12 at the interval.

After the break, Samoa forged into a 19-12 lead, but Spain refused to buckle and scored through Pol Pla, before Martin’s try created rugby history for his team.

Twelve teams for Olympics:

Brazil
Fiji
Great Britain
New Zealand
South Africa
Argentina
United States
France
Japan
Australia
Kenya
Spain

Photo: World Rugby

Post by

Simon Borchardt