In Pics: Ireland Sevens Team In Odense
The Ireland Sevens team, sponsored by the Irish Independent, are on the road this summer as they seek to qualify for the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens. Last weekend they reached the final of the FIRA-AER qualifying tournament in Odense, Denmark.
The Ireland Sevens team started their quest for qualification to the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens in Odense last weekend. Coached by Jon Skurr, a noted Exiles Sevens specialist, they reached the final and lost out in extra-time on the ‘golden point’ rule to Wales.
The Ireland squad began the tournament with victories over Austria (70-0) and Switzerland (49-0) on Saturday and completed the day with a strong display to beat Wales (26-10).
On Sunday, the Irish side registered further wins win over the hosts Denmark (45-0) and Belgium (36-0) in the semi-finals.
Belfast Harlequins and Ulster flyer Darren Cave, who was part of the Grand Slam winning Ireland Under-20 side in 2007, was the top try scorer in the tournament with nine touchdowns.
The Ireland Sevens squad now move on to Sopot, Poland (May 24-25) and Ireland must gain enough points at this tournament to progress through to the final qualifier in Hanover, Germany in July where the top five teams from that competition will qualify for the 2009 IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.
Ireland Sevens Picture Gallery– Click Here
Ireland Sevens Photos courtesy of www.DanielStorch.eu