WATCH – David Nucifora On Ireland’s 7s success in London

Ireland’s historic achievements at the London Sevens tournament at Twickenham over the weekend was a stark reminder of the progress that the men’s sevens side are making under Anthony Eddy.

Hopes were high heading into April’s World Series qualifier in Hong Kong as Ireland attempted to book their place at the top table of sevens rugby, however, Eddy’s charges lost out to eventual winners Japan in the semi-final stages.

Since then Ireland have shown that they are determined to keep fighting to make it to the top level, beginning their Europe Sevens Grand Prix Series campaign in style by retaining their Moscow 7s title.

They followed up that feat with a historic bronze medal in London last weekend.

It is the first time an invitational team has reached the Cup semi-finals in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, their landmark run seeing them claim the scalps of Spain, the USA and hosts England who are currently ranked 13th, fifth and sixth respectively.

Limerick man Greg O’Shea didn’t feature in London as he was named as a travelling reserve but should get game time in this weekend’s Paris 7s as the side continue the build up to July’s World Cup in San Francisco.

IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora has been speaking to Irish Rugby TV about the team finishing 3rd at the London 7s and what it means for the sevens programme in Ireland.