Limerick’s Greg O’Shea headed for the Olympics as Ireland 7s team secure Tokyo qualification

The Irish Men’s 7s team were victorious in the World Rugby Sevens Repechage, as they secured the 12th and final place in the Men’s Sevens competition at the Tokyo Olympics.

Qualification comes just six years after embarking on a journey from the bottom tier of European Sevens Rugby.

Limerick’s Greg O’Shea was a part of the Irish squad that defeated France 28-19 in the final.

Ireland had the first score of the day through Terry Kennedy to take an early 7-0 lead. A quickfire France double shortly before the break handed them back the initiative for a 12-7 lead at half-time.

Jordan Conroy’s 10th try of the weekend pulled Limerick two clear with his second of the day moving Ireland into a 21-12 advantage. France responded with a try of their own but qualification was secured when Harry McNulty powered over late on.

O’Shea who was a late call up to the squad, reflected on Ireland’s historic achievement.

The Olympic Men’s Rugby Sevens competition will take place from 26-28 July, with all the action taking place at Tokyo Stadium, which hosted the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2019.