The 2024 Paris Olympics was a landmark event for rugby sevens, culminating in a historic victory for the host nation, France. The French men’s team not only clinched the Olympic gold medal but also secured the SVNS (Sevens) tournament championship, marking a double triumph that will be remembered as a golden moment in French rugby history.
Rugby Sevens at the Olympics
A fast-paced variant of rugby union, rugby sevens consists of two teams of seven players, playing on a full-sized rugby field, but with matches lasting only 14 minutes. It was first introduced into the Olympics at the 2016 Rio games.
The rugby sevens tournament at the 2024 Olympics gathered tens of thousands of fans at the Stade de France. Over three days, 12 top teams representing their nations across the globe competed fiercely through pool stages, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, with each match growing in intensity as they vied for Olympic gold.
Ultimately, it went to France, defeating Fiji 28-7 in the final. Fiji, the two-time defending champions, took home the silver, while South Africa secured the bronze with a 26-19 victory over Australia.
France’s Road to Victory
The final match between France and Fiji was a masterclass in tactical rugby sevens. Fiji started strong, but France, led by the phenomenal Antoine Dupont, staged a comeback that will go down in history.
After entering the match in the second half, Dupont quickly turned the tide in France’s favour. He set up a crucial try for London-born Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, which put France ahead, before scoring two tries himself to seal a 28-7 victory.
France’s dominance in the final was a testament to their strategic prowess and the depth of their squad. Throughout the tournament, the French team displayed a blend of physicality, speed, and tactical intelligence, outplaying their opponents at every stage.
Key Players and Standouts
Antoine Dupont was undoubtedly the star of the tournament. Known primarily for his exploits in the 15-a-side game, Dupont’s transition to sevens was nothing short of spectacular.
His performance in the final, where he scored twice and assisted another try, earned him widespread acclaim and further solidified his reputation as one of the best rugby players in the world.
Aaron Grandidier Nkanang also played a pivotal role in France’s success. His try in the final was a crucial turning point in the match. Grandidier’s pace and agility were instrumental in breaking down the Fijian defence, making him one of the standout players of the tournament.
In addition to their Olympic gold, France demonstrated their strength by winning the final tournament of the 2024 SVNS series in Madrid.
While they didn’t clinch the overall series title, which was won by Australia, their success in both the SVNS event and the Olympics underscores their formidable presence in the rugby sevens format this year.
Rugby history
France’s double victory in the final of the 2024 SVNS series and the Olympic Games has etched their name into rugby sevens history. As the dust settles on the Paris Games, France’s rugby sevens team can look back with pride at their double ‘gold’ achievement, a feat that has undoubtedly inspired the next generation of French rugby talent.
