Following a 19-12 victory over Canada this morning, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) CEO Mark Robinson has shared his congratulations with the New Zealand Women’s Sevens team on their gold-medal winning campaign at the Paris Olympics.
“We are thrilled for the team and are incredibly proud of their performance. The players, Cory (Sweeney, Head Coach) and support staff have put their heart and soul into this campaign, building throughout an impressive SVNS world series, and to come home with the gold is the ultimate payoff,” Robinson said.
The side progressed to the final after an earlier 24-12 victory in the semi-final over USA, in front of the biggest crowd for a women’s rugby event, with 130,000 fans through the gate at Stade de France on day two of the event.
The gold medal match brings to an end the careers of two of the most decorated women’s Sevens players in history, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Tyla King.
“It is a fitting farewell for Portia and Tyla especially, two of the greats of our Sevens game who have left their mark on the sport internationally. They have cemented their legacy in the sport, and we are grateful for everything they have given to the black jersey. They have always been fantastic ambassadors for our sport and our country, and we wish them every success in the future,” said Robinson.
With the formal part of the campaign now over, the team will disband for a period of leave, before returning home to New Zealand to build towards the 2024-25 SVNS season.
“We look forward to celebrating with the team, coaches and support staff alongside our fans here at home once they return from a well-earned break,” said Robinson.
