As the world turns its attention to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games, the Great Britain Women’s Sevens team is looking to claim Gold in this year’s competition, which will run from 24th-30th July.
Great Britain have announced their women’s squad for the sevens campaign, with some familiar names to boot. Ellie Kildunne, this year's Guinness Player of the Championship, and her Red Roses teammate Meg Jones are named in the 12-strong squad. Both played a hugely influential role in helping the Red Roses win a third consecutive Grand Slam in April, and will be looking to emulate their success at the Stade de France next month.
Kildunne, 24, was named Guinness Player of the Championship after a record-breaking campaign. She topped the statistics leader board in five categories and broke four records in the process. She was also top try-scorer after crossing a sensational nine times.
Wales star winger Jasmine Joyce is also included after featuring in this year's edition of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, and is set to become the first British rugby player to appear at three Olympic Games. Joyce was a key member of Team GB at Rio and Tokyo Games. Welsh teammate Kayleigh Powell is also in the squad as a travelling reserve.
Scotland centre Lisa Thomson, who also featured in this year’s Championship, is included for the first time after being a travelling reserve at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Head Ciaran Beattie, who will be supported by rugby sevens stalwart Scott Riddell as assistant coach, alongside a host of experienced staff, said of the squad: “As you might imagine, it was extremely difficult to name 14 at this stage, as there are so many excellent players who have performed on the World Rugby SVNS stage to secure qualification for these Olympic Games.
“We want to be competitive in Paris and approach each match as one that can be won, with the ultimate aim of medalling, at the same time being respectful of the huge quality of other teams.”
Team GB Women's Sevens Squad: Amy Wilson Hardy, Ellie Boatman, Ellie Kildunne, Emma Uren, Grace Crompton, Heather Cowell, Isla Norman-Bell, Jade Shekells, Jasmine Joyce, Lauren Torley, Lisa Thomson, Meg Jones. Reserves: Abi Burton, Kayleigh Powell.
