Paris success a "waste" if Samoa 7s don't reach Rio

The Samoa sevens team say their success in Paris will be a waste if they don't qualify for the Olympic Games.

The Manu stunned Fiji yesterday to seal their first Cup win on the World Series since 2012.

Samoa have yet to qualify for the Olympic sevens competition - with both their men's and women's teams taking part in the final repechage events in Monaco and Dublin next month.

Head coach Damian McGrath said getting to Rio remained their number one focus.

"Our aim is still Monaco and the (Olympic Games) repechage. I just want to get through the next tournament relatively injury-free so we can concentrate on the real target for our season. I said to the players afterwards it's a shame if we waste everything we've done through the year by not fulfilling our real potential and getting to the Olympics to represent the country."

Damian McGrath said it would have been nice to have some 15-a-side stars to call on for their campaign but the local players have punched above their weight, which showed what self-belief, confidence and talent can do.

 

 

Samoa in the changing rooms after winning the Paris Sevens. Photo: World Rugby / Martin Seras Lima