Olympic qualification draws near as Irish sevens storm into European Games final

Ireland overcame Portugal in the semi-finals of the European games to book final spot with winner getting an automatic spot in the 2024 Olympics. 

ON THE CUSP: Ireland are one game away of booking their place in the 2024 Olympics after defeating Portugal to book final spot. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The Irish men’s rugby sevens team is just one win away from Olympic qualification after obliterating Portugal in the semi-final of the European Games in Krakow, Poland today. In a game that was delayed due to high winds, Ireland simply blew their rivals away, taking less than three minutes to open the scoring with a try from Billy Dardis, who added another to send them in at the break 14-0 to the good.

They maintained their dominance in the second half, with a try from Jordan Conroy sealing a comfortable 24-0 victory. “It was a good game, a bit hectic at the start but we stayed on it, controlled that second half and saw it out,” said Dardis. “It was a good, ruthless performance.”