France men and Japan women clinch World University Championship titles
The 2024 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens took place in Aix Marseille Provence from 10-12 June.
At the end of three action packed days involving 10 men’s and 10 women’s teams from five continents it was France and Japan who claimed the men’s and women’s titles respectively.
In an exhilarating men’s final, hosts France overcame South Africa 22-15 to win gold, continuing a successful month for French rugby sevens which began with the senior team becoming HSBC SVNS 2024 champions at the Grand Final in Madrid.
France’s victory represented the first time they have topped the FISU podium since Rome in 2006. Japan secured the men’s bronze medal with a 20-15 victory over Argentina.
Japan proved to be the outstanding team in the women’s competition, claiming gold with a convincing 21-12 win against Canada. Spain saw off Australia 36-7 to take the women’s bronze.
South Africa, India, Japan, Spain, Poland, France and Australia competed in both the men’s and the women’s competitions, while Chile, Argentina and Singapore brought men’s teams and Canada, Mexico and Ireland completed the women’s line-up.
The South African men’s team won the previous edition back in 2018 in their neighbouring country, Namibia, with Australia winning silver and France bronze. Meanwhile France took the women’s title with Australia second and Belgium third. Rugby Sevens was also played at the Napoli 2019 Summer Universiade with Japan winning gold in both the men’s and the women’s competition.
On top of the thrilling competition, spectators, visitors as well as elementary school students were kept entertained at the World University Championship’s village, set up at the crossroads between the stadium, the training ground and the rest area for the players. The area included rugby activities for all, booths run by student associations, and stands showcasing local culture and products.
World Rugby and FISU have a collaboration agreement and the international federation supports the World University Championship Rugby Sevens as a superb showcase of the continuing global growth of the sport.
Following the successful event organisation, which included 75 local volunteers and was managed by the French University Sports Federation (FFSU) under the aegis of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the FISU flag was transmitted by the Organising Committee to the representatives of Stellenbosch, South Africa, who will host the next edition in 2026.
Before then, all eyes will turn to the Olympic Games Paris 2024, where French fans will be hoping for more glory on home soil.
