Women’s and Men’s Rugby Sevens Teams Qualify for Birmingham 2022

Whilst the men’s sport made its debut at Kuala Lumpur 1998, it is the first time that Team
Scotland have competed in the women’s competition, since the women’s game was first
introduced to the Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast 2018.

The women’s side achieved an invite to Birmingham after a strong performance at the
Rugby Europe Sevens Championship Series in Moscow earlier this year, placing fourth
overall. The men’s side qualified through World Rugby Sevens Series standings.

Rising star of the game Shona Campbell, who gained her first Scotland cap earlier this
year at the 2021 Rugby Europe Sevens Championship Series in Lisbon, is looking forward
to making history next summer.

“As a squad we are really happy to have secured qualification for Scotland at the
next year’s Commonwealth Games.

“There is something very special about pulling on a Scotland jersey and it will be
even more special next year knowing that we are making history and flying the flag
for Scotland for the first time in the competition. I hope that we can put in a strong
performance and make the nation proud”.

Scotland men’s best ever finish at the Commonwealth Games was 6th place at both Delhi
2010 and Gold Coast 2018 and the squad will be aiming to surpass previous
achievements in Birmingham.

Experienced Scotland Sevens player, Jamie Farndale, who made his Commonwealth
Games debut in 2018 before travelling to the Sevens World Cup in San Francisco the
same year, has fond memories of the Gold Coast Games.

“Representing Scotland in any competition is a real honour and a real moment of
pride for athletes as well as their families and coaching staff.

“There is something quite special about the Commonwealth Games and we’re
looking forward to playing next year.”

Congratulating the squad on their success, Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de
Mission said:

“Our huge congratulations to everyone at Scottish Rugby on securing qualification
for both the men’s and women’s Rugby Sevens squads.

“I have no doubt that thousands of fans in Birmingham and back home will be get
behind these sporting heroes and share in our collective pride in what the women in
particular have achieved already.”

The news of the women’s team’s historic qualification has been announced during Scottish
Women and Girls in Sport Week, which aims to encourage more women into sport and
physical activity.

Maree Todd, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for Scotland to have both the men and women’s teams

taking part in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens.

“Rugby continues to grow in Scotland, particularly with more women and girls
playing rugby, and seeing both teams competing in the Commonwealth Games will
allow them to dream about following in the players’ footsteps, playing for their
country and potentially bringing back medals.

“I would like to wish both teams the best of luck, and like many, am looking forward
to watching them next summer.”

The Rugby Sevens competition runs from Friday 29th July to Sunday 31st July at the
Coventry Stadium, home of Premiership rugby team Wasps.

To find out more visit www.teamscotland.scot.