Wed, Jul 24, 2024, 6:18 AM
Rugby Australia
Australia's Rugby Sevens Men's team will launch the country's Paris campaign tonight as the first Australian side to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games.
The Aussie Men are one of several teams who will be in action before the official opening ceremony on Saturday to accommodate scheduling.
Captain Nick Malouf will lead the Aussies against Samoa in the side's first match of Pool B at 11:30pm AEST on Wednesday night, shown live on Channel Nine and Stan Sport.
Australia then takes on Kenya at 3:00am AEST on Thursday morning, followed by a match against Argentina at 10:30pm AEST the following evening.
John Manenti's side are chasing their first medal at an Olympic Games after Quarter-Final finishes in 2016 and 2021.
Australia Mens Sevens coach John Manenti said: "Weve prepared really well over here in France and the boys are ready to play.
We just had a stunning jersey presentation at the Australian Embassy overlooking Eiffel Tower with the players loved ones and special guest, Sports Minister Anika Wells.
We kick off the Australian Olympic Teams Paris campaign and are ready for the challenge. This will be an extremely competitive field but were up for it.
Were all thrilled the wait is over and its time to play.
Australia's champion Womens Sevens side arrived in the Olympic village this week ahead of their campaign getting underway at 12:00am AEST on Monday, July 29 against South Africa. The Aussies are chasing their second medal after claiming gold at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Australia Women's Sevens coach Tim Walsh said: "Our entry into the village has been seamless, thanks to the Australia Olympic Committee team.
"The Montpellier training camp delivered to expectation and the time to perform is approaching.
"Time isnt of the essence because we feel ready and confident in our preparation with the task now for each of us to do our job with consistency and purpose.
"Staying disciplined on and off the field from here on in will ensure our physical and mental weapons are sharp and we are ready to strike for Australia."
Watch the Aussie Rugby Sevens sides chase glory at the Paris Olympic Games live on Channel Nine and Stan Sport from July 24.
MEN'S RUGBY SEVENS FIXTURES - POOL B
Wednesday, July 24: Australia v Samoa (11:30pm AEST)
Thursday, July 25: Australia v Kenya (3:00am AEST)
Thursday, July 25: Australia v Argentina (10:30pm AEST)
WOMEN'S RUGBY SEVENS FIXTURES - POOL B
Monday, July 29: Australia v South Africa (12:00am AEST)
Monday, July 29: Australia v Great Britain (3:30am AEST)
Monday, July 29: Australia v Ireland (10:30pm AEST)
AUSTRALIA'S PARIS OLYMPICS RUGBY SEVENS TEAMS MEN'S
1. Henry Hutchison
2. Ben Dowling
3. Corey Toole
4. Dietrich Roache
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Henry Paterson
7. Hayden Sargeant
8. James Turner
9. Matt Gonzalez
10. Nick Malouf (c)
11. Maurice Longbottom
12. Nathan Lawson
Reserves: Michael Icely and Josh Turner
WOMEN'S
1. Bienne Terita
2. Sharni Smale
3. Faith Nathan
4. Dominique Du Toit
5. Teagan Levi
6. Sariah Paki
7. Charlotte Caslick (c)
8. Kaitlin Shave
9. Tia Hinds
10. Isabella Nasser
11. Maddison Levi
12. Bridget Clark
Reserves: Kahli Henwood and Sidney Taylor
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/rugby-...onight-2024723