Team GB’s hopes were dashed in the women’s rugby sevens quarter-final as they succumbed to a 17-7 defeat against the USA at Stade de France. Despite a promising start with Ellie Boatman’s try, converted expertly by Lisa Thomson, handling errors proved costly.
Naya Tapper scored for the USA just before halftime, narrowing the gap to 7-5. In the second half, Kirsti Krushe and Sammy Sullivan added tries for the Americans, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
Team GB, having finished fourth in the past two Olympics, will now compete in the 5th-8th place play-offs. The day also saw the British Olympic Association launch an investigation into a racist message allegedly sent by player Amy Wilson-Hardy.
In other matches, reigning champions New Zealand dominated China with a 57-5 victory, advancing to face the USA in the semi-finals. Hosts France were upset by Canada, who won 19-14 with a last-minute try by Chloe Daniels. France’s hopes of emulating their men’s team’s gold were dashed due to a forward pass during the final play. Canada will now face Australia, who defeated Ireland 40-7, in the semi-finals.
