world rugby sevens repechage – women’s team profiles and

World Rugby Sevens Repechage – Women’s team profiles and biographies

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ARGENTINA Head coach: Tomás Bongiorno Captain: Gimena Mattus Nickname: Los Pumas Sevens Did you know…?

• Argentina played in the repechage for Rio 2016, finishing sixth after losing 33-0 to China in fifth place play-off • They lost to Kazakhstan (36-5) and beat Cook Islands (17-12) and Hong Kong (17-15) in the pool stage, before losing to Russia (34-0) in the quarter-final • Argentina qualified for the repechage for Tokyo 2020 by finishing third in the Sudamérica Rugby qualifier in Lima, beating hosts Peru 22-12 • Argentina have played three tournaments on the World Rugby Sevens Series, in Houston in 2013, Sao Paulo in 2014 and Las Vegas in 2017

Shirt

# Known as

name DOB (Age) Height

(cm) Weight

(kg) Club /

Province Series Events

Series Points

Series Tries

Notes

Tomás Bongiorno

24/04/82 (39)

Head coach - Appointed coach in November 2019 - Head coach of senior sevens team of Cordoba Rugby Union - Coached Cordoba Athletic sevens team from 2012-17, winning titles in Punta del Este Sevens (2015, 2017), Vina del Mar Sevens (2016, 2017) and at the Asuncion Sevens (2017)

1 Gimena Mattus

(captain)

20/12/97 (23)

169 70 Nevada Rugby Club (La Rioja)

- Played in South America qualifier which earned Argentina’s place in this Repechage - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019 - Played in Pan American Games in Lima in 2019

2 Ariana Perez

03/03/98 (23)

165 68 Universidad Nacional

(Cordoba)

- Played in World Series qualifier in 2017

3 Andrea Moreno

31/08/95 (25)

170 55 Tucuman - Played in South America qualifier which earned Argentina’s place in this Repechage - Played in Pan American Games in Lima in 2019

4 Renata Giraudo

17/12/89 (31)

170 60 Cordoba - Played in World Series qualifier in 2017 and 2019

5 Yamila Otero

01/03/91 (30)

162 60 Centro Naval / URBA

2 0 0 - Played in South America qualifier which earned Argentina’s place in this Repechage - Played in Pan American Games in Toronto in 2015 and Lima in 2019

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- Made debut on series in Sao Paulo in 2014 - Also played in Las Vegas on 2016-17 Series - Played in World Series qualifier in 2017, 2018 and 2019

6 Agostina Campos

Ruiz

27/09/93 (27)

153 55 Cardenales / Tucuman

- Played in World Series qualifier in 2018

7 Florencia Moreno

26/10/94 (26)

160 62 Aguara / Tucuman

- Played in South America qualifier which earned Argentina’s place in this Repechage - Played in Pan American Games in Lima in 2019 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2017, 2018 and 2019

8 Josefina Padellaro

16/06/97 (24)

167 55 Club Neuquen

Rugby

1 0 0 - Turned 24 earlier this week - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in Pan American Games in Toronto in 2015 and Lima in 2019 - Made debut on series in Las Vegas in 2017 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019

9 Mayra Aguilar

10/02/96 (25)

158 58 Aguara Guazu

(Tucuman)

- Played in repechage for Rio 2016, scoring tries against Kazakhstan and Hong Kong - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018

10 Sofia González

23/02/95 (26)

173 70 SITAS / URBA

2 1 11 - Played in repechage for Rio 2016, scoring a try against Tunisia - Played in South America qualifier which earned Argentina’s place in this Repechage, she was Argentina’s top try scorer and their best player - Played in Pan American Games in Toronto in 2015 - Made debut on series in Sao Paulo in 2014 - Also played in Las Vegas on 2016-17 Series - Played in World Series qualifier in 2017, 2018 and 2019

11 Antonella Reding

20/11/95 (25)

163 65 Club Atlético Parque

(Entre Ríos)

- Before playing rugby was an athlete and basketball player

12 Maria Taladrid

01/07/97 (23)

176 77 La Plata RC (Buenos

Aires)

Information correct at time of publication

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COLOMBIA Head coach: David Jaramillo Gomez Captain: Laura Mejia Nickname: Las Tucanes Did you know…?

• Colombia played at Rio 2016 after winning the South American qualifier (Brazil qualified as hosts), finishing 12th • Colombia qualified for the repechage for Tokyo 2020 as beaten finalists in Sudamérica Rugby qualifier in Lima, losing 28-15 to Brazil • Colombia have played one tournament on the World Rugby Sevens Series, in Atlanta on the 2015-16 series • In that tournament they lost to Fiji (41-7), Australia (34-0), England (45-0), Japan (19-7) and Spain (24-12)

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# Known as


(cm) Weight

(kg) Club /


Series Points

Series Tries

Notes

David Jaramillo Gomez

02/06/82 (39)

176 78 Head coach - Colombia women’s coach and Coordinator of High Performance - Has coached Colombia since 2017 - Coached team to fourth in Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires

1 Maribel Mestra

13/07/01 (19)

168 62 Unal / Medellin

- Made test debut against Brazil in March 2020 in second-row (15s)

2 Isabel Romero

27/07/96 (24)

161 70 Gatos / Antioquia

- Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Bronze medallist at the Pan American Games 2019 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2017 - Made test debut against Brazil in March 2020 at centre (15s) - Started playing rugby at age of 14

3 Carmen Ibarra

24/08/00 (20)

176 73 Guajira - Played at the Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires - Bronze medallist at the Pan American Games 2019 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2017 - Started playing rugby at age of 11

4 Daniela Alzate

20/12/98 (22)

163 60 Rhinos / Pereira

- Bronze medallist at the Pan American Games 2019 - Made test debut against Brazil in March 2020 off the bench (15s) - Started playing rugby at age of 12 - Cites Portia Woodman and Stacey Fluhler as players she looks to for inspiration

5 Valentina Alvarez

04/04/00 (21)

170 71 Bogota - Made test debut against Brazil in Colombia’s first recognised test in August 2019 (15s) - Also played against Brazil in March 2020 as flanker (15s)

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6 Valeria Muñoz

28/10/01 (19)

170 68 Copacabana RC

- Played at the Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires - Started playing rugby at age of 16

7 Isabel Arzuaga

15/04/98 (23)

175 78 Unal / Antioquia

- Bronze medallist at the Pan American Games 2019 - Made test debut against Brazil in Colombia’s first recognised test in August 2019 (15s) - Also played against Brazil in March 2020 on wing (15s) - Started playing rugby at age of 18

8 Leidy Soto 15/06/00 (21)

167 60 Gatos / Antioquia

- Turned 21 earlier this week - Named one of the Unstoppables in World Rugby’s ‘Try and Stop Us’ campaign in May 2019 PROFILE >> - Played at Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires - Bronze medallist at the Pan American Games 2019 - Older sister Juliana Soto has also played for Colombia in sevens and 15s - Made test debut against Brazil in Colombia’s first recognised test in August 2019 at centre, her sister coming off the bench in the same match (15s) - Also played against Brazil in March 2020 on wing, scoring a try (15s) - Started playing rugby at age of 16

9 Camila Lopera

18/04/95 (26)

155 55 Athalantas / Antioquia

- Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Bronze medallist at the Pan American Games 2019 - Played at Pan American Games in 2015 in Toronto - Made debut on series in Atlanta in 2016 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2017 - Made test debut against Brazil in Colombia’s first recognised test in August 2019 at fly-half (15s) - Started playing rugby at age of 18

10 Laura Mejia (captain)

09/08/00 (20)

173 58 Copacabana/ Copacabana

- Played at the Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires - Bronze medallist at the Pan American Games 2019 - Played two tests for Colombia, marking debut against Brazil with a try (15s) - Also played against Brazil in 2020 at fly-half (15s) - Cites Tyla Nathan-Wong as a player she looks to for inspiration

11 Marcela Osorio

15/06/00 (21)

163 58 Renos / Bello - Turned 21 earlier this week - Played at the Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires - Started playing rugby at age of 15

https://www.women.rugby/profile/leidy

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12 Valentina Tapias

27/05/01 (20)

172 61 Juncos / Sabaneta

- Captained Colombia at the Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires - Bronze medallist at the Pan American Games 2019 - Cites Tyla Nathan-Wong as a player she looks to for inspiration - Made test debut against Brazil in March 2020 at scrum-half (15s) - Started playing rugby at age of 15


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FRANCE Head coach: David Courteix Captain: Fanny Horta Nickname: Les Bleues Did you know…?

• France played at Rio 2016 after winning the European qualifier • France had the honour of playing in the first ever Olympic rugby sevens match, beating Spain 24-7 • France’s Camille Grassineau scored the first Olympic sevens try after only 14 seconds at the Deodoro Stadium • France qualified for the repechage for Tokyo 2020 by finishing third in the Rugby Europe qualifier in Kazan, beating Spain 17-5 • France are a core team on the World Rugby Sevens Series, finishing fourth in the truncated 2020 series – their best placing • France were runners-up at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco, losing

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# Full name DOB (Age) Height

(cm) Weight

(kg) Club /


Series Points

Series Tries

Notes

David Courteix

Head coach - Sixth year as France women’s sevens coach - Coached France at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Guided France to their best finish on HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series with third in 2018 - Named Coach of the Tournament at RWC Sevens 2018

1 Séraphine Okemba

03/12/95 (25)

177 78 FFR 15 145 29 - Made France debut on series in Kitakyushu in 2017 - Played in RWC Sevens 2018

2 Anne-Cécile Ciofani

14/12/93 (27)

180 72 AC Bobigny 93

11 160 32 - Parents are both Olympians in field events – father Walter Ciofani finished seventh in hammer at 1984 Games for France, while mother Jeanne Ngo Minyemeck completed in discuss at 1988 Games for Cameroon - Sisters Audrey (former European Junior champion) and Juliette were both hammer athletes - Former heptathlete before finding rugby just under a decade ago - Last played on series in Glendale in October 2019 - Named in HSBC Dream Team for 2019 series - France’s top try-scorer on 2019 series with 21 – record for a series - Top scorer in Kitakyushu in 2019 with nine tries - Made France debut on series in Dubai in 2017 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018

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3 Chloé Pelle 14/11/89 (31)

162 70 Lille MRCV 32 235 47 - Became third French player to reach 30 series events in Cape Town in December 2019 - Made France debut on series in Amsterdam in 2013 - Played at RWC Sevens 2013 and 2018 - Bronze medallist at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (15s) - Played last of 13 tests in November 2020 v England (15s)

4 Chloe Jacquet

17/04/02 (19)

166 58 LOU 0 0 0 - Yet to make debut on world series

5 Jade Ulutule

12/10/92 (28)

163 63 Stade Rennais Rugby

15 253 33 - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Made France debut on series in Amsterdam in 2013 - Played at RWC Sevens 2013 - Bronze medallist at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (15s) - Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam winner in 2018 (15s) - Played 19 tests for France from 2013-21 (15s)

6 Fanny Horta

(captain)

22/01/86 (35)

166 63 FFR 33 255 51 - Captained France at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Became second France player to score 50 series tries in Cape Town on 2020 series - Made France debut on series in Dubai in 2012 - Captained France in every tournament she had played until Glendale in 2018 - Captained France at RWC Sevens 2009, 2013 and 2018

7 Coralie Bertrand

10/04/94 (27)

173 66 Stade Toulousain

Rugby

14 120 24 - Made France debut on series in Dubai in 2017 - Named 2018 Series Rookie of the Year - Played at RWC Sevens 2018

8 Camille Grassineau

10/09/90 (30)

165 58 Stade Français

Paris

30 305 61 - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games – scoring first ever sevens Olympic try after 14 seconds against Spain - Became the fourth France player to reach 30 series events in Sydney in February 2020 after Horta, Mayans and Pelle - France’s all-time top try scorer in series history - Made France debut on series in Amsterdam in 2013 - Played at RWC Sevens 2013 and 2018 - Bronze medallist at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (15s)

9 Carla Neisen

08/03/96 (25)

164 67 Blagnac Rugby

Feminin

15 105 21 - Made France debut on series in Dubai in 2016 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played for France in first-ever win over New Zealand on 17 November, 2018. Also played in first test loss to New Zealand in Nov 2019 (15s) - Bronze medallist at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (15s) - Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam winner in 2018 (15s)

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10 Caroline Drouin

07/07/96 (25)

172 71 Stade Rennais Rugby

16 210 16 - Glendale on 2020 series was her first event as France captain - Made France debut on series in Kitakyushu in 2017 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played for France in first-ever win over New Zealand on 17 November, 2018 scoring 15 points in 30-27 victory. Also played in first test loss to New Zealand in November (15s) - Bronze medallist at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (15s) - Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam winner in 2018 (15s)

11 Shannon Izar

08/05/93 (28)

172 68 Lille MRCV 25 402 54 - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Became third France player to score 50 series tries, in Hamilton in 2020 - Made France debut on series in Dubai in 2012 - Played at RWC Sevens 2013 and 2018 - Bronze medallist at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (15s) - Played twice at full-back v England in November 2020, her first tests since RWC 2017 (15s)

12 Lina Guerin 16/04/91 (30)

173 64 RC Chilly Mazarin

21 195 39 - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Made France debut on series in China in 2014 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018

Information correct at time of publication.

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HONG KONG Head coach: Iain Monaghan Co-captains: Melody Li and Natasha Olson-Thorne Did you know…?

• Hong Kong played in the repechage for Rio 2016, finishing 10th after losing 17-12 to Cook Islands in the ninth place play-off • They drew with Cook Islands (12-12) and lost to Kazakhstan (21-12) and Argentina (17-15) in the pool stage, before beating Zimbabwe (20-0) and Venezuela (24-5) in the

Challenge Trophy (teams ranked ninth to 16th) • Hong Kong qualified for the repechage for Tokyo 2020 as beaten finalists in the Asia Rugby qualifier in Guangzhou, losing 33-0 to hosts China • This tournament in November 2019 was Hong Kong’s last international competition • Hong Kong have never played on the World Rugby Sevens Series

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# Known as


(cm) Weight

(kg) Club /


Series Points

Series Tries

Notes

Iain Monaghan

08/08/80 (40)

170 80 Head coach

- Joined Hong Kong high performance department in January 2019 after leaving Scottish Rugby - Had two spells with Scottish Rugby working with the men’s U18 and U20 teams (15s) and various other roles - Spent three years in Italy as skills coach at Viadana

1 Natasha Olsen-

Thorne (co-captain)

06/10/92 (28)

161 68 USRC - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in World Series qualifiers in 2017 and 2018 - Played test rugby from 2011-18 (15s) - Played at Rugby World Cup 2017 as Hong Kong made debut, scoring a try against Wales (15s)

2 Shanna Forrest

04/01/2002 (19)

176 83 Kowloon

3 Chloe CHAN

28/12/98 (22)

169 62 Valley

4 Maggie AU YEUNG

04/11/95 (25)

164 60 Kowloon - Played two tests for Hong Kong in 2018, v Spain and Wales (15s)

5 CHOW Mei Nam

14/11/88 (32)

170 66 Gai Wu - Will make sevens debut for Hong Kong in Monaco after coach challenged her to compete for spot in April - Captained Hong Kong at Rugby World Cup 2017, their debut tournament (15s) - Made her Hong Kong debut in 2015 v Japan, played 17 tests (15s)

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- Spent six months after RWC 2017 with College Rifles club in Auckland, New Zealand - Occupation is a teacher

6 Melody LI (co-captain)

09/12/92 (28)

163 63 Gai Wu - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in the Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018 and 2019 - Played eight tests from 2015-18 (15s)

7 CHONG Ka Yan

24/11/93 (27)

157 50 Gai Wu - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2019 - First capped on Asia Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in 2015 - Played at Rugby World Cup 2017 when Hong Kong made debut (15s)

8 NAM Ka Man

03/11/92 (28)

159 57 USRC - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2017 and 2018 - Played test rugby for Hong Kong in 2012 and 2016 (15s)

9 Jess Ho 12/05/92 (29)

160 58 USRC - Played in World Series qualifier in 2019 - Made Hong Kong debut v Fiji in December 2016 (15s) - Played at Rugby World Cup 2017 when Hong Kong made debut (15s)

10 Stephanie Chan

06/03/91 (30)

155 51 Revolution - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019 - Born in Canada but raised in Hong Kong - Former windsurfer – did compete but didn’t make to top level

11 HUI Man Ling

30/04/91 (30)

165 56 HK Scottish

12 Agnes Tse 08/05/90 (31)

159 50 City - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018


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KAZAKHSTAN Head coach: Anna Yakovleva Captain: Balzhan Koishybayeva Did you know…?

• Kazakhstan qualified for the repechage for Tokyo 2020 as the third-placed team in the Asia Rugby qualifier in Guangzhou, beating Thailand 17-14 • That match was Anna Yakovleva’s last as a player before moving into coaching • Kazakhstan finished fourth at the Rio 2016 repechage in Dublin, their Olympic dreams ending with a 28-0 loss to Spain in the semi-finals • In that tournament – when current coach Anna Yakovleva was captain – Kazakhstan beat Argentina (36-5), Hong Kong (21-12) and Cook Islands (12-5) in pool stage and

Samoa 26-0 in the quarter-final • They have prepared for the Repechage with a camp in Poland and matches against their national team and two camps in the mountains in south of Kazakhstan • Kazakhstan have never played on the World Rugby Sevens Series

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(cm) Weight

(kg) Club /


Series Points

Series Tries

Notes

Anna Yakovleva 10/11/83 (37)

Head coach

- Captained Kazakhstan during Rio 2016 Repechage in Dublin when finished fourth, narrowly missing out on core team place for 2016-17 series - Retired from playing after Asia Rugby qualifier that confirmed Kazakhstan’s place in this Olympic repechage - Played in four Rugby World Cups (15s) from 2002-14 - Captained Kazakhstan at RWC 2010 and 2014 (15s) - One of Asia Rugby’s Unstoppable ambassadors

1 Veronika Stepanyuga

12/11/94 (26)

170 68 Almaty RC

- Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019 - Played at Rugby World Cup 2014 (15s)

2 Nigora Nurmatova

23/01/90 (31)

172 68 Almaty RC

- Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019 - Played at Rugby World Cup 2014 (15s) - Also played test rugby in 2012 (15s)

3 Alina Askerova 17/05/98 (23)

165 64 Olymp RC - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2019 - Made test debut against China in 2019 to help Kazakhstan remain in hunt for place at RWC 2021 (15s)

4 Daiana Kazibekova

12/08/99 (21)

170 60 Almaty RC

- Made test debut against China in 2019 to help Kazakhstan remain in hunt for place at RWC 2021 (15s)

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6 Vlada Odnoletok 06/07/01 (19)

165 65 Almaty RC

- Played at the Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires - Scored eight tries in the tournament, including two hat-tricks in the pool stage against Canada and Tunisia - Also scored twice against Tunisia in the fifth place play-off

7 Kundyzay Baktybayeva

27/03/89 (32)

170 74 Almaty RC

- Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019 - Played at Rugby World Cup 2010 and 2014, in latter played as both centre and flanker (15s) - After gap of five years, then played v China in 2019 (15s)

8 Diana Abisheva 16/12/97 (23)

169 70 Almaty RC

- Made test debut against China in 2019 to help Kazakhstan remain in hunt for place at RWC 2021 (15s)

9 Mariya Grishina 26/12/98 (22)

167 60 Almaty RC

- Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Made test debut against China in 2019 to help Kazakhstan remain in hunt for place at RWC 2021 (15s)

10 Balzhan Koishybayeva

(captain)

22/01/94 (27)

174 72 Almaty RC

- Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019 - Played at Rugby World Cup 2014 as centre (15s) - After gap of five years, then played v China in 2019 (15s) - Also played twice in 2012 (15s)

11 Darya Tkachyova 09/09/93 (27)

169 65 Almaty RC

- Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019 - Made test debut against China in 2019 to help Kazakhstan remain in hunt for place at RWC 2021 (15s)

12 Lyudmila Sherer 14/06/88 (33)

180 74 Almaty RC

- Turned 33 earlier this week - Played at Rugby World Cup 2010 (15s)

13 Galina Krassavina 26/11/97 (23)

160 55 Almaty RC


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MADAGASCAR Head coach: Eric Randrianarison Captain: Nickname: Lady Makis Did you know…?

• Madagascar qualified for the repechage for Tokyo 2020 by finishing third in Rugby Africa in Monastir • Madagascar finished 13th at the Rio 2016 repechage in Dublin, beating Zimbabwe 22-12 in the play-off • They lost to Russia (58-0) and Samoa (22-10) but beat Zimbabwe (19-17) in the pool stage, lost to Cook Islands (7-0) and beat Mexico (10-0) in Challenge Trophy (teams

ranked ninth to 16th) • Madagascar have never played on the World Rugby Sevens Series

Shirt

# Full name DOB

(Age) Height (cm)

Weight (kg)

Club / Province Series Events

Series Points

Series Tries

Notes

Eric Randrianarison

16/11/69 (51)

Head coach

1 Maria Bodonandrianina

16/03/97 (24)

167 60 FTFA Antohomadinika

- Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played against South Africa and Uganda in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2019 – Madagascar’s first international tournament – and a RWC 2021 qualifier (15s)

2 Laurence Rasoanandrasana

06/12/92 (28)

156 68 SCB Besarety - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Tunisia teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Madagascar's place in the Repechage - Captained Madagascar in their first ever international match, v Kenya in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2019, an RWC 2021 qualifier (15s) - Also played v South Africa and Uganda, a 15-15 draw (15s) - Plays in back-row in 15s

3 Nomenjanahary Sarinda

Sahondramalala

04/03/93 (28)

168 72 3FB - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Tunisia teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Madagascar's place in the Repechage

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- Played in Madagascar’s first ever international match, v Kenya in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2019, an RWC 2021 qualifier (15s) - Also played v South Africa and Uganda, a 15-15 draw (15s)

4 Joela Mirasoa Fenohasina

01/03/95 (26)

155 57 FTM Manjakaray

- Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Tunisia teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Madagascar's place in the Repechage - Played in Madagascar’s first ever international match, v Kenya in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2019, an RWC 2021 qualifier (15s) - Also played v South Africa in same tournament (15s)

5 Sophie Razafiarisoa

01/09/86 (34)

155 59 3FB - Played in repechage for Rio 2016, scoring try v Samoa - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Tunisia teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Madagascar's place in the Repechage - Played at fly-half in Madagascar’s first ever international match, v Kenya in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2019, an RWC 2021 qualifier (15s) - Also played v South Africa and Uganda, a 15-15 draw (15s)

6 Claudia Rasoarimalala

07/08/85 (35)

163 64 FTM Manjakaray

- Played in repechage for Rio 2016, scoring four tries across two matches with Zimbabwe, including hat-trick in 13th place play-off - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Tunisia teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Madagascar's place in the Repechage - Played on wing in Madagascar’s first ever international match, v Kenya in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2019, an RWC 2021 qualifier (15s) - Also played v South Africa and Uganda, a 15-15 draw (15s)

7 Veronique Rasoanekena

17/06/97 (24)

159 63 RCTS Soavimasoandro

- Turned 24 earlier this week - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Tunisia teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Madagascar's place in the Repechage

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- Played as centre in Madagascar’s first ever international match, v Kenya in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2019, an RWC 2021 qualifier (15s) - Scored Madagascar’s first international try (15s) - Also played v Uganda, a 15-15 draw (15s)

8 Dinah Raveloarinoro

21/10/88 (32)

160 60 3FB - Played in repechage for Rio 2016, scoring tries v Samoa and Zimbabwe - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Tunisia teams)

9 Vonjimalala Ranorovololona

07/01/91 (30)

165 59 3FB - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Tunisia teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Madagascar's place in the Repechage - Played as scrum-half in Madagascar’s first ever international match, v Kenya in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2019, an RWC 2021 qualifier (15s) - Also played v South Africa and Uganda, a 15-15 draw (15s)

10 Tantely Razafimahefa

09/03/79 (42)

157 56 3FB - Played in repechage for Rio 2016, scoring tries v Zimbabwe and Mexico - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Madagascar's place in the Repechage - Played as full-back in Madagascar’s first ever international match, v Kenya in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2019, an RWC 2021 qualifier (15s) - Also played v South Africa and Uganda, a 15-15 draw (15s)

11 Volatiana Rasoanandrasana

29/06/88 (32)

160 60 FTFA Antohomadinika

- Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Tunisia teams)

12 Patricia Ravololonirina

20/09/97 (23)

175 72 SCB - Played in repechage for Rio 2016, scoring try v Zimbabwe - Played as centre in Madagascar’s first ever international match, v Kenya in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2019, an RWC 2021 qualifier (15s) - Also played v South Africa and Uganda, a 15-15 draw in which she scored a try (15s)

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MEXICO Head coach: Ruben Duque Rubio Captain: Jennifer Salomon Nickname: Las Serpientes Did you know…?

• Mexico qualified for the repechage for Tokyo 2020 as winners of the Rugby Americas North qualifier, beating Jamaica 19-15 • Mexico finished joint 15th at the Rio 2016 repechage in Dublin, drawing with Venezuela (5-5) and losing to Tunisia (22-0), Spain (38-0) in pool stages and Portugal (29-0)

and Madagascar (10-0) in knockout stage • Mexico have played one tournament on the World Rugby Sevens Series, in Glendale on the 2019 series • In that tournament they lost to Australia (53-0), Russia (58-0), Spain (46-0) and (46-0) and China (47-0) • Mexico made their debut in a global international tournament at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco but failed to score a point in four matches

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(cm) Weight

(kg) Club /


Series Points

Series Tries

Notes

Ruben Duque

30/10/79 (41)

Head coach - Took over as women’s coach after Simon Pierre returned to New Zealand earlier this year (part of three-strong coaching team preparing men’s and women’s teams) - Head coach of Mexico men’s 15s team, in his time World Rugby Ranking has gone from 76 in 2013 to 43 in 2019 - Director of High Performance and Rugby 15s programme at Mexican federation - Coached Mexico U19 team to Rugby Americas North titles - Before arriving in Mexico in 2012, had spent eight years with Spanish federation working with U17, U20 teams and women’s team and coordinating high performance programme and development - Born in Spain, he started playing rugby aged 10 in Madrid - Had to stop playing aged 20 because of injury but wanted to remain involved in sport – has travelled world learning about coaching, spending time in New Zealand, France, England, USA and more

1 Michelle Farah

20/08/90 (30)

170 72 Guadalajara - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 when Mexico made debut - Made debut on series in Glendale in October 2018 - Started playing rugby at age of 21 in second year at university - Cites Ruby Tui and Evania Pelite as players she admires on series

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2 Isabela González

22/03/90 (31)

165 65 CDMX - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019 - Made debut on series in Glendale in October 2018 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 when Mexico made debut

3 Jennifer Salomon (captain)

11/07/93 (27)

170 72 New York - Played in World Series qualifier in 2019, scoring try v Scotland - Started playing rugby at age of 18 in freshman year at Quinnipiac University - Cites Ruby Tui as player she admires on series - Born in New York

6 Alessandra Bender

12/12/88 (32)

165 54 CDMX - Played in World Series qualifier in 2019 - Born in New Jersey, USA - Started playing rugby at age of 20, joining local team while in college

7 Juanita Elguezabal-

Dority

21/05/1983 (38)

166 65 Oregon - Started playing rugby at age of 21 at university - Received World Rugby approval to transfer to Mexico under Olympic eligibility regulation – her father was born in Mexico (can become eligible for 15s if plays in 50 per cent of Mexico’s matches in Repechage) - Born in USA, she played six tests for USA from 2007-12 (15s)

8 Karmin Macedo

31/03/95 (26)

176 65 California - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 when Mexico made debut

9 Daniela Rosales

03/04/89 (32)

160 58 CDMX - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Captained Mexico when made RWC Sevens debut in 2018 - Scored only try in Rugby Americas North Seven final with Trinidad and Tobago that earned Mexico’s place at RWC Sevens 2018 - Made debut on series in Glendale in October 2018 - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019 - Started playing rugby at age of 19

10 Karina Landeros

24/03/88 (33)

175 59 CDMX - Played in repechage for Rio 2016, scoring a try v Venezuela - Made debut on series in Glendale in October 2018 as captain - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 when Mexico made debut - Captained Mexico in World Series qualifier in 2019 - Started playing rugby at age of 26, was invited to join team who trained inside the track where she ran in Guadalajara - Cites Portia Woodman and Patricia Garcia as players she admires on series

11 Vanessa Rodriguez

12/11/99 (21)

175 59 CDMX - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019 - Made debut on series in Glendale in October 2018

12 Rosa Rivera 24/02/1983 (38)

165 70 Barrie, Toronto

- Captained Mexico in repechage for Rio 2016 - Made debut on series in Glendale in October 2018

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13 Daniela Alvarado

29/06/98 (22)

159 60 Guadalajara - Played in World Series qualifier in 2019

14 Maria Fernanda

Tovar

24/11/00 (20)

162 66 Guadalajara - Made debut on series in Glendale in October 2018


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PAPUA NEW GUINEA Head coach: Robert Jones Captain: Kymlie Rapilla Nickname: Palais Did you know…?

• Papua New Guinea qualified for the repechage for Tokyo 2020 by finishing fourth overall at Oceania Rugby Sevens in 2019 (Australia and New Zealand already qualified for Tokyo 2020 via world series with Fiji claiming Oceania qualifier spot)

• This will be their first appearance in the Olympic repechage, having not qualified for the Rio 2016 one • Papua New Guinea have played three tournaments on the World Rugby Sevens Series, in Sydney in 2017, 2018 and 2019 • Papua New Guinea played at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco, finishing 15th

Shirt


(cm) Weight

(kg) Club /


Series Points

Series Tries

Notes

Robert Jones

Stand-in head coach

- Steps in as head coach for the tournament with Paul Tietjens unable to travel due to work commitments - Normally assistant coach, he has been part of the coaching team since 2019 - Will be assisted by Mike Pettman, the technical skills and development coach from Munster, for this weekend

1 Kymlie Rapilla

(captain)

16/05/91 (30)

162 70 Harlequins / NCD PNG

2 0 0 - Made debut on series in Sydney on 2016-17 Series - Also played on series in Sydney on 2019 Series - Also played on series in Sydney in 2017 and 2018 Series - Played four tests from 2016-18 as centre or fly-half, making debut in a RWC 2017 qualifier v Fiji (15s)

2 Fatima Rama

28/01/81 (40)

175 72 Nova/NCD 3 5 1 - Made debut on series in Sydney on 2016-17 Series - Also played on series in Sydney in 2018 and 2019 Series - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 when PNG made debut - Played in World Series qualifier in 2017, 2018 and 2019 - Played four tests in four different positions – second-row, number eight, flanker and full-back (15s) - Played in RWC 2021 qualifier v Samoa in November 2019, scoring two tries (15s)

3 Helen Abau

16/05/91 (30)

166 75 Spartans NCD 2 0 0 - Made debut on series in Sydney on 2016-17 Series - Also played in Sydney on 2019 Series - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 when PNG made debut

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- Played in World Series qualifier in 2017, 2018 and 2019 - Played four tests from 2016-18 as centre or full-back, making debut in a RWC 2017 qualifier v Fiji (15s)

4 Geua Larry 24/03/90 (31)

159 66 Spartans NCD 2 0 0 - Made debut on series in Sydney on 2018 Series - Also played in Sydney on 2019 Series - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 - Played three tests from 2016-18 as centre or full-back, making debut in a RWC 2017 qualifier v Fiji (15s)

5 Esther Gigimat

10/02/01 (20)

160 63 NCD

7 Lynette Aua

27/11/91 (29)

147 48 NCD

8 Gwen Pokana

29/07/94 (26)

167 54 PNG NCD

9 Chelsea Garesa

30/07/99 (21)

157 53 Spartans/NCD 1 0 0 - Played at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 when PNG made debut, scoring tries v Australia, Brazil and Mexico - Made debut on series in Sydney on 2018 Series - Played in World Series qualifier in 2018 and 2019

10 Alice Alois 28/09/96 (24)

159 49 Spartans PNG 1 5 1 - Made debut on series in Sydney on 2016-17 Series - Played in World Series qualifier in 2019

11 Cathy Puro 08/12/93 (27)

157 56 Harlequins PNG

1 0 0 - Made debut on series in Sydney on 2016-17 Series - Played in World Series qualifier in 2017

12 Taiva Lavai 16/09/83 (37)

159 50 Spartans/NCD 3 0 0 - Made debut on series in Sydney on 2016-17 Series - Also played on series in Sydney in 2018 and 2019 Series - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 when PNG made debut - Played in World Series qualifier in 2017, 2018 and 2019 - Played four tests across 2018-19, playing as scrum-half or fly-half (15s) - Scored try amid 15 points on debut in 56-45 loss to Samoa (15s) - Played in RWC 2021 qualifier v Samoa in November 2019 (15s)


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RUSSIA Head coach: Andrey Kuzin Captain: Alena Tiron (nee Mikhaltsova) Did you know…?

• Russia were runners-up at the Rio 2016 repechage in Dublin, losing 19-14 to Spain in the final • Russia qualified for the repechage for Tokyo 2020 as runners-up in the Rugby Europe qualifier in Kazan, losing 19-0 to England (Great Britain) • Russia are a core team on the World Rugby Sevens Series, finishing sixth in the truncated 2020 series • Russie won the first leg of the Rugby Europe Sevens Championship Series 2021 in Lisbon earlier this month, beating Spain 24-5 in the final

Shirt

# Full name DOB

(Age) Height (cm)

Weight (kg)

Club / Province

Series Events

Series Points

Series Tries

Notes

Andrey Kuzin

29/10/78 (42)

Head coach 12 121 23 - Fourth year as Russia women’s sevens coach - Former Russia sevens player, playing on series 2001-08 - Played at RWC Sevens 2001 and 2005 - Former Russia captain in 15s, captaining eight of his 78 tests from 1997-2011 - Played at RWC 2011 (15s)

1 Daria Noritsina

20/07/96 (25)

166 65 VVA-Podmoskovie

22 100 20 - Made Russia debut on series in Clermont-Ferrand in 2016 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018

2 Viktoriia Em 20/01/01 (20)

168 70 CSKA Moscow

- Yet to play for Russia on series

3 Daria Shestakova

06/02/96 (25)

165 60 CSKA Moscow

18 110 22 - Played in repechage for Rio 2016, scoring a try in the final loss to Spain - Last played on 2020 Series in Dubai - Twin sister of Arina Bystrova, who has played 18 series events - Made Russia debut on series in Sao Paulo in 2016 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018

4 Alena Tiron (nee

Mikhaltsova)

08/12/93 (27)

172 72 CSKA Moscow

27 483 93 - Last played on series in Cape Town due to injury - Named DHL Impact Player for 2019 series (74 tackles, 32 breaks, 26 offloads and 127 carries throughout season) - Made Russia debut on series in Atlanta in 2014 - Scored 11 tries in Kitakyushu in 2018, including series record-equalling five in one match (v England) - Russia’s top try-scorer on 2018 series with 24 - Captained Russia at RWC Sevens 2018

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5 Baizat Khamidova

31/08/90 (30)

184 70 Enisei-STM 34 540 108 - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Became first Russian to play in 30 tournaments on series in Glendale - Became the first Russian to score 100 series tries in Biarritz in 2019 - Top try-scorer for Russia on 2019 series with 20 tries - Named in HSBC Dream Team for 2018 series - Made Russia debut on series in Dubai in 2012 – alongside sister Navrat (three events 2012-14) - Russia’s top point and try scorer in women’s series history - Played at RWC Sevens 2013 and 2018

6 Iana Danilova

07/05/96 (25)


11 35 7 - Made Russia debut on series in Langford in 2018

7 Kristina Seredina

24/12/94 (26)


29 226 30 - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Captained team in Hamilton and Sydney on 2020 Series - Made Russia debut on series in Sao Paulo in 2014 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018

8 Marina Kukina

22/08/93 (27)


27 84 10 - Made Russia debut on series in China in 2014 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018

9 Daria Lushina

01/11/96 (24)

170 68 RC Kuban 24 241 13 - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Made Russia debut on series in Langford, Canada, in 2015 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Made test debut at fly-half in RWC 2021 qualifier v Spain in February 2021 (15s)

10 Elena Zdrokova

26/12/96 (24)

175 75 CSKA Moscow

22 434 86 - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Was joint top try-scorer with seven in Dublin repechage - Made Russia debut on series in Sao Paulo in 2016

11 Nadezhda Sozonova

14/08/91 (29)

165 65 CKSA Moscow

21 361 35 - Returned for 2020 Series having last played in Dubai in 2016 - Captained Russia in first four world series - Made Russia debut on series in Dubai in 2012 - Captained Russia at RWC Sevens 2013 in Moscow - Nominated for World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in 2015 - Played three tests for Russia in 2016 (15s)

12 Anna Baranchuk

18/12/93 (27)

169 69 CKSA Moscow

14 20 4 - Made Russia debut on series in Kitakyushu in 2018 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018


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SAMOA Head coach: Auimatagi Sapani Pomare Captain: Saelua Leaula Nickname: Manusina Sevens Did you know…?

• Samoa qualified for the repechage for Tokyo 2020 2020 by finishing fifth overall at Oceania Rugby Sevens in 2019 (Australia and New Zealand already qualified for Tokyo 2020 via world series with Fiji claiming Oceania qualifier spot)

• Samoa finished joint seventh at the Rio 2016 repechage in Dublin, beating Zimbabwe (57-5) and Madagascar (22-10) and losing to Russia (47-0) in the pool stage, Kazakhstan (26-0) in quarter-final and China (28-5) in fifth place semi-final

• Samoa have never played on the World Rugby Sevens Series

Shirt #

Full name DOB (Age) Height (cm)

Weight (kg)

Club / Province Series Events

Series Points

Series Tries

Notes

Auimatagi Sapani Pomare

25/10/69 (51)

Head coach - Coached Samoa at the Pacific Youth Games in Apia in 2015 and some of players from then are in this team - Assistant coach for Samoa men’s U20 at World Rugby U20 Trophy in 2018

1 Fogamanono Tusiga

02/08/97 (23)

169 69 Vainuu Jaws Mulifanua RC

2 Rebirth Vaaga

16/05/01 (20)

156 65 No Idea Rugby Club

3 Perise Tumutumu

22/05/94 (27)

165 73 Tepatasi RC

4 Faalua Lefulefu

22/12/01 (19)

164 62 Apia Maroons RC

5 Fofoga Vaa 06/07/99 (21)


6 Jasmine Esekia

02/08/01 (19)


7 Fuarosa Nuusila

23/08/02 (18)

155 70 Vainuu Jaws Mulifanua RC

8 Linda Fiafia 08/09/93 (27)


- Made test debut v Hong Kong in Asia/Pacific Women’s Championship in May 2019 (15s)

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9 Saelua Leaula

(captain)

17/07/97 (23)


10 Lomi Peniamina

29/05/00 (21)


11 Ofa Sopoaga 12/08/00 (20)

164 77 St Pierre Chanel

Malotau RC

12 Elisapeta Leti

02/12/98 (22)


- Made test debut v Fiji in Asia/Pacific Women’s Championship in June 2019 (15s)


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TUNISIA Head coach: Abbes Kherfani Captain: Mariem Mekni Did you know…?

• Tunisia qualified for the repechage for Tokyo 2020 by finishing fourth at the Rugby Africa qualifier in Monastir, losing the third place play-off 5-0 to Madagascar • Tunisia finished joint seventh in the Rio 2016 repechage in Dublin, losing to Spain (38-0), before beating Mexico (22-0) and Venezuela (17-10) in pool stage, then losing to

Ireland (38-0) in quarter-finals and Argentina (17-7) in fifth place semi-final • Tunisia have played two tournaments on the World Rugby Sevens Series, in Guangzhou on 2012-13 series and Dubai on 2013-14 series

Shirt


(cm) Weight

(kg) Club /


Series Points

Series Tries

Notes

Abbes Kherfani

12/07/85 (35)

Head coach

10 120 22 - Appointed coach in May 2020 - Played for Tunisia in men’s Olympic repechage for Rio 2016 - Played at RWC Sevens 2005, 2009 and 2013 - Made Tunisia debut on series in Dubai in 2005 - His last tournament was also Tunisia’s last on series, in George in 2009 - Played test rugby for Tunisia from 2006-17 (15s)

1 Yasmine Korbi

04/02/04 (17)

173 82 Club Jasmin Nabeul

- First experience of an international competition - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Madagascar teams)

2 Lamia Mlawah

03/11/00 (20)

160 61 Fatayette Rugby

Jammel

- Played at Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Madagascar teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Tunisia’s place in the Repechage

3 Sana Chaarana

23/10/98 (22)


Jammel

- Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Madagascar teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Tunisia’s place in the Repechage

4 Mariem Mekni

(captain)

03/05/90 (31)

164 66 Lion Sportif

k.Sousse

2 0 0 - Played in repechage for Rio 2016 - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Madagascar teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Tunisia’s place in the Repechage - Made debut on series in Guangzhou on 2012-13 Series

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- Also played in Dubai on 2013-14 Series - Played at RWC Sevens in 2013

5 Amani Ben Salem

16/06/93 (28)

168 65 Lion Sportif

k.Sousse

1 0 0 - Turned 28 earlier this week - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Madagascar teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Tunisia’s place in the Repechage - Made debut on series in Guangzhou on 2012-13 Series

6 Oumayma Dziri

25/05/97 (24)

161 60 Lion Sportif

k.Sousse

- Played in repechage for Rio 2016, scoring tries v Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Madagascar teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Tunisia’s place in the Repechage

7 Samah Lahwel

01/04/03 (18)

164 66 Lion Sportif

k.Sousse

- First experience of an international competition - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Madagascar teams)

8 Amal Dardouri

10/07/93 (27)


Jammel

- Played in repechage for Rio 2016, scoring try v Mexico - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Madagascar teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Tunisia’s place in the Repechage

9 Maissa Haouani

22/05/01 (20)

170 63 Lion Sportif

k.Sousse


10 Amna Ben Arous

31/01/00 (21)


Jammel

- Played at Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires - First experience of a senior international competition - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Madagascar teams)

11 Hajer Saoudi

09/05/01 (20)

177 76 Lion Sportif

k.Sousse


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12 Halima Ben Charrada

20/02/00 (21)


Jammel

- Captained Tunisia at Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires - Played in the Rugby Africa Solidarity preparation camp in Tunis last month (with Kenya and Madagascar teams) - Played in the Rugby Africa qualifier in 2019 which secured Tunisia’s place in the Repechage


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