Monaco Rugby Sevens kicked off their campaign in the In Extenso Supersevens tournament with some cliff-hanging performances, securing third place in Mont-de-Marsan. This nail-biting early success in the first round signals their intent to be a force in the competition once again, hopefully dominant following their triumph in 2022.
Led by their head coach, James Kent, and bolstered by an impressive roster of international stars, the team faced a challenging path to the podium. Their opening match against Vannes was a nail-biter, with the Monegasques narrowly avoiding an upset. Despite a sluggish start and being down at halftime, they managed to pull through, thanks to a last-minute try by Rosco Syster, clinching a 17-12 victory. That was scary and the win a big relief.
In the quarter-finals, Monaco continued to keep fans on the edge of their seats with a struggle against Montpellier under challenging weather conditions. But once again, late heroics saw them through with a 17-10 win.
So So Close To the Finals
However, their semi-final clash against Racing 92 proved to be their toughest test. Despite a valiant effort and a comeback that briefly put them ahead, a last-second try by Racing 92 denied Monaco a place in the final, with a heartbreaking 21-22 loss.
Nevertheless, Monaco rebounded strongly in the third-place playoff, convincingly defeating Stade Toulousain 29-10. This victory not only secured their spot on the podium but also earned them crucial points in the race for the national final in Paris.
Monaco’s squad this season is a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent. The team has been significantly strengthened by the arrival of several high-profile players, including Semi Kunatani, a Fijian star and Olympic gold medallist, and Gaston Revol and Rosco Specman, both of whom are Olympic bronze medallists. These players bring a wealth of experience and skill to the squad, enhancing Monaco’s competitiveness on the field.
The Monegasque team also boasts emerging talents like Agustin Fraga, Jaime Manteca, and Jayden Keelan, who are expected to make a significant impact in the tournament. With such a diverse and talented group, Monaco Rugby Sevens is well-positioned to challenge for top honours as the season progresses.
As they prepare for the next round in La Rochelle, Monaco Rugby Sevens will be looking to build on their early success and continue their march towards another title. The team’s mix of experience and youthful energy, underpinned by their recent podium finish, suggests they are more than capable of achieving their goals this season.
