Trailblazing Welsh Winger Jasmine Joyce Set for Third Olympic Appearance with Team GB
Perth, Australia – January 26, 2024
Wales winger Jasmine Joyce is poised to make history as the first British rugby player to compete in three Olympic Games, having been named in Team GB’s women’s sevens squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 28-year-old, who previously represented Great Britain at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will be joined by Scotland’s Lisa Thomson as the only non-English players in the 12-strong lineup.
Thomson, along with English duo Meg Jones and Emma Uren, will be making their second Olympic appearances, while Ellie Kildunne, the leading try-scorer in the 2024 Six Nations, has also earned a spot on the team. The squad is rounded out by eight Olympic debutants, including Amy Wilson Hardy, Ellie Boatman, and Heather Cowell.
“It was extremely difficult to name 14 players at this stage, as there are so many excellent women’s rugby sevens athletes who have performed on the World Rugby stage to secure qualification for the Paris Games,” said head coach Ciaran Beattie. “We want to be competitive and aim for a medal, while respecting the formidable quality of the other teams.”
Team GB qualified for the Paris Olympics by winning gold at the 2023 European Games in Krakow, Poland, defeating the host nation 33-0 in the final. The women’s squad will be looking to improve on their fourth-place finishes in the previous two Olympic tournaments.
“I’m delighted to welcome back Olympians Jasmine, Lisa, Emma, and Meg, along with eight Olympic debutants,” said Team GB chef de mission Mark England. “We hope the women’s team will be joined in Paris by the men’s rugby sevens squad, and we wish them well in their quest to secure their place at the upcoming World Rugby Sevens Repechage tournament in Monaco.”
The inclusion of Jasmine Joyce, a prominent figure in the growth of women’s rugby in Wales, is a significant milestone for the sport. Her experience and talent will undoubtedly be crucial as Team GB aims to make a podium finish in Paris 2024.
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