University of Bath graduate Amy Wilson Hardy helped England Women finish a fine third in the World Rugby HSBC Women’s Sevens Series in Atlanta, United States, as the countdown to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games continued.
The Bristol RFC centre, who completed an Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering course last summer, gave England a flying start in their semi-final against New Zealand as she touched down within two minutes.
The Black Ferns battled back to win 24-19 but England responded well to the disappointment by beating Canada 24-16 in the third-place play-off, with Wilson Hardy again on the scoresheet.
Day one of the tournament had seen England beat World Series leaders Australia, Fiji and Colombia to set up a quarter-final against Russia, which they won 19-12.
The third-placed finish leaves England fourth overall in the Series standings, rising one place after their disappointing seventh in Sao Paulo last month.
Head Coach Simon Middleton added: “It was a great squad effort with a lot of emphasis on that last game with Canada likely to be in our Olympic pool. They are a fantastic side who will take advantage if you’re not on form and we played with great energy, composure and skill.”
England have travelled directly to Langford, Canada where the fourth Series leg will take place this weekend (April 16-17).
Rugby Sevens will make its Olympic debut in Rio this summer, with the England Women side forming the basis of the squad that will represent Team GB.
Report courtesy of the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight
