Ireland men's sevens team book Olympic place after gold medal in Poland

Ireland's men's sevens team have secured qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games after winning gold at the European Games in Krakow.

James Topping's side joined the women's team in reaching Paris by defeating Great Britain 26-12 in Tuesday evening's final.

It will be the second Olympic appearance for the men's team at the Olympics after their debut at the 2021 Games in Tokyo.

Ireland came out strong, controlling most of the possession for the opening minutes, before Billy Dardis scored and converted the first try midway through the first half to send them 7-0 in front.

Dardis was on hand to cross the line after Andrew Smith had been stopped just short, following a Zac Ward turnover.

Great Britain responded with two minutes left in the first half, Thomas Williams burning Ward on the outside with the conversion levelling the game up at 7-7.

The game turned in the closing stages of the opening half when Britain's Robbie Fergusson was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on, and Ireland made them pay instantly when Terry Kennedy took advantage of the extra space to score under the posts, and the conversion from Dardis made it 14-7.

Ireland held that lead until the final three minutes when Jordan Conroy finished off some brilliant, patient attacking play in the corner, and a stunning touchline conversion from Mark Roche left them within touching distance of the win, leading 21-7.

Conroy made sure of the win a minute later when he crossed for his second try, and despite Britain pulling back a late score Ireland's victory was never really in doubt.

With Ireland taking the qualification spot for Paris, Britain and Spain will advance to the final repechage next year as they seek a place at the Olympic Games.

Earlier, Great Britain's