Spain and USA annouce Rio squads

Spain

Spain go to Rio with exactly the same squad that won them their place at the Olympics by beating Russia in the Dublin repecharge tournament.

As a result Barbara Pla, who missed the entire World Series campaign, gets a chance to join her brother in Rio after recovering just in time to prove her fitness at the European Sevens in Kazan before putting in her typical fiery performance in Dublin. Maria Ribera is also included having only returned at Clermont prior to Dublin.

Of those missing out, Teresa Bueso and Irene Schiavona are perhaps the most unlucky having played throughout the World Series before losing their places with the return of Pla and Ribera,

Spain are modest with their target for the Olympics, aiming just to reach the quarter-finals – something they really should achieve with ease given what is just about the strongest squad they could have possibly hoped to field. Coach Antonia Barrio is certainly justified in believing his team “peaked at the right time as we had adjusted our preparation” after two quarter-final appearances in the last two rounds of the World Series as well as the win in Dublin, where the team’s success was a result of their ability to cope with the pressure.

Cool heads and experience will count for a lot in Rio, and Spain appear to be particularly gifted in both areas.

Spain:Angela Del Pan; Marina Bravo; Maria Ribera; Patricia Garcia; Maria Casado; Iera Echebarria Fernandez; Elisabet Martinez Garcia; Amaia Erbina Arana; Berta García; Paula Medin; Barbara Pla; Vanesa Rial. Reserves: Irene Schiavon and Lourdes Alameda

United States

Richie Walker has named the USA squad for Rio. "It is an exciting time for USA Rugby and I am very honoured to name the first USA Women's Sevens rugby team to compete in the Olympics," said Walker. "Most of the players that I have selected have a considerable amount of experience. Every player has played on the Sevens World Series and some players have played 15s for the USA, as well."

The team includes experienced players such as Jillion Potter, Kelly Griffin and Victoria Folayan, as well as rising stars such as Richelle Stephens - the youngest player in the squad - has already represented her country at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games.

Some players, like Alev Kelter and Jessica Javelet, have represented the USA in other sports, but none have been to an Olympic before. However six - Lauren Doyle, Joanne Fa'avesi, Griffin, Kathryn Johnson, Kelter, and Stephens – have had a similar experience having played at last year's Pan American Games in Toronto. Potter, Folayan, Griffin, and Johnson are also survivors from the USA’s third place at the 2013 World Cup Sevens

"I have selected a group of girls with a wide variety of playing styles,” said Walker, “ and I am excited to see them all come together and play for each other in Rio."

The team will moved into a final training camp in Florida on 26thJuly before leaving for Rio on the 29th

USA squad:Bui Baravilala; Ryan Carlyle; Lauren Doyle; Joanne Fa'avesi; Carmen Farmer; Victoria Folayan; Kelly Griffin; Jessica Javelet; Kathryn Johnson; Alev Kelter; Jillion Potter; Richelle StephensStaff: ;  Richie Walker, Head Coach;  Pete Steinberg, Assistant Coach;  Jared Siegmund, Strength Coach;  Nicole Titmas, Physio;  Andrew Locke, Video Analyst;  Dr. Lisa Bartoli, Team Doctor;  Emilie Bydwell, Team Leader;  Alex Magleby, Director of Rugby

Other squads announced:

AustraliaBrazilCanadaColombiaFijiFranceJapanKenyaNew Zealand

To be announced:

Great Britain