Ahead of this weekend’s Autumn Nations Series, Commonwealth Games Scotland has announced that both the women’s and men’s Rugby Sevens squads have qualified for next year’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Whilst the men’s sport made its debut at Kuala Lumpur 1998, it is the first time that Team Scotland have competed in the women’s competition, since the women’s game was first introduced to the Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast 2018.

The women’s side achieved an invite to Birmingham after a strong performance at the Rugby Europe Sevens Championship Series in Moscow earlier this year, placing fourth overall. The men’s side qualified through World Rugby Sevens Series standings.

Rising star of the game Shona Campbell, who gained her first Scotland cap earlier this year at the 2021 Rugby Europe Sevens Championship Series in Lisbon, is looking forward to making history next summer.

“As a squad we are really happy to have secured qualification for Scotland at the next year’s Commonwealth Games.

“There is something very special about pulling on a Scotland jersey and it will be even more special next year knowing that we are making history and flying the flag for Scotland for the first time in the competition. I hope that we can put in a strong performance and make the nation proud”.

Scotland men’s best ever finish at the Commonwealth Games was 6th place at both Delhi 2010 and Gold Coast 2018 and the squad will be aiming to surpass previous achievements in Birmingham.

Experienced Scotland Sevens player, Jamie Farndale, who made his Commonwealth Games debut in 2018 before travelling to the Sevens World Cup in San Francisco the same year, has fond memories of the Gold Coast Games.

“Representing Scotland in any competition is a real honour and a real moment of pride for athletes as well as their families and coaching staff.

“There is something quite special about the Commonwealth Games and we’re looking forward to playing next year.”

Congratulating the squad on their success, Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission said:

“Our huge congratulations to everyone at Scottish Rugby on securing qualification for both the men’s and women’s Rugby Sevens squads.

“I have no doubt that thousands of fans in Birmingham and back home will be get behind these sporting heroes and share in our collective pride in what the women in particular have achieved already.”

The news of the women’s team’s historic qualification has been announced during Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, which aims to encourage more women into sport and physical activity.

Maree Todd, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, said:

“It is a fantastic achievement for Scotland to have both the men and women’s teams taking part in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens.

“Rugby continues to grow in Scotland, particularly with more women and girls playing rugby, and seeing both teams competing in the Commonwealth Games will allow them to dream about following in the players’ footsteps, playing for their country and potentially bringing back medals.

“I would like to wish both teams the best of luck, and like many, am looking forward to watching them next summer.”

The Rugby Sevens competition runs from Friday 29th July to Sunday 31st July at the Coventry Stadium, home of Premiership rugby team Wasps.