Enniskillen’s Robert Baloucoune has been named in the Ireland Sevens squad for the World Series Qualifying Tournament in Hong Kong which takes place this week.
The qualifying tournament’s winning nation will gain a much-coveted place on next season’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. The 13-man Ireland squad travelled to Hong Kong last weekend ahead of the pool stages kicking off on Friday (April 6).
Jet heeled Baloucoune is one of five players who are set to win their first Sevens caps. He has represented Ireland previously however Hong Kong will be the first competition he is involved in where caps will be awarded.
Ireland will feature in Pool G in Hong Kong, coming up against Uruguay, Jamaica and the Cook Islands.
The Cook Islands provide the opening opposition for Baloucoune and his team-mates on Friday (April 6), before Ireland play Jamaica in the second round of matches. Their final Pool G game against Uruguay takes place on Saturday, April 7, with the first round of knockout games pencilled in for that evening. The final rounds will be run off on Sunday, April 8.
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