South Africa, USA and Kenya are set to provide the opposition for the Ireland Men's Sevens team at this summer's Olympic Games.
Having made history by qualifying for the Games for the first time last week, Ireland were amongst the 12 sides in this morning's draw.
They've been included in Pool C, and are relatively familiar with all three nations.
Anthony Eddy's side encountered South Africa, USA and Kenya during the 2020 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
Ireland's last meeting with South Africa finished in a 19-all draw.
#Ireland7s
📋 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄 🇯🇵
Ireland Men's Sevens have been paired in Pool C alongside South Africa, USA and Kenya for the #TokyoOlympics 🙌
Full details ⤵️#ShoulderToShoulder #IrishRugby @WorldRugby7s— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 28, 2021
Hopes will be high that Ireland can spring a surprise or two in Tokyo.
They came through the gruelling repechage event in Monaco to make the final.
In the decider, they crafted a superb 28-19 win over France to seal the last spot in the competition.
Belief
Commenting on the draw, boss Anthony Eddy said: "We are familiar with these teams from the World Series and the reality is there are no easy games at this level,”
“We will prepare well for the Pool matches and look forward to each game.
"I think the Monaco tournament experience will put us in a good position for Tokyo.”
Irish captain Billy Dardis added: "After letting the emotions of the last week settle, it is all starting to get very real for the squad and today’s announcement is an exciting marker for us.
"It is going to be a very challenging Pool but we’ve come up against those three teams regularly before and will take confidence from previous meetings.
“We’ll focus on preparing for these three teams now over the coming weeks and it’s an exciting time for us.
"We’re really looking forward to getting over to Tokyo and stepping onto the Olympic stage.”
The rugby sevens in Tokyo is pencilled in for July 26th to 28th at Tokyo Stadium.
