Monaco’s national rugby sevens team will take part in the European Games for the first time next June, in a milestone announced by Her Serene Highness Princess Charlène, president of the Monegasque Rugby Federation.
She broke the news herself to the Principality’s players and staff at the presentation of the 2026-2027 season. The 4th European Games will take place in Istanbul from June 16 to 27, 2027, with rugby sevens on the programme.
The tournament matters beyond the medals. The European Olympic Committees describe it as a key step on the road to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, with qualification places on offer in a number of sports. For Monaco’s players, that makes Istanbul a possible springboard towards the Olympic stage.
The place has been earned on the pitch. A dozen years ago the Monegasque side was ranked outside the top 30 in Europe. It now sits 16th, and its recent results have secured the ticket to Istanbul.
Rugby sevens has become a big part of Monaco’s sporting identity in recent years. The Principality’s Stade Louis II hosted the final Olympic qualifying tournaments ahead of the Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, the third in a row being in June 2024, according to World Rugby. Princess Charlène has been president of the federation since November 2024.
Image courtesy of Michael Alesi/Palais Princier