Loughborough’s Phil Burgess into Rio’s Rugby 7s semi-finals

It’s the first time the sport has been at the Olympics


Loughborough grad Phil Burgess is part of the men’s rugby seven’s team that has made it to the Olympic semi-finals.

He was captain of the Loughborough team when he was at uni, and now plays for the England rugby seven’s side.

The 28-year-old and his team were victorious over Argentina in a tense sudden-death face-off, and will face South Africa in today’s match. Rio marks the first time that rugby seven’s has been played in the Olympics, and the team, who have so far defied everyone’s expectations, are hoping for a medal.

Burgess and his team were not the favourites for the competition, as they have not had as much time together as a team as other nations. However, against the odds (it was expected that making it to the quarter-finals would be a push), the squad may be in contention, and are guaranteed a medal if they win today’s match.