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A new women’s rugby record attendance was set at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as 66,000 fans watched the first day of the women’s rugby sevens competition in the Stade de France.
The figure beat the previous record of 58,498 at Twickenham Stadium for England vs France in the 2023 Women’s Six Nations Championship.
“After a scintillating men’s competition at these special coming of age Games for Rugby Sevens, it is fitting that yet another record has been smashed,” said World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.
“With the world’s best women’s sevens players shining brightly on sport’s biggest stage, 66,000 fans were gripped by the action, while an unprecedented broadcast and digital audience will ensure that more young people in more nations and communities will be inspired by these awesome athletes, who are amongst the best in the world in sport.”
Rio 2016 gold medallists and SVNS 2024 Grand Final champions Australia began their campaign positively with wins against South Africa and Great Britain to top Pool B and secure a quarter-final spot.
The USA, France and New Zealand also booked their place in the knockout rounds while China pulled off the upset of the day as they beat Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists Fiji 40-12.
The hosts ended the day unbeaten and with two clean sheets as they beat Brazil and Japan by 26-0 and 49-0 scorelines, respectively.
The women’s sevens tournament continues today (Monday) with the final round of pool matches from 2pm local time before the quarter-finals begin at 8pm. Medal matches are then due to take place tomorrow.
The first day of the men’s rugby sevens competition on July 24 also brought about a record crowd.
Around 69,000 people were in attendance at the Stade de France for what was the largest single day crowd in rugby sevens history.
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