The BelSevens took the bronze medal after a solid tournament in Makarska, Croatia, while the MenSevens landed in 8th place.
The BelSevens had just returned from an intense World Series tournament in Madrid when they gathered again at Brussels Airport to leave for Makarska, Croatia. The MenSevens, on the other hand, were heading towards their first big challenge with new head coach Jeff Williams.
The BelSevens found themselves in Pool B with Spain, Germany, and Ukraine. After beating Germany and Ukraine fairly easily, the BelSevens faced a solid Spanish team. A very tight game resulted in a 14-10 score in favor of Spain, leaving Belgium second in Pool B.
A very focused and energetic Belgian side defeated Great Britain in the quarter-finals before facing their French neighbors for a spot in the final. After a tough first half, being down 5-14, they managed to regroup in the second half and came very close in the end. The French went on to lose the final against Poland, while the BelSevens redeemed themselves against Spain in the game for bronze. This was a very good reaction from the BelSevens after the disappointing result in Madrid one week prior.
The MenSevens, on the other hand, cruised flawlessly through the pool stage by beating Lithuania, Spain, and Great Britain. Three tight games, but always in their favor, made them first in Pool C, which meant playing Georgia in the quarter-finals. A very tough Georgian side got the best of them, and the game ended 7 to 12. With that loss, their shot at a medal slipped away.
Losses against Portugal and Great Britain in the qualifying games resulted in an 8th place finish. It was a disappointing result for a team with much more potential.
Both teams will get a chance to go for gold again in Hamburg for the second leg of the Championship Series from June 28th to June 30th. The top three teams will secure a spot for the 2025 Challenger Series, which will be the goal for both of our teams.