Two Simmies Selected for Tokyo 2020 Olympics Women’s Rugby Sevens

Alumna of St Mary’s University, Twickenham Emma Uren and current student Abi Burton have been selected for the Team GB Women’s Rugby Sevens Squad for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Emma, who studied Strength and Conditioning Science as a Sports Scholar at St Mary’s, will be making her Olympic Debut. She has played for Saracens in the Tyrells Premier 15, and the England U20s squad, as well as the England Sevens squad.

Also making her Olympic debut is Abi Burton who currently studies Sport and Exercise Science as a Sports Scholar at St Mary’s. Abi has played Sevens professionally since the start of the 2018-19 season.

This will be the second time Rugby Sevens has been played at an Olympic Games following its debut at Rio 2016, which also featured a strong St Mary’s influence. In the Women’s Team, alumna Alice Richardson served as Vice-Captain of Team GB as the squad reached the semi-finals. Alumnus Simon Amor meanwhile coached the Men’s Sevens Squad, winning the Silver Medal.

Emma and Abi join four other Simmies who have already been selected for Tokyo 2020. In the Team GB Rowing Squads, alumni Moe Sbihi MBE, men’s eight, Karen Bennett, women’s four, and Matilda Horn, women’s eight cox, have all be selected. Alumna Steph Twell meanwhile will be representing Team GB at her third Olympics in the Women’s Marathon.

Speaking of their selections, Head of Sport Andrew Reid-Smith said, “Congratulations to Emma and Abi on being selected. They are exceptional players, and it will be wonderful seeing them and the team go for Gold. If the previous Games is anything to go by, the rugby sevens in Tokyo will be brilliant and I’m sure they’ll enjoy every second.”