St Mary’s Alumnus Wins Gold Olympic Medal in Rugby 7s

St Mary’s University, Twickenham (SMU) alumnus and former rugby scholar, Aaron Grandidier, has won a Gold medal in the Men’s Rugby Sevens at the Paris Olympic Games.

Aaron was selected as part of the France men’s rugby sevens squad for Paris 2024, with the team winning against Uruguay and drawing against the United States in the group stage to progress to the quarter-finals.

In the quarter-finals France faced Argentina, with Aaron scoring two tries to help France seal a victory of 26-14. The team then faced South Africa in the semi-finals, winning 19-5.

Aaron was once again on the scoresheet in the final against Fiji, scoring two tries for France. The French took the Gold medal after winning 26-14 in the Stade de France.

In securing his medal, Aaron has continued SMUs Olympic Gold legacy with alumni, athletes and students winning a Gold Medal in every Olympic Games since Beijing 2008. In total the University has seen 51 athletes take part in the last four Olympic and Paralympic Games, with some representing multiple events, winning 17 medals for their nations.

Speaking in 2018, during his time at St Mary's, Aaron said, “St Mary’s is a great place to study because we get to train every day which for me is a massive bonus, and on top of that the teaching and the quality of learning here is second to none.”

Commenting on this outstanding performance Head of Sport St Mary’s Andrew Reid-Smith said, “Aaron’s ability as a rugby sevens player stood out during his time at St Mary’s, and he was able to gain valuable experience through joining training sessions with the England sevens. Aaron has added exceptional tries throughout the Olympic tournament, and to play at a packed Stade de France and contribute to France’s first Gold medal is truly amazing. Everyone at St Mary’s is delighted for Aaron.”

SMU has seen further success in the rugby sevens at the Paris Games this year with four alumnae selected as part of the Team GB women’s squad. Their first game saw GB win 21-12 over Ireland, with SMU alumna and squad captain Emma Uren scoring a try. Alongside Emma, alumnae Ellie Kildunne and Lauren Torley are in the main squad with alumna Abi Burton on the reserves list.