Three years after starting 7s programme, Ireland on verge of World Series berth

Just three years after setting up their first 7s programme, Ireland stand on the verge of qualifying for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019.

Ireland, a XVs powerhouse, will face Japan in tomorrow's qualification semi-final in the shortened game's most famous venue.

The men in green are among four teams who are closing in on a spot in the elite series after the semi-finals were confirmed in the Hong Kong qualifier.

After two days of thrilling action, Germany will face Chile while Japan take on Ireland in the qualifier semi-finals on Sunday. The action will kick off at 12.32hrs (GMT+8).

The qualifier, which runs parallel to the world series event in Hong Kong, will draw in another sell-out crowd with the prospect of world series core team status up for grabs. The 15th placed team in the world series will be relegated at the end of the series in June and replaced with the winner of the qualifier in Hong Kong.

Chile and Germany both made the final four last year, while Japan will be looking to bounce back after being relegated from the world series last May. Ireland however find themselves in unfamiliar territory but head coach Anthony Eddy remains cautious of opponents their opponents.

"They're a good side. They've got World Series experience as well so we'll have to be on our game tomorrow morning to compete against them."