The Impi’s win the Emirates Dubai 7s Tournament for the first time in the International Open category

The Monaco Impi’s have won the Emirates Dubai 7s Tournament!

An impressive performance throughout the tournament saw the rugby 7s team claim their first trophy in Dubai, in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco – their second trophy of 2023 after winning the Melrose Sevens Tournament in April.

The Impi’s (“warriors” in Zulu) wear the colours of the Monegasque Rugby Federation and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation in international “invitational” tournaments. Bringing together players of different nationalities, the team aims to train Monegasque players in contact with teammates and opponents of an international level.

Since their inception in 2017, the team had competed several times in the Dubai 7s Tournament with good performances.

Gareth Wittstock, Secretary General of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and Honorary President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation, comments this newest victory:

“This is an outstanding achievement, and we are so happy to have finally been able to grab a final victory in Dubai. So much hard work has been put into building this team, and it started with one focused idea: to create incredible tournament opportunities for young Monégasque players. In our minds, each participation was already a win, with invaluable memories and life lessons for us and the players. But this win is exceptional, representing a sumptuous reward for our solidarity, passion and strength. 7s rugby is very intense, and a game is played on so many details.”

The team dominated the tournament and completed the impressive feat of winning all of their 6 games. The results were the following:

Monaco Impi’s 43 – 0 Butchers

Monaco Impi’s 12 – 5 Lydon Hammerheads

Monaco Impi’s 28 – 7 North West Barbarians

Quarter final: Monaco Impi’s 22 – 12 Butchers  

Semi final: Monaco Impi’s 26 – 14 Speranza 22

Final: Monaco Impi’s 29 – 12 Nissa Sevens

The next gathering of the Monaco Impi’s will be for the Melrose Sevens Tournament in Scotland, in April 2024, where they will defend their title!