Worcester's Jade Shekells named in Team GB rugby sevens Olympic squad

The 27-year-old is one of eight debutants in the team, and is eager to get a medal around her neck.

Shekells said: "I'm hugely appreciative of this opportunity and it's a testament to all of the girls' hard work.

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"I can't wait to go to Paris and showcase everything we've done to get there behind the scenes and for those who have helped us.

"I'm just buzzing."

Her selection is well deserved, having played a key role in securing Team GB's slot at the games with a victory at the 2023 European Games in Poland.

The 27-year-old's journey to the Olympic stage had humble beginnings.

She said: "I started playing when I was quite young.

"I was getting dragged along to training with my brother and once when I was six I just joined in.

"I played with the boys when I was growing up, which I do believe actually helped me with my physicality on the pitch."

Shekells' big break happened when she joined Gloucester-Hartpury, learning critical off-pitch skills that she is proud to bring to life in Paris.

She explained: "Premiership Women's Rugby really helped show me what I can do and I'm so proud to see that now come to life at Paris."

Rugby sevens will feature at the Olympics for the third time, having been introduced to the games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Team GB's women's team are set to get their campaign underway on Sunday, July 28.

The tournament will begin with preliminary matches on the first two days, before escalating into a fight for gold with the knockouts on Tuesday, July 30.

Head Coach Ciaran Beattie has high ambitions for the upcoming games, with a heartbreaking fourth-place finish at Tokyo 2020 still causing a sting.

He said: "We want to be competitive in Paris and approach each match as one that can be won, with the ultimate aim of medalling, at the same time being respectful of the huge quality of other teams."