Spain stun Samoa to qualify for Rio sevens

Ignacio Martin has scored a last-gasp try to fire Spain to a stunning 22-19 upset of top seeds Samoa to secure the 12th and final qualifying spot for the men's rugby sevens tournament at the Rio Olympics.

Spanish players wept in joy after pulling off the shock victory at the Olympic repechage tournament in Monaco on Sunday.

The unheralded Europeans will compete with Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, Great Britain, the US, Argentina, France, Kenya, Japan and Brazil when the format makes its Games debut.

"I am still trying to take it in," Spain player Angel Lopez said.

"This is a dream for us. We are going to be Olympians. We believed that we are good enough but, wow, this is pretty special."

Samoa had upset world series champions Fiji at the Paris Sevens in May and were heavy favourites to take the final berth, with the shock loss to Spain leaving their coach Damian McGrath inconsolable.

"I am at a loss for words right now as all our hard work is snatched away at the death," the English former rugby league professional tweeted.

"Thanks to so many people for your unwavering support."