Rugby, Australian Football: Rugby Union: England win London Sevens

Hosts England claimed the Emirates Airline London Sevens title on Saturday evening whilst New Zealand were crowned overall IRB World Sevens champions at Twickenham.

England saw off Fiji 31-24 in the final with tries from Tony Roque, Henry Paul, Ben Gollings, Simon Amor and Ugo Monye.

Tournament tryscorer Nasoni Roko had opened the scoring for Fiji and Filimoni Bolavucu touched down twice but England, who had earlier overcome South Africa 26-5 in the semi-finals, had too much.

It was England's third tournament win of the series after victories in Hong Kong and Brisbane.

New Zealand's bid came to an end with a 26-7 semi-final defeat by Fiji but their efforts had already been enough to secure top spot in the overall standings.

Argentina beat Canada 36-21 to win the shield final, Samoa won the bowl final with a 44-5 win over France whilst Australia overcame Wales 40-14 in the plate final.



New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens was pleased to wrap up the title but admitted England, who secured the overall runners-up spot, were closing the gap.

"England are definitely closing the gap," he said. "It has been neck and neck right the way through and I think they finished only four points behind us. It's been a great series and all credit to my team.

"It's been a very special year for us. We won in Wellington, our home tournament, so I know what England will be feeling right now because it is special to win in front of your own people."