Fiji Men and New Zealand Women Win France Sevens in Toulouse

(23 May 2022, 11:00 +07)  Both reigning Olympic champions turned on the style to take top honours at the HSBC France Sevens in Toulouse on Sunday as Fiji and New Zealand claimed the men’s and women’s titles respectively.

In the men’s tournament, Ireland again played some impressive rugby to reach their first ever men’s Cup final, but in the final the Fijians - off the back of gold in Singapore and silver in Vancouver, were too strong, ultimately running in five tries to win an entertaining final 29-17.

“Teamwork in defence and attack was what this victory was built on. We kept the ball well and stuck to our game plan. To all the Fijians around the globe, this win is for you,” said Fiji’s Tevita Dagunu.

Argentina, who finished fifth in Toulouse, are now top of the men’s Series standings after seven rounds with 118 points and two events to go.

Fiji and New Zealand claimed the men's and women's titles at the France Sevens in Toulouse

Long-time leaders South Africa are second on 116 after a frustrating time in France while Australia are third on 110 and Ireland fourth on 88.

After their victory, Fiji are now fifth on 87 points after missing out on rounds three and four played in Spain due to travel restrictions related to the COVID19 pandemic.

Black Ferns Sevens Victorious

New Zealand’s women won their first title since Sydney in 2020 when they defeated 2022 Series champions Australia 21-14 in a thrilling final.

Head coach Cory Sweeney, who claimed his first title since taking on the role, said, “It is a proud and emotional moment for us all. After Langford we worked on a few things, had some awesome training sessions and we put that into practice this week.”

Australia took some consolation in receiving the 2022 Series trophy, which they had already secured following victory in Langford earlier in the month, finished top of the standings with 80 points following a consistently top class season.

France were second on 60 points, Fiji were third also on 60 points and Ireland, also on 60, just missed out on a top three finish due to a weaker points difference. New Zealand, who missed part of the series due to COVID19-related restrictions, finished fifth overall on 57 points.

The unique rankings points system for the COVID19-affected 2022 Series saw only the four best results from each team count towards the final standings.

Despite some spirited performances, including an outstanding victory over England on Saturday, Brazil finished the Series in the relegation position as the 11th core team.

While Toulouse was the sixth and final round of the women’s Series, the men’s Series will continue with its eighth round in London this coming weekend before the grand finale in Los Angeles on 27-28 August.

All is still to play for at both the top and the bottom of the Series standings, which will include only the best seven results for each team from the nine-rounds of the 2022 Series.

Rugby pictures: Pictures from 2019 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2018 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2017 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2016 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures of Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2015, Pictures of the Asia Rugby Sevens Olympic Games Qualifier in Hong Kong, Pictures of Singha Thailand Sevens 2015, Pictures from the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour in Hong Kong, Pictures of Hong Kong Sevens 2014, Pictures of Hong Kong Sevens 2013, Pictures of Chartis Cup 2012 and Pictures of Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2012.