The All Blacks Sevens made history by beating England 33-12 to become the first nation to claim the Rugby World Cup Sevens title for the third time in front of a highly engaged and exuberant 40,000 strong crowd at the AT&T Park in San Francisco. 

In doing so they secured an unprecedented double-double for New Zealand following the Black Ferns Sevens victory in yesterday’s women’s competition, ensuring that both trophies return to New Zealand for the second Rugby World Cup Sevens in succession. 

In a thrilling final, which was a repeat of the 2013 final in Moscow, the All Blacks Sevens proved too strong for a valiant England team. 

New Zealand joint captain Scott Curry, named AIG Player of the Final, was delighted with his team’s performance. “It’s amazing, very hard to put into words. I’m so proud of the boys’ efforts over the weekend - we had four really tough games. Credit to England, who played really well." 

Fellow joint captain Tim Mikkelson added: “It’s huge. We knew it was going to be tough. We really rose to beat Fiji and we did well to beat an awesome England team, who were the form team.” 

New Zealand were previously Rugby World Cup Sevens champions in 2001 and 2013 while England were looking for their first title since winning the first edition of the competition at Murrayfield in 1993. 

Six players on the field were taking part in their second Rugby World Cup Sevens final following their previous match up in the 2013 final, from England - Norton, Rodwell, Mitchell and Ellery – as well as All Blacks Sevens’ Mikkelson and Baker. 

Earlier in the day the form book was ripped up as both top seeds were defeated in dramatic semi-finals. South Africa, top seeds and recently crowned HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2018 title winners, were comprehensively beaten 29-7 by an outstanding England, before Olympic champions and fans favourites Fiji succumbed to New Zealand 22-17 in a pulsating encounter.

Ireland were worthy winners of the challenge trophy, awarded to the ninth-placed team, following their 24-14 victory over Australia, while an overjoyed Chile team secured the bowl trophy awarded to the team finishing in 17th position courtesy of their 20-7 defeat of Hong Kong. 

The men’s final brought down the curtain on an action-packed three days that saw over 102,000 fans pass through the turnstiles and witness a superb showcase of rugby sevens, building on the success of the sport’s introduction to the Olympic Games at Rio 2016 and creating a big impact in the United States. 

After a very well earned break, all eyes will turn to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019 which kicks off back in the USA in October with the women’s first round in Glendale, Colorado.