Fiji Sevens are world champions

LONDON – Fiji’s sevens rugby team have been crowned the World Sevens Series champions for the second time.

Going into the London tournament with a five point lead over nearest rivals South Africa, Ben Ryan’s side were pitted against the Blitzboks in the quarter finals, in what amounted to an effective series decider.

With Fiji up 12-0 at half-time, South Africa struck immediately after the break before Savenaca Rawaca’s sprint down the right-hand touchline sealed a 19-7 win to clinch their first series title in nine years.

Fiji coach Ben Ryan says their victory is hard to put into words but believes his team deservedly won the overall title.

He admits the players were overly emotional in the changing room and says he had to control them and remind them to start smiling and that winning is supposed to be fun.

Australia spoiled the victory party, running out 33-7 winners in the semi final, with Fiji beating England 26-12 in the third place playoff.

The USA won their first ever World Series tournament, beating Australia 45-22 in the final.

Capping a memorable campaign from Fiji, Semi Kunatani was nominated for World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year and, along with captain Osea Kolinisau, was selected in the Sevens Dream Team for the season.

Meanwhile Samoan’s horror season came to close with a 38-7 drubbing by Kenya in the bowl final to finish tenth overall.