Fiji Beat USA to Win HSBC New Zealand Sevens; England's Rodwell Makes History

Fiji retained the HSBC New Zealand Sevens crown on Sunday, to move joint top of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Fiji has now also won two of the first three tournaments of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Fiji playmaker Jerry Tui was named HSBC Player of the Final after directing his side's comprehensive 38-0 victory.

The USA was a gallant loser and finished runner-up for the third consecutive tournament to hold on to a share of top spot in the series standings. Losing semi-finalists New Zealand and South Africa remain third and fourth respectively.

Fiji Head Coach, Gareth Baber, said, "It was obviously very special [to go back-to-back] and I want to say a big thank you to all the Fijian fans. They certainly lifted the team today and we appreciate everything you've done for us."

The side were also awarded the UL Mark of Excellence Award for the act of sportsmanship ahead of the match as they lifted the ball girl high into the air while they said their final prayer.

New Zealand made sure that it finished its home campaign on a winning note with a 29-7 victory over South Africa in the bronze final.

Scotland finished fifth beating Tonga 24-19 while England won the Challenge Trophy after beating Kenya 36-7. In the process England's James Rodwell (pictured) eclipsed Kiwi DJ Forbes' record for the most appearances ever on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. It was Rodwell's 90th tournament and he capped the landmark with a try.

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series moves onto Sydney next weekend (1-3 February) where full men's and women's tournaments will take place.

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.

See latest HD Video Interviews, Podcasts and other news regarding: Sevens, Fiji, England, Rugby.