England beat series leaders SA to win Tokyo title

– England win 21-14 in Tokyo final
– Simon Amor’s side move above Australia into top four
– Pool draw made for Glasgow

England won their first Cup title since the 2013 Wellington Sevens, beating South Africa 21-14 in the final of the Tokyo Sevens, round seven of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

The win, Simon Amor’s first as coach, lifts England above Australia, who lost to USA in the Bowl final, and into the top four for the first time since the Dubai Sevens.

Runners-up South Africa extend their lead at the top having earlier beaten Fiji in the Cup semi final with the Blitzboks on 129 points, four ahead of Fiji and nine ahead of New Zealand who won the Plate. The top four at the end of the nine rounds will qualify for the Olympics.

Hosts Japan, appearing in their first Cup competition since 2000 gain 10 points and move within eight points of Portugal at the bottom of the table with the European side winning the Shield. The 15th placed side after London will be relegated and replaced by Russia, who qualified last week in Hong Kong.

Earlier on day two, Canada recorded history beating New Zealand for the first time.

“The way the guys fought for that win was brilliant,” said head coach Amor. “It’s fantastic for us and a great climax for to go back to the UK now. I am so proud for the players, they’ve worked so hard for this.”

– FULL ROUND-UP, RESULTS & REACTION >>
– WORLD SERIES STANDINGS (after seven rounds) >>

Pool draw made for round eight in Glasgow

England head Pool A and face France, Australia and Russia, South Africa will meet New Zealand, Samoa and Kenya in Pool B, Fiji are joined by Scotland, Wales and Portugal in Pool C and Canada await Japan, USA and Argentina in Pool D.