Australia claimed the crown at the second round of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in Sao Paulo on Sunday.
Ireland v Russia (Photo: Fotojump)
In a downpour in the Brazilian city, Shannon Parry led her team to a 29-0 win over Canada in the cup final. The Canadians had earlier shocked reigning champions New Zealand in the semi-finals with a wonder try from captain Jen Kish.
All the results from Sao Paulo.
With the Olympic Games looming large in Brazil, the Sao Paulo event saw a samba atmosphere at Arena Barueri where many of the teams who will play in Rio de Janeiro next August set out their stall, as the games edge even closer.
New Zealand v Canada (Photo: Fotojump)
The Bowl final was won by Russia, who defeated Japan, and the Plate Final was claimed by France who overcame Fiji. Third place at the competition went to New Zealand, who, despite improving on their fifth place finish in Dubai, will be disappointed not to have made the final in Brazil. They beat USA 28-0, with the Americans making a dramatic improvement on the last round.
USA v Australia (Photo: Fotojump)
World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “I want to congratulate Australia for winning a thrilling tournament in Sao Paulo this weekend. Again, we were reminded of the fantastic standard of competition on display in the Women’s Series, and how much the teams have benefitted from inclusion in the summer Games.”
“The Rio 2016 Olympic Games is rugby’s opportunity to reach and inspire new audiences and we believe that rugby sevens’ exciting brand of skills, speed and breath-taking, fan-friendly action will be a hit with the people of Rio, Brazil and beyond.”
The series returns in April when teams travel to Atlanta, USA (9 and 10 April) before moving on to Langford, British Columbia, Canada (16 and 17 April) for the next rounds of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.
Report courtesy of World Rugby
