Rugby Sevens: Black Ferns Sevens crowned World Series champions after undefeated start in Toulouse

  • 13/05/2023

Black Ferns Sevens have clinched the 2022/23 World Series title with their undefeated start at the final leg in Toulouse.

Two wins from as many matches have secured their place in the quarter-finals, which was all they needed to lock up the silverware for a seventh time.

After losing the opening stop in Dubai to Australia, the NZ women have won five straight events, with a chance to make it six in France.

"That feels pretty amazing," said captain Sarah Hirini. "We were pretty gutted last year that we couldn't compete for it and this year now bringing it home [ is great]."

Playing in Pool A, Black Ferns Sevens began their day with a crushing 50-0 win over Poland, running in eight tries in a one-sided romp.

They backed that up with a convincing 31-12 win over the United States, with Portia Woodman-Wickliffe nabbing a try double to seal the title.

Their final pool match is against Canada at 8:21pm, Saturday (NZ time).

The All Blacks Sevens have also made a flawless start in Toulouse, where victory would wrap up the championship title with an event to spare. The men's competition finishes with the London Sevens next weekend.

They opened with a win over Canada, overcoming a two-point halftime deficit to emerge 29-12 victors.

They followed that effort by sinking Kenya 31-5, with Roderick Solo running in two tries.

Their final Pool A match is against Uruguay at 10:43pm, Sunday.