New Zealand have retained the IRB Sevens overall crown for the fifth time, despite losing to England in the final of the IRB Sevens London 22-19. The Kiwi’s just needed to make it to the semi-finals to assure them of the title but given some of the upsets this year that wasn’t a given.

It’s been a great year to watch Sevens with lots of different nations making huge progress in their performance. NZ, England, Fiji, South African and Argentina all had their chances this year. And teams from Canada, Kenya, Scotland and Georgia all push the major players each tournament. The TV coverage has sucked but hopefully with the Sevens World Cup next season that will improve.

Full details at: IRB Sevens 2003/4:New Zealand retain crown