The Fiji 7s team after winning the World Sevens Series title [Source: Fijian Government]
A double celebration for Fijians as the Fiji Airways side was crowned the World Series and Paris 7s champions.
Fiji were confirmed the series champions after outclassing USA 33-14 in the Cup semifinal this morning before beating New Zealand 35-24 in the Paris 7s final.
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Champions 2019
FIJI! pic.twitter.com/hw61yZWTok
Article continues after advertisement— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) June 2, 2019
This is also the first time Fiji has won back to back title in a leg.
It is Fiji’s fourth World Series title and their third in four years.
The final standings for the men’s #HSBC7s 2019
?Fiji 186pts
?USA 177pts
?New Zealand 162ptsThe top four have automatically qualified for rugby sevens in Tokyo 2020 pic.twitter.com/t9hSY3yC3x
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) June 2, 2019
Fiji have 186 points after the final this morning followed by USA in second with 177, New Zealand finished third with 162 points and South Africa fourth with 148.
“Be a history maker and make your families proud of you”
Inspiring words from Paula Dranisinukula after his side won the #ParisSevens pic.twitter.com/T12k8csbpu
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) June 2, 2019
Captain Paula Dranisinukula says his message to the team today was simple.
Dranisinukula adds the team have worked tirelessly throughout the season.
Fiji defeated New Zealand 35-24 in the final without key players Waisea Nacuqu and Apenisa Cakabalavu who were injured.
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) June 2, 2019
Isoa Tabu the 13th player came in as a replacement while halfback Napolioni Ratu was given a starting role in the final.
Congratulations to @HSBC_Sport Player of the Final Napolioni Bolaca who claimed the award at the #ParisSevens #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/PFIajqlI1s
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) June 2, 2019
Ratu was named the player of the final after scoring two tries.
Simply the best.
Fiji win the #ParisSevens and claim the world series title.
A special special team.#DHLRugby pic.twitter.com/f8jUQhP9rl
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) June 2, 2019
Congratulations, Napolioni Bolaca – HSBC Player of the Final. #Paris7s #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/Mq3F4Vpq1O
— HSBC Sport (@HSBC_Sport) June 2, 2019
Coach Gareth Baber was also given the Mark of Excellence award in Paris.
The UL Mark of Excellence Award at the #ParisSevens goes to Fiji head coach Gareth Baber after masterminding a tournament and series win @ULDialogue #EmpoweringTrust pic.twitter.com/p8cXjDYM7N
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) June 2, 2019
Fiji scored five tries in the final with a double to Ratu while Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Jerry Tuwai had a try each.
Baber says the team and the coaching staff’s hard work has paid off after they fell short in Paris last year.
Vilimoni Botitu is the only player named in the Paris Sevens Dream Team after topping the stats chart.
The @HSBC_Sport Dream Team for the #ParisSevens
??Scott Curry
??Andrew Amonde
???????James Rodwell??Vilimoni Botitu
??Andrew Knewstubb
??Madison Hughes
??Muller Du Plessis #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/RjgXhB7UKE— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) June 2, 2019
Four Fijian have been named in the 2018/2019 World Sevens Series Dream Team which includes Jerry Tuwai, Meli Derenalagi, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Vilimoni Botitu.
Botitu, Tuimaba and Derenalagi were also nominated for the Rookie of the Year award.
Derenalagi scooped the award.
Congratulations to Fiji’s Meli Derenalagi who has won the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Rookie of the Year award! #HSBC7sAwards pic.twitter.com/dThcxXxLVo
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) June 2, 2019
The team is expected to arrive in the country on Wednesday.