England's women have won the Amsterdam Sevens, beating the New Zealand Aotearoa Maori in the final 24-5 to build confidence ahead of the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai next year.
Former England Sevens men's captain Simon Amor coaches the side, which will also play New Zealand at the Emirates Airline London Sevens at Twickenham next weekend.
England ran in four tries to New Zealand’s sole effort in the final to clinch the championship win, Danielle Waterman scoring a brace and former England captain Jo Yapp and Heather Fisher also scoring. Saracen Rachel Burford added two conversions.
“The team has been sensational," said Amor. "They have performed so well and I am very proud of them. Playing nine games in two days is a big ask, but the players have come through it fantastically well.
“Next up we have got the London Sevens against New Zealand and that is going to be a massive occasion and challenge, but one we are relishing as we look to build on our sevens campaign this season and ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup Sevens.”
England booked their place in the final after cruising through Saturday’s pool stages, winning four games and scoring 226 unanswered points along the way.
On Sunday they suffered a 21-7 defeat at the hands of New Zealand, but recovered to win their semi final clash against the USA and then exacted revenge of the Maori.
Women's 15-a-side European championship latest
England's women have also won through to the semi finals of the 15-a-side FIRA European championship.
Also in Amsterdam, the 15s tournament features the strongest women's sides in the continent.
England blasted past Sweden 80-3 in the quarters and now face Ireland, who beat Spain 41-7.
In the other semi final, also to be played on 20 May, France face Wales after they won respective victories over the Netherlands 24-3 and Scotland 27-10.
