England finished third in the Dubai Rugby Sevens yesterday as New Zealand claimed the first of the 10-stage World Series.

Two Tom Mitchell tries helped England to a 22-5 win over South Africa and Tom Bowen scored in the semi-final, but England lost it 7-5 to New Zealand.

Michael Ellery and Harry Glover crossed as England came from 14-5 down to beat Australia 15-14 and secure bronze, with Scotland seventh and Wales 13th.

The Kiwis won the Dubai title with a 19-5 victory against the USA.

It completed a Dubai double for New Zealand, who also won the women’s competition on Friday.

In yesterday’s men’s knockout section, Scotland lost in the quarterfinals to New Zealand, who scored three tries in the first 11 minutes and won 21-7, Harvey Elms scoring for the Scots.

The fifth place play-off saw Scotland beaten 29-0 by South Africa, who scored five tries in the opening 12 minutes.