Great Britain Royals won the Plate final of the Rugby Europe Women's Grand Prix Sevens Series in Kazan with the GB Lions finishing the tournament in third.

The Lions finished day one at the top of Pool C after an exemplary first day in Kazan, conceding no points over the course of three games. However, a disappointing 19-17 loss against hosts Russia in the semi-final prevented them contesting the overall title.

An eight-try final game against Spain saw the Royals land the Plate, having been knocked out of the Cup competition by their GB counterparts 24-5 in the quarter-finals.

Following their semi-final disappointment, where Russia clinched the spoils in the dying seconds, GB Lions came back fighting to beat Ireland 32-0 for third. The Lions dominated throughout, with a brace of tries each for Vicky Fleetwood and Jo Watmore, supported by touch downs from Abbie Brown and Claire Allan.

"Obviously I am disappointed as we came here with the intention of winning. The Lions played really well in five games but failed to execute to our standards in the Russia game"

GB women's sevens head coach Simon Middleton

“Obviously I am disappointed as we came here with the intention of winning. The Lions played really well in five games but failed to execute to our standards in the Russia game,” said GB head coach Simon Middleton.

GB Royals finished day one second in Pool A, having found eventual winners France too good, losing 31-7, while beating the Netherlands (19-10) and Finland (44-0). Following their quarter-final loss, they faced Portugal in the semis and a hat-trick and two converted tries from Emily Scott, plus two tries from Megan Jones and one from Stephanie Johnston, secured an easy 36-0 path into the Plate final.

Of the Royals, Middleton said: “The overall depth of quality in the squad was reflected in the quarter-final game between the two sides where no quarter was asked or given. The quality in the Royals side is reflected in the semi and final scores that resulted in them lifting the Plate.”

With this GB women’s last competition before the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Middleton added: “Although ultimately it was disappointing from a team performance, there were some outstanding individual performances and from that the final selection picture has become clearer.

“Ultimately we came third but that's not what we wanted and we need to find the missing five per cent on a more regular basis as that is what will be needed to medal in Rio.”