World Rugby have declared New Zealand the winners of both the men’s and women’s Sevens series as the governing body has cancelled both tournaments.

Events in Langford, London, Paris, Singapore and Hong Kong had all been postponed but due to the coronavirus pandemic they have now all been cancelled.

New Zealand had been 16 points ahead of second place Australia in the women’s tournament and 11 points ahead of South Africa in the men’s prior to the pandemic.

Japan have been announced as the winners of the inaugural Challenger Series.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “While it is very disappointing for players, fans, organisers and everyone involved to have to cancel these events due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the health and wellbeing of the rugby community and wider society remains the number one priority.

“These difficult decisions have been taken following detailed consultation with our union partners and in line with advice from the various government and public health agencies around the world, given the global nature of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. 

“Congratulations to New Zealand on being awarded both the women’s and men’s Series titles following their outstanding and consistent performances prior to the onset of the pandemic, and to Japan for being crowned champions of the inaugural Challenger Series and securing a core place on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2021.”

The governing body said it will make an announcement about when the 2021 series would begin.