Sevens: Michaela Blyde is top scorer in tournament

Michaela Blyde from Bay of Plenty was the top try scorer for the series. Photo / File

The Black Ferns Sevens have won the 2016/2017 HSBC Word Rugby Women's Sevens Series after beating Australia 22-7 in the final of the Clermont-Ferrand tournament in France on Monday morning.

The Black Ferns Sevens ended the series with a 16-point gap on the series standings over closest rival Australia. It was the first series as head coach for Rotorua's Allan Bunting.

The Black Ferns Sevens won five out of the six tournaments in the series and lost only one game in the entire season. Speedster Michaela Blyde from Bay of Plenty was the top try scorer for the series with 40 and Tyla Nathan-Wong landed the most conversions.

New Zealand captain Tyla Nathan-Wong says it's an amazing feeling.

"It just goes to show how much heart and mana these girls have, not only here but back at home - all the girls who have pushed each other and the management that worked really hard this season.

"Finishing so close to that gold last year at the Olympics; this season we really stepped it up and brought it to them. It shows - five from six (tournaments this season) and now we're world series champions."

Blyde swept the boards at the end of season awards that followed the tournament in Clermont.

She was named top try scorer, DHL Impact Player of the Season and featured in the end of season Dream Team.

"I didn't come here thinking about those bonuses, we came here to win the tournament and the series. We just wanted to make the final and win," she said.

"But it's been my favourite season of all time! It's been a long five years for me and I've enjoyed every season. But holding the series trophy is pretty new and it's been the highlight of my season."

The Awards in full:

Rookie of the Year: Raijieli Daveua (Fiji)

Top Try Scorer: Michaela Blyde (NZ, 40 tries)

Referees Fair Play Award: USA

DHL Impact Player: Michaela Blyde (NZ)

Season Dream Team: Brittany Benn (CAN) Ruby Tui (NZ) Sharni Williams (AUS) Michaela Blyde (NZ) Alev Kelter (USA) Ghislaine Landry (CAN) Portia Woodman (NZ)