World Rugby Sevens Series: Wales avoid relegation in Paris

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Australia's Joe Pincus in action against Wales at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris

Wales have retained their place in the World Rugby Sevens Series despite struggling in the final leg in Paris.

Richie Pugh's side lost 26-21 in Pool B to Kenya, who were in the relegation battle with Wales along with Japan.

Wales then lost their Challenge Trophy quarter-final 31-12 to Canada, but Japan's earlier defeat to England at the same stage meant Wales remain among the elite top 14 nations.

Japan stay 15th in the overall standings and will be relegated.

Wales had began their pool games with a 22-7 defeat against South Africa, but pulled off a fine 24-7 win over Australia.

Then the head-to-head defeat to Kenya could have proved disastrous for Wales, but Japan were unable to capitalise.

Ironically, Wales and Japan then played each other in the 13-16th place play-off, with Japan winning 33-17.