All Blacks sevens

The All Black Sevens have won the Hong Kong Sevens tournament for the first time in almost ten years, while the Black Ferns have won their fifth tournament on the trot.

It's the second time this season the two New Zeland sides have achieved a tournament double.

RNZ reports the last time the New Zealand men's side had won the Hong Kong tournament in 2014.

There's been plenty of speculation around just what Jones, who led led St Peters College to the National 1st XV title this year and also played for the New Zealand Schools side.

The number eight, who is currently involved in exams, is being pursued by a number of unions for his first season out of school with home town and Auckland and Canterbury being seen as the front runners.

Jones is one of five players that have today confirmed contracts with the All Blacks Sevens.

Kurt Baker and Sione Molia will take up the co-captaincy for the two tournaments with Laidlaw wanting to build the leadership capabilities of the team.

Laidlaw said the temporary changes have created an edge within the squad. "The theory has come from working with our sports psychologist about how we accelerate the leadership within the team and management.

"We're excited about this initiative as it will grow us on and off the field heading to the World Cup and ultimately we think it can help us to win both London and Paris.

New Zealand bounced back from their narrow 12-10 loss to Argentina in their final pool game on Sunday to run in three tries against England in Las Vegas.

Captain DJ Forbes scored the opening try before fellow veteran Tim Mikkelson ran in a brace.

The All Blacks Sevens will play old foes Fiji in the semi-finals at 11.06am NZT after hosts USA take on series leaders South Africa.

Photo: Photosport Tim Mikkelson 

The All Blacks Sevens were a major disappointment at the recent Rio Olympics - failing to win a medal and being generally lackluster in their play.

Tietjens said he had taken some time to think about his options following the Olympic campaign and felt the time was right for a fresh challenge.

"I love the sevens game and I'm immensely proud of what I've achieved and what all our players have been able to achieve in my time with the team," he said.