After a best ever finish of third in 2001/02, England went one better in 2002/03 but ultimately their slow start prevented them from toppling the perennial series champions New Zealand.

With the likes of Orene Ai'i, Amasio Valence, Liam Messam and Josh Blackie the mainstays, the kiwis again started well by winning in Dubai and finishing runners-up to Fiji at the first IRB Sevens event to be held in George, South Africa.

England suffered a poor start to the season but grew in confidence under coach Joe Lydon and with Simon Amor and Ben Gollings creating space for the likes of Ugo Monye and Richard Haughton out wide, were always dangerous, demanding the best of New Zealand before going down in the Wellington final.

Hong Kong came around, however, and a title defence gave them a chance for revenge, which they took, a victory which also boosted their series points tally by 30 points.

The SARS outbreak in Asia prevented the Beijing event being played so it was to Europe - Cardiff and London - for the season climax.

In the end New Zealand took neither title - South Africa beat Argentina in the Cardiff final and England beat Fiji at Twickenham - but their Plate win at the Arms Park and semi final loss on the final day of the season assured Gordon Tietjens of the points he needed for a fourth consecutive series title.