Expectations grow as France win sevens world series for the first time

High expectations on the France rugby sevens side for the Paris Olympics will intensify after they won their first world series title in Madrid.

The men beat Argentina in the final 19-5 after the women were runners-up to Australia 26-7 at Metropolitano Stadium.

Since the world series began in 1999, France had never finished in the top four until last year. This season, they won the Los Angeles leg in March for their first tournament victory in 19 years.

"It's not finished. We have a big target in a few weeks and maybe win the Olympics," coach Jerome Daret said.

Antoine Dupont, the former 15s world player of the year who sacrificed the Six Nations to try for the Olympic sevens squad, has played three tournaments for France. "Antoine Dupont is the best player in the world," captain Paulin Riva said. "When he is on the pitch, we have a lot of confidence."