Michael O'Connor's young Australia side upset the form book to win the Tokyo Sevens, after beating Samoa 28-26 in a thrilling final at Chichibunomiya Stadium.

Rugby News looks back on some of the stories which made headlines during the week that was March 26-April 1.

Stuart Lancaster has been appointed England’s permanent coach following his successful interim spell with the side.

Dan Carter will start his first match of the Super Rugby season when the Crusaders take on the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday morning (NZT).

Look through any professional or semi-professional rugby roster in the UK or Europe and you’re likely to come across at least one player with a background in New Zealand rugby. BY RUPERT BATES

England hooker Dylan Hartley will be available for England’s tour of South Africa in June, despite receiving an eight-week ban for biting.

We run the rule over the March 31-April 1 Tokyo Sevens tournament.

New Zealand Sevens captain DJ Forbes hope what happened in Hong Kong can help his side retain its world series crown.

Warren Gatland has been offered the British Lions’ coaching job for next year’s tour of Australia, according to a UK media report.

New Zealand was beaten 35-28 by Fiji in the final of the Hong Kong Sevens.

Rugby News looks back on some of the stories which made headlines in the week that was March 19-25.

Jerome Kaino has confirmed he is leaving New Zealand to take up a lucrative contract with Japanese club Toyota.

Lote Raikabula has been ruled out of the Hong Kong Sevens due to injury.

All Blacks great Jonah Lomu is chasing close to $NZ 900,000 in backpay and damages from a French rugby club he played for.

We run the rule over the March 23-25 Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

Former All Blacks and Chiefs loose forward Sione Lauaki may have to give up rugby due to kidney and heart problems.

Crusaders fullback Israel Dagg is pledging to do “whatever it takes” to keep his best mate and long-time teammate Zac Guildford on the straight and narrow.

The funeral for former All Blacks captain and New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs will take place in Wellington this Sunday.