World Rugby Sevens: England women seal GB's Olympic place

Amy Wilson Hardy, left, and Marlie Packer celebrate Rio 2016 qualification

England women sealed Great Britain's qualification for Rio 2016 rugby sevens after beating USA 15-14 in the World Series in Amsterdam.

The third place play-off match became a straight fight for the fourth Rio qualifying berth, behind Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Earlier, Simon Middleton's side reached the knockout stages and beat New Zealand 17-14 in the quarter-finals.

The sport will feature at a summer games for the first time.

During the group stages, England comfortably beat China and Russia, but lost the final pool match 24-7 to Australia.

Finishing in the top four places in the series standings was the easiest route to Rio.

Had they not achieved qualification at what was the final event of the series, England, Scotland or Wales would have had to try and achieve Great Britain's Olympic place by winning a regional qualifying event between June and September.

England celebrate qualifying Great Britain women's rugby sevens for Rio 2016

Natasha Hunt in action against the USA