ENGLAND sevens women and Worcester's Lydia Thompson had to settle for fourth place at the Rugby Europe Grand Prix in France.

The nation, who also included a former Worcester player in Thurrock's Heather Fisher, finished fourth overall in the series.

England's young side, who finished third in the first of the two-leg competition the previous weekend in Kazan, could not overcome Russia in the third-fourth place play-off match in Brive, losing 32-7.

Richmond's Claire Allan claimed their only try in the game with Bristol’s Megan Jones converting.

England were left contesting the play-off match after a 10-5 defeat to Spain in the semi-finals.

Spain, chasing a place at next year’s Olympic Games, edged the narrow win with Thompson this time England’s only scorer.

After an unbeaten record on day one, which saw England take wins over Germany, Scotland and Ireland, they then inflicted a 35-0 defeat on Wales in the last eight.

Fisher, Saracens' Vicky Fleetwood, Bristol's Abbie Brown and Richmond's Alice Richardson (2) all crossed for tries but that was where their winning record ended.

England assistant coach Susie Appleby said: “This has been a really good and progressive series for this young team.

"We were frustrated to lose to Spain in a game we probably should have won but the bigger picture is all the new players in this squad have done brilliantly well.

"They have improved massively in just this two-week period and we have also had the time to look at all the players in great detail, which is hugely beneficial.

"To finish fourth in a tournament, where the likes of France, Spain, Ireland and Russia are playing full-strength, experienced sides is very pleasing. On the back of this, we are confident we are going into next season’s Olympic year in good form.”