England have held off a late fightback from Canada to win the women's rugby sevens bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

England had looked set to cruise to the final podium spot when they went into half time with a 19-5 lead, but Canada responded in the second half and almost pulled off a memorable comeback to rescue the bronze medal.

However, England managed to hold on to possession in the final seconds before kicking the ball out of play on the buzzer to seal the first ever women's rugby sevens medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Tries from Lydia Thompson, Deborah Fleming and Claire Allan saw England race into a 19-0 lead before Bianca Farella got Canada on the board just before half time.

Jessica Breach extended England's lead early in the second half before Canada's recovery began, but two converted tries were not enough to overhaul the lead as England won their historic bronze.

England eventually ran out 24-19 winners, clinching their place on the podium alongside Australia and New Zealand, who will compete in the gold-medal match later today.