Germany won the first leg of the inaugural men's World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Chile ©World Rugby

Germany won the first leg of the inaugural men's World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Chile.

They defeated Hong Kong 10-0 in the final at Viña del Mar's Estadio Sausalito to write their place into history.

Bastian Himmer and Tim Lichtenberg both scored tries in the success, with Hong Kong unable to get on the board.

World Rugby announced the creation of the Challenger Series, a second-tier circuit, in December.

It operates under the flagship World Rugby Sevens Series and is designed to provide a pathway for emerging and developing nations.

Sixteen teams competed in Chile in all, with Germany defeating Japan 12-5 in the semi-finals.

Hong Kong reached the final by seeing off the host nation 17-14.

The Germans now lead the overall standings with 22 points after winning the event.

Eight teams will win a spot at a play-off tournament, with the winners earning promotion to the top level in place of the bottom World Rugby Sevens Series side.

This event was due to take place in Hong Kong during the World Rugby Sevens Series leg in the city, between April 3 and 5, but this has now been postponed to October due to coronavirus.

The Challenger Series will now continue in Uruguay's capital Montevideo on Saturday (February 22) and Sunday (February 23).

"We came to South America with the goal of winning the title and the Challenger Series," said Germany captain Carlos Soteras Merz. 

"Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the World Rugby Sevens Series 2021.

"I am very proud of the team, their huge commitment and I hope we can repeat the same performance next week in Uruguay."

The Women's World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series will debut in Stellenbosch in South Africa on March 28 and 29.