England's bid for a fifth Hong Kong title in seven years was ended by a 17-12 loss to defending champions Samoa - the second tight encounter between the sides in two days.
England fielded five of the under-20 Grand Slam-winning side in Hong Kong and performed admirably, winning all three pool matches - including defeating Samoa on day two - before falling to the islanders.
New Zealand claimed their first Hong Kong triumph since 2001, extending their record unbeaten run to 42 games and claiming a seventh straight tournament title - two in 2007 and all five this term - with a 26-12 defeat of South Africa.
The All Blacks, who are on course for an eighth IRB World Sevens Series title in nine years, had defeated Fiji 34-0 in the semi-finals while the Springboks defeated Samoa 12-10.
Despite failing to make the last four in Hong Kong and the Six Nations disappointment of Brian Ashton's senior side, coach Ryan insists the youthful crop of talent proves England are in rude health.
"Hopefully we've showed that the advanced news on England's demise is unfounded," Ryan said.
"We've put up a good fight for the last few days and showed that we're still up, maybe not at the very top of the tree, but we're in the branches somewhere."
Worcester's Matthew Cox, London Irish's Jonathan Fisher and Leicester's Ben Youngs all made their sevens debuts in Hong Kong, while Saracens' Noah Cato and Northampton's John Brake were also members of the victorious under-20 side.
Ryan believes their performances were a hint of the future with only Ben Gollings - the IRB World Sevens Series' record points scorer with 1737 points and 35 in Hong Kong - a sevens specialist.
"English rugby is superbly strong," he said.
"We've got guys that won't necessarily become legends on the sevens circuit but they'll be pulling on full senior vests for England and in World Cups."
