Hong Kong’s men are off to the Rugby Sevens World Cup in San Francisco next year after beating Japan 19-14 in extra-time in the final of the third round of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in Sri Lanka.
To qualify for the Sevens World Cup Hong Kong needed to finish at least two spots ahead of South Korea to grab second spot in the series behind winners Japan and their tournament win meant they did it comfortably, with the Koreans slipping to fourth after losing the play-off for third spot to the hosts.
“It’s a huge thing for Hong Kong rugby to be playing in those major competitions. To beat Japan twice in two days is a great achievement and the most important thing was we knew we’d qualified going into that last game but it was just not to relax and go on and win the tournament.” said Hong Kong coach Paul John.
Toby Fenn and Kane Boucaut scored tries as Hong Kong battled back from a 14-7 half-time deficit to level things up when the hooter sounded, with Seb Brien crossing in the early stages of extra-time to secure victory.
Earlier on, Boucaut notched three tries and Hugo Stiles two as Hong Kong blitzed Taiwan 50-0 in the quarter-finals, while Salom Yiu Kam-shing found the line twice in a 26-12 semi-final win over Sri Lanka.
“The main goal was to get qualification and I’m just pleased the way that they dug in and fought for each other out there,” John said.
Additional reporting/images: hkru