Hong Kong delivered a loud and clear message that they are deserving of more opportunities to play in the HSBC Sevens World Series next season after finishing in the top 12 at the Japan Sevens in Tokyo yesterday.
Hong Kong bowed out to France in the Bowl semi-finals, losing 26-15, but proved they could hold their own among the top teams after defeating Russia 17-12 in the quarter-finals to once again underline their status as one of the best teams in Asia.
It left Hong Kong coach Dai Rees hungering for more, as he called on the International Rugby Board to give his emerging side more chances to appear in the world series next season.
'We would like to have the chance to play in at least three tournaments next season. We have proved here that we can compete with the best by finishing in the top 12 in a 16-team tournament for the first time,' Rees said. Hong Kong finished ahead of core teams Scotland and Kenya, as well as Asian rivals Japan, who have played in four events on the world series this season.
Hong Kong failed to win one of three core-team berths at the Hong Kong Sevens after they were dealt a cruel blow when playmaker Keith Robertson was red-carded in the opening minute of a crucial encounter against Japan. Robertson served a three-match ban, missing the opening day's play in Tokyo, where Hong Kong lost narrowly to Australia - the eventual Cup champions - and the United States, but were well beaten by New Zealand.
It left them in the Bowl competition, for teams placed nine to 12, and first up yesterday were Russia. A brace of tries by second-half replacement Tom McQueen saw off the Russians in the quarter-finals.
'Coming from behind showed our resilience and I am pleased that our tactical decision to bring Tom on in the second half to try to stretch the big Russian defence paid off,' Rees said.