Japan bulk up in quest to defend Asian Games sevens crown
Guangzhou gold medallists have placed great importance on winning a second title with Tokyo set to host the Olympics in six years
Japan have signalled their determination to defend their Asian Games rugby sevens title by beefing up their squad for the three-day competition, which kicks off in Incheon, South Korea on Tuesday.
Brave Blossoms 15s flanker Michael Leitch, a former regular at the Hong Kong Sevens, is one of six veterans brought into the outfit that contested the Asian Sevens Series.
Leitch's return will be the biggest worry for Hong Kong, who are the de facto Asian champions having won the first two legs of the Asian Sevens Series.
Players like Michael Leitch were always targeted for inclusion at the Asian Games
Other first-timers this season - although they have figured in the past for Japan - include Lepuha Latuila, 30, who played at the 2011 Hong Kong Sevens, and four others from Japan's Top League.
"Defending our Asian Games gold medal has been our main target for this year. We are very aware that we have not yet won any events on the Asian Sevens Series, so we are focused on performing here," said Japan manager Yasu Ijiima.
Rugby in Japan is on a high with their 15s side having broken into the top 10 in the IRB rankings for the first time, and the sevens team are keen to remain the number one side at the Asian Games.
"With the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, it is important that we defend our gold medal at the Asian Games," Ijiima said. "And I feel we have brought a side who can do that.