It's sayonara from Tupuailei, but he will be back

Japan said sayonara after losing to Portugal 26-10 in the Bowl semi-finals, but Alisi Tupuailei won't be forgetting the experience in a hurry.

The big Samoan-born player was one of the stars of the tournament, adding extra muscle to the Japanese squad with solid overall displays. He said he would relish his experience of playing in Hong Kong for the first time and hoped to be back later this year for the East Asian Games. His eligibility has yet to be decided.

'It's been an awesome experience. I only joined the national team this year and this has been my fourth tournament in the series,' said the 1.90-metre, 118-kilogram powerhouse, who signed off by scoring his fifth try in Hong Kong against Portugal. 'I have been playing rugby in Japan for six years. But this is my first year playing for the Japan national team though, having started with them in San Diego [IRB Series] in February,' he said.

Tupuailei started in the professional ranks for top club Honda six years after making the decision to play in the land of the rising sun. It's a decision he hasn't regretted.

'The Japanese boys are a fabulous bunch and they are easy to get along with. I feel at home. It's just the language. I can speak a bit of Japanese. I love the food and culture. I was drawn to their culture.

'It's just a different experience and a different game. I ended up going there and playing there for a long time. I have not played any sevens for Samoa before.'