Still reason for Hong Kong to celebrate as 44-5 loss to Japan marks ‘disappointing’ end to women’s World Cup campaign
Coach Jo Hull and her players keen to celebrate ‘an amazing three weeks’ regardless of the team failing to win a game
A 44-5 loss to Japan was a disappointing end to the Women’s Rugby World Cup for a Hong Kong side who have been through the wringer in Ireland, but as always the vibe was still positive after the match.
The tournament yielded five tough losses but Jo Hull and her charges have plenty of reasons to smile after a gutsy showing in their inaugural campaign at the showpiece event.
“It’s going to be nice to celebrate what has been an amazing three weeks,” Hull said. “There are a lot of amazing moments that we have had throughout this tournament.
“Already on the bus on the way home some of the younger players are talking about 2021 and that is incredible. These girls are now focussed on World Cup cycles, they’re not just focused on playing in Asia
“They’re already saying ‘I need to do this, I need to do that and I want to be back in 2021’ and that is the legacy right there.
“A key thing that we have got to do now is that when we get back to Hong Kong these girls really step up and play for their clubs and show that they are World Cup players, so that we don’t take a step backwards and we can really influence the game at home.”