Hong Kong reign supreme in Sri Lanka slop to seal spot in next year’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco
Paul John’s side defeat Japan in extra-time thriller to take out the final leg of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series
Two wins over Japan, a tournament victory and a spot in next year’s Rugby World Cup Sevens – the final round of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series could not have gone much better for Hong Kong.
They entered the tournament on a knife edge and left with the knowledge that they can take down Japan when it matters, also securing a spot in April’s World Series qualifier at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.
Paul John’s side needed to leapfrog South Korea into the top two overall in the series to earn their spot in the World Cup in San Francisco and the qualifier and did it easily in the end, stunning series winners Japan to take out the final 19-14 in extra time.
The Koreans fell to Sri Lanka in the play-off for third place, ensuring Hong Kong entered the final against Japan knowing the main job was done.
But that did little to slow down John’s men, who also knocked off the Brave Blossoms on day one and handled the atrocious conditions in Columbo better than anyone.
