Japan slice through Italy to earn World Series berth
Imperious Japan became Asia's first team to win a core spot on the HSBC Sevens World Series after brushing aside an ineffectual Italy in the final of the 12-team qualifying tournament at the Hong Kong Sevens.
Imperious Japan became Asia's first team to win a core spot on the IRB Sevens World Series after brushing aside an ineffectual Italy in the final of the 12-team qualifying tournament.
The majority of the 40,000 fans might have wished it was Hong Kong, but after the home team fell short of their goal, the crowd threw their support firmly behind Japan and the Asian sevens champions delivered in style, speeding to a 26-5 win.
"This is just amazing. Our goal was to qualify for the World Series next season and we have done that," said elated Japan captain Katsuyuki Sakai.
Wearing my hat as ARFU president, I’m absolutely delighted an Asian team will at last be playing in the World Series. This has been a long time coming
"It will be a boost for sevens rugby which is not all that popular in Japan and an important step forward for the game as we look towards the Olympics."
Trevor Gregory, president of the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU), welcomed Japan's entry into the world stage.
Japan will play in all nine legs of the World Series next season and the last two legs this season in Scotland and England.
"Wearing my hat as ARFU president, I'm absolutely delighted an Asian team will at last be playing in the World Series," Gregory said.