Japan win Men’s Gold in thrilling East Asian Games Rugby Sevens Final; China’s dominance continues in Women’s Sevens
Heartbreak for Hong Kong as Gold medal slips away with seconds on clock
[Hong Kong, 6 December 2009]: Japan edged Hong Kong 26-24 in a thrilling Men’s Gold medal match at the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong this afternoon. In the Women’s competition, China continued its run of impressive results beating Japan 34-12 in the Gold medal match to finish the competition undefeated.
The Japan Men’s Seven reached the Gold medal final despite suffering a surprise 14-12 defeat to China in their penultimate preliminary match this morning. Japan’s undefeated opening day was enough to see them through to the final despite the loss and they were ruthlessly efficient with a 41-7 win over Guam in the final round robin match.
Hong Kong reached the final the hard way, beating both Korea and China, (ranked 2nd and 5th respectively in Asian Sevens), to get their chance at Gold. Despite jumping out to a 21-0 lead at halftime, Korea nearly spoiled Hong Kong’s party as they fought all the way back to 21-19 before the clock ran down on their comeback effort. The loss left Hong Kong with one last hurdle, China, on their hunt for gold. Again, Hong Kong jumped out to a wide lead at halftime but this time they were more clinical in the second half, winning 21-7 to send China to the Bronze Medal match alongside Korea.
In the Gold Medal match, Japan jumped out to an early lead through a nice individual effort from Yusaku Kuwazuru in the corner to edge the visitors to a 5-nil lead. Hong Kong centre Rowan Varty replied minutes later with his own corner try. Both conversions were missed to bring the score to 5-all. The early interchange set the tone for the match, which saw the scores seesaw back and forth until literally the last second of the game.
Japan’s Masahiro Tsuiki was the next to break the deadlock with a try beneath the sticks to bring Japan ahead 12-5. The lead was again short-lived as Rowan Varty crossed for his second try of the first half, this time under the posts, this time for an easy conversion to bring the score to 12-all at the interval. The excitement picked up where the first half left off as the early portion of the final stanza saw both sides test each other’s defence but the lines were holding strong. Eventually, Japanese pivot Manase Folau broke the stalemate, breaking away for a nice try that was converted to put Japan back in the lead, 19-12.
The score remained 19-12 until two minutes left in the final when pacy Hong Kong winger Adam Raby broke free down the sideline to dot down in the corner and bring Hong Kong back within striking distance at 19-17. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving Hong Kong adrift before Anthony Haynes crashed over the line with less than a minute remaining to bring the score to 24-19 with the conversion. A vocal crowd thought the score would stand but the cool heads and disciplined professionals in the Japan Sevens team never said never and with three seconds left Masahiro Tsuiki broke free of the defence in midfield and crossed over for a hero’s try, leveling the scores at 24-all. The simple conversion in front of the posts by Yamamoto sealed victory 26-24 and brought the Gold medal home to Japan.
Japan coach Wataru Murata said, “My heart was pounding as the game was so tight, but I’m very happy. Hong Kong is the home team and had great crowd support, but our team is very disciplined. We have a lot of Japanese pride and that was the difference in those final five seconds. It is great to have Rugby Sevens as part of the East Asian Games.”
Hong Kong National Coach Dai Rees said: “Credit to the guys, they played exceptionally well. Five of our players were marking their debut playing inside the Hong Kong Stadium and we were leading against a team almost primarily full of professionals. It has been a great experience for the team and we are extremely thankful for the brilliant support we have gotten from the crowd. The reaction really proves that Rugby Sevens is a great competition for multi-sport Games.”
Hong Kong forward Mark Wright was disappointed but took positives from the experience. “We are gutted by the loss of course but the guys played exceptional rugby throughout the tournament, especially in the final. We’re disappointed not to win, but we are very pleased with the Silver. Back at the Asian Games in 2006, we were playing for fifth place and here we are not just playing for Gold but leading with just seconds left. We will take a lot from this.”
In the Bronze medal match, Korea pipped China 14-12 in a game with an equally final minute as tries by both teams were nullified in the last minute of play. The Koreans knocked on what seemed to be the clear game winner in the in-goal area but were awarded a reprieve after charging over from a penalty from the ensuing scrum to take the lead at 14-12. China was equally disappointed by being held up in the Korean in-goal with just seconds remaining in the match, denying them Bronze.
In the Women’s competition, China again showed its international class as the undisputed Asian champion. The China team eased its way through day one of the competition with an undefeated record from three matches and a 114 to nil points for and against record. On Day Two, the competition intensified as China conceded its first points of the weekend to a plucky Hong Kong team in the semi-final which China won 20-5 to advance to the Gold medal match. In the second semi-final, Japan advanced past Guam 19-7. The final was more one-way traffic for the Chinese team although the Japan Women’s Seven put forth a tremendous effort for the game before falling to a 34-12 loss.
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge was on hand to present the gold medal to the winning teams, reinforcing the status or Rugby Sevens as the newest Olympic sport with its inclusion into the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Brazil.
A strong crowd of nearly 11,000 people attended today’s competition proving the attraction of Rugby Sevens as a competition sport at multi-sport games. The 2009 East Asian Games is the fifth instalment of the East Asian Games and the first to feature Rugby Sevens as a competition sport, which is entirely fitting considering the Games are being hosted in Hong Kong, home of the world famous Hong Kong Sevens.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
East Asian Games Rugby Sevens Competition Day One Results
Japan Men and China Women Top Table on Day One of
2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong
[Hong Kong, December 5 2009]: The parity in Asian men’s sevens was on proud display after day one of the Men’s Rugby Sevens at the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong. The Women’s Rugby Sevens competition meanwhile is proving to be another coming out party for Rugby World Cup Sevens Bowl champions China who were undefeated on Day One, finishing with a points for and against record of 114 – nil.
In the men’s competition, Japan continue to be the in-form team but the Asian Sevens leaders were pushed to the limit in the day’s final match by Korea, Asia’s second best Sevens team, who themselves drew against China in their opening match. Hosts Hong Kong nearly saw their dreams of a gold medal at home derailed by Chinese Taipei, who rebounded from two challenging losses earlier in the day. In all, it was an exciting day of world-class Rugby Sevens action played in front of a strong crowd of 8,500 at the Hong Stadium.
Despite, coming through with three crucial wins from today’s competition, Japan Men’s Sevens coach Wataru Murata was unhappy with his team’s defence after the Brave Blossoms conceded four tries in its three matches.
Japan opened its account with a 19-5 win over Chinese Taipei and kept their foot on the gas with a convincing 17-7 win over Hong Kong, Asia’s third ranked Sevens team. That result set up an enticing final day one match between the Asian one and two, Japan and Korea.
The teams did not disappoint either as Korea jumped out to a 12-0 lead at the half after tries from Kim Jong Su and Kim Won Yong and a conversion from Hong Jun Ki. As they regularly do, Japan maintained its composure in the second half and came back to win after two tries from substitute Shinichi Yokoyama and a third from Masuhiro Tsuiki. Hidefumi Yamamoto’s two conversions put the game out of reach at 19-12 and preserved Japan’s clean sheet for the day.
The loss to Japan may come back to haunt Korea after the preliminary stage as could Korea’s 12-12 draw against China, ranked number four in Asian Sevens in today’s opening match. In its second match of the day, Korea beat Guam 39-5.
The hometown heroes Hong Kong got off to a rollicking start today with a 31-7 win over Guam, punctuated by a hat trick from Rowan Varty. Hong Kong’s high hopes were deflated a bit after its 17-7 loss to Japan left the hosts needing nothing less than perfection for the remainder of the tournament to reach the final.
That level of performance was hard to find in Hong Kong’s last match of the day against Chinese Taipei. In a tense encounter, the lead changed hands several times as the never-say-die Chinese Taipei seven jumped out to an early lead and held it for large parts of the match and deep into the second half. With two losses, enough to derail hopes of a place on the medal rostrum, looming talismanic playmaker Keith Robertson helped keep Hong Kong’s medal chances alive, setting up a late try in the corner from winger Salom Yiu Kam Shing to edge Hong Kong ahead 20-17 with a 1.30 left in the match. Robertson then scored and converted his own try in the last minute to push Hong Kong through at 27-17 and keep their gold medal dream alive.
Hong Kong will now need back-to-back victories over Korea and China tomorrow to reach the gold medal match in the first ever East Asian Games to feature Rugby Sevens, and the first hosted in Hong Kong, one of the spiritual homes of the sevens code.
The men’s competition continues tomorrow with each team having two more preliminary round robin matches before proceeding to the finals starting with the 5th & 6th place playoff, the Bronze Medal match and of course the Gold Medal match which kicks off at 16.45 local time. In the women’s competition, action will begin with Semi-Finals between China and Hong Kong and Japan and Guam at 12.36 and 12.58 respectively.
It all adds up to an exciting finale of the East Asian Games Rugby Sevens competition tomorrow when many luminaries will be in attendance including IOC President Jacques Rogge; Timothy Fok, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Council. Mr. Nobby Mashimo of the Japan Rugby Football Union, the Asian Rugby Football Union’s (ARFU) representative on the IRB Council and Choi Won-Tae (president of ARFU) will also attend along with Brian Stevenson and Trevor Gregory, President and Chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union respectively.
2009 Hong Kong East Asian Games
2009 Hong Kong East Asian Games Rugby Sevens Competition Set for Kick Off
IOC President Jacques Rogge to present Gold Medal to Champions
[Hong Kong, December 4 2009]: The last top-flight Asian sevens action of the year is set to kick off tomorrow with the Rugby Sevens competition at the East Asian Games 2009 in Hong Kong. It is the first ever multi-sports Games to be held in Hong Kong and fittingly for the home of the legendary Hong Kong Sevens the first East Asian Games to feature Rugby as a competition sport.
The East Asian Games is open to nine countries and territories in the region including hosts Hong Kong, China; China; Chinese Taipei; Guam; Japan; Korea; DPR Korea; Macau, China and Mongolia.
The Rugby Sevens competition promises to be a cracker as the teams participating represent the elite teams in Asian sevens. Five of the six men’s teams hold the top five spots in Asian Sevens while three of the top five women’s sevens teams in Asia are taking part.
With the inception of the Asian Rugby Football Union’s (ARFU) new Asian Rugby Sevens Series in 2009, the men’s teams enter the competition with more match seasoning and more head to head experience than at any time in the 42-year history of ARFU.
Adding to the excitement, the organisers of the East Asian Games have announced that Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, will attend the Rugby Sevens competition and present the Gold medal to the winning men’s team. The presence of Count Rogge is indicative of Rugby Sevens’ status as the world’s newest Olympic Sport with its inclusion into the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Brazil.
Japan’s men’s team is the heavy gold medal favourite after finishing top of the table on the Asian Rugby Sevens Series. Japan finished with a silver and gold medal from the two ranking events in the series’ first year, (Shanghai and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia), and also won the Sri Lanka Sevens in November. Their fine performance on the series places them as the current number one in both sevens and fifteens rugby in Asia.
Runners-up on the series Korea won the historic first Asian Rugby Sevens Series tournament in Shanghai, beating Japan in the final. Korea is benefiting from a cohesive squad that features many of its key fifteen aside national team stars like hard-charging No. 8 Han Hun Kyu who promises to be a fan favourite with his impressive pace for a big man and his trademark throwback headgear.
The third place team in the Asian series is the hosts Hong Kong, who finished with a bronze medal in Shanghai and reached the final in Kota Kinabalu before bowing out to Japan. Hong Kong has used the series and their appearance at the World Games and Singapore Cricket Club Sevens to identify some promising young players.
The home side has beaten all of its competitors on the series this year and will be hoping that vociferous support from the over 12,000 strong crowd will propel them to a historic first ever Team Gold medal for the Hong Kong SAR in the East Asian Games.
Captained by Jeff Wong Chun Kiu and lead by former Wales Sevens coach Dai Rees, the local side will be looking to go one better than its silver medal performance in Malaysia this weekend.
National Coach Rees said, “We are entering the competition in better shape than any tournament we have played in this year. There is a real belief we can medal and do something special for Hong Kong by winning a team gold.”
“Our preparation went well,” says captain Wong, Chun Kiu, “The team has been training hard and we are hopeful for a gold. If we manage to play like we train we won’t be far off.”
“Personally, I am deeply honoured to captain the team on this ooccasion,” added Wong, “If we bring gold home, I think rugby will become even more popular in Hong Kong and a lot more young kids and students will take up the sport. I can promise that we will do our very best.”
China and Chinese Taipei are also threats to break through to the medal podium on any given occasion. Both teams enter the competition with veteran sides. China will be lead by the inspirational Zhang Zhiqiang, a local favourite from his many Hong Kong Sevens appearances, while Chinese Taipei will be captained by long-time skipper Wang Kuo Feng.
The East Asian Games represents a unique bookend for Chinese Taipei as they started their sevens campaign back in July with the hosting of the World Games in Kaohsiung where they finished as the best performing Asian team overall.
In both the men’s and women’s competitions, the teams from the island of Guam, known locally as “the Rock”, can be counted on to punch above their weight and competitors will overlook them at their peril.
In the four-team women’s competition, China will run out as the clear favourites after their inspirational Bowl championship at the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, a performance which they followed with an undefeated showing at the Asian Women’s Sevens championships in June in Pattaya, Thailand, to rank as the top women’s side in Asia. Japan and Hong Kong will battle for the spot against China in the final. The Rugby Sevens competition at the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, 2009 at the Hong Kong Stadium. Matches are from 10.00 to 16.00 on Saturday and 11.30 to 17.30 on Sunday. For more information including live results please visit: www.2009eastasiangames.hk
IOC President Jacques Rogge to present Gold Medal to Champions
[Hong Kong, December 4 2009]: The last top-flight Asian sevens action of the year is set to kick off tomorrow with the Rugby Sevens competition at the East Asian Games 2009 in Hong Kong. It is the first ever multi-sports Games to be held in Hong Kong and fittingly for the home of the legendary Hong Kong Sevens the first East Asian Games to feature Rugby as a competition sport.
The East Asian Games is open to nine countries and territories in the region including hosts Hong Kong, China; China; Chinese Taipei; Guam; Japan; Korea; DPR Korea; Macau, China and Mongolia.
The Rugby Sevens competition promises to be a cracker as the teams participating represent the elite teams in Asian sevens. Five of the six men’s teams hold the top five spots in Asian Sevens while three of the top five women’s sevens teams in Asia are taking part.
With the inception of the Asian Rugby Football Union’s (ARFU) new Asian Rugby Sevens Series in 2009, the men’s teams enter the competition with more match seasoning and more head to head experience than at any time in the 42-year history of ARFU.
Adding to the excitement, the organisers of the East Asian Games have announced that Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, will attend the Rugby Sevens competition and present the Gold medal to the winning men’s team. The presence of Count Rogge is indicative of Rugby Sevens’ status as the world’s newest Olympic Sport with its inclusion into the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Brazil.
Japan’s men’s team is the heavy gold medal favourite after finishing top of the table on the Asian Rugby Sevens Series. Japan finished with a silver and gold medal from the two ranking events in the series’ first year, (Shanghai and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia), and also won the Sri Lanka Sevens in November. Their fine performance on the series places them as the current number one in both sevens and fifteens rugby in Asia.
Runners-up on the series Korea won the historic first Asian Rugby Sevens Series tournament in Shanghai, beating Japan in the final. Korea is benefiting from a cohesive squad that features many of its key fifteen aside national team stars like hard-charging No. 8 Han Hun Kyu who promises to be a fan favourite with his impressive pace for a big man and his trademark throwback headgear.
The third place team in the Asian series is the hosts Hong Kong, who finished with a bronze medal in Shanghai and reached the final in Kota Kinabalu before bowing out to Japan. Hong Kong has used the series and their appearance at the World Games and Singapore Cricket Club Sevens to identify some promising young players.
The home side has beaten all of its competitors on the series this year and will be hoping that vociferous support from the over 12,000 strong crowd will propel them to a historic first ever Team Gold medal for the Hong Kong SAR in the East Asian Games.
Captained by Jeff Wong Chun Kiu and lead by former Wales Sevens coach Dai Rees, the local side will be looking to go one better than its silver medal performance in Malaysia this weekend.
National Coach Rees said, “We are entering the competition in better shape than any tournament we have played in this year. There is a real belief we can medal and do something special for Hong Kong by winning a team gold.”
“Our preparation went well,” says captain Wong, Chun Kiu, “The team has been training hard and we are hopeful for a gold. If we manage to play like we train we won’t be far off.”
“Personally, I am deeply honoured to captain the team on this ooccasion,” added Wong, “If we bring gold home, I think rugby will become even more popular in Hong Kong and a lot more young kids and students will take up the sport. I can promise that we will do our very best.”
China and Chinese Taipei are also threats to break through to the medal podium on any given occasion. Both teams enter the competition with veteran sides. China will be lead by the inspirational Zhang Zhiqiang, a local favourite from his many Hong Kong Sevens appearances, while Chinese Taipei will be captained by long-time skipper Wang Kuo Feng.
The East Asian Games represents a unique bookend for Chinese Taipei as they started their sevens campaign back in July with the hosting of the World Games in Kaohsiung where they finished as the best performing Asian team overall.
In both the men’s and women’s competitions, the teams from the island of Guam, known locally as “the Rock”, can be counted on to punch above their weight and competitors will overlook them at their peril.
In the four-team women’s competition, China will run out as the clear favourites after their inspirational Bowl championship at the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, a performance which they followed with an undefeated showing at the Asian Women’s Sevens championships in June in Pattaya, Thailand, to rank as the top women’s side in Asia. Japan and Hong Kong will battle for the spot against China in the final. The Rugby Sevens competition at the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, 2009 at the Hong Kong Stadium. Matches are from 10.00 to 16.00 on Saturday and 11.30 to 17.30 on Sunday. For more information including live results please visit: www.2009eastasiangames.hk
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Seoul Sisters rugby get their kit off (again)
They have once again published their tasteful calendar and it isn't this one http://www.ssrfc.com/indexeng.htm
Can anyone let an interested conniseur know where to source this item?
Can anyone let an interested conniseur know where to source this item?
Friday, November 6, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Women's rugby in Korea at a crossroads?
Sources suggest that the KRU plans to create a new women's rugby team for Korea and not build on the existing team which has been formed a couple of years ago. Does this make sense? It would certainly be good news that the sports governing body made a serious commitment to women's rugby in Korea, but does it make sense to throw out what already exists? And does the KRU have the resources to build from scratch?
Korea Touch shines in Shanghai
Sounds like the teams that were sent to Shanghai did Korea Touch Association www.koreatouch.com proud last weekend, winning the mens and finishing runners up in the mixed. Shanghai now claims to be the biggest Touch competition in Asia, something that ITS once was able to boast in Seoul. This means that the results are very good for Korea Touch and an indication of progress in standards in Touch in Korea.
Survivors back in reckoning for Yellow Sea Cup
Survivors saw off visitors Beijing Devils but now have to wait for the result when Shaghai visit Beijing....full story on Rugby in Asia http://www.rugbyinasia.com/feature/560/survivors-can-only-watch-and-wait
New Zealand minister bigs up Korea Rugby
New Zealand's foreign minister talked up Korea's prospects in rugby in his visit to Korea http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/11/02/200911020048.asp
Apparently, Murray Mcully believes that Korea has a bright futire in rugby according to this interview in the Korea Herald...GREAT!!
Apparently, Murray Mcully believes that Korea has a bright futire in rugby according to this interview in the Korea Herald...GREAT!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Korea drop to second place in Asia Sevens rugby
Following Japan's win in the latest tournament, Korea have now dropped back to second place as they finished third in the tournament. After two tournaments that "count" the top three are Japan, Korea and Hong Kong. With HK having beaten Korea in both of the tournaments, they'll obviously be looking to exchange places with their big rivals in the overall standings. However, the gap between HK and Japan stays pretty large, whereas Korea did the double on Japan twice in Shanghai although they had little luck in Kota Kinabalu.
The big question I ask is, why don't Korea host one of the tournaments? They'd get much bigger crowds than Shanghai for sure....and what better way to showcase Olympics newest sport?
The big question I ask is, why don't Korea host one of the tournaments? They'd get much bigger crowds than Shanghai for sure....and what better way to showcase Olympics newest sport?
Korea rugby sevens falls behind Japan and Hong Kong
Japan beat Hong Kong 38-14 in the final of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series event held yesterday and today in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Japan was the form side of the tournament from the opening kickoff, posting 187 points while conceding just four tries and 26 points over two tournament days and six matches.
In today’s Cup semifinals, Japan edged Korea 10-7 in a tight encounter that was entirely fitting for these two Cup finalists from the Shanghai Sevens in September. This time Japan emerged victorious despite being a man down deep into injury time.
Hong Kong hobbled through to the final after a series of injuries kept much of its star power on the bench over the two tournament days. Despite the injury woes, it was a recovery story that dominated Hong Kong’s semifinal against Malaysia. On his return from a long absence rehabilitating a shoulder injury former captain Mark Wright led from the front against the hometown team, seemingly willing Hong Kong to victory to the dismay of the 3,500 thousand strong crowd.
Wright tallied two tries and set up a third in the match to help steer Hong Kong out of trouble against a talented Malaysian that looks to be a contender in Asian sevens in the years ahead. Hong Kong advanced in a seesaw match over Malaysia, 22-17.
Japan’s dominance extended into the final as Hong Kong started to show the toll of its cumulative injuries with several players taking the pitch heavily strapped. The Brave Blossoms jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first two minutes through a long ranging try to Michio Iwa.
Hong Kong’s Keith Robertson, who was playing despite a rib injury, replied in the fifth minute with an audacious up and under, catching his own ball at the 10 metres before dragging a defender over the line for Hong Kong’s only try of the first half. The successful conversion brought the score to 7-all.
Hong Kong’s defence almost held for the remainder of the half before a crucial knock on by captain Jeff Wong on his own five metre line gave an opportunity for Kenji Shomen to dive over from the ensuing scrum, bringing the score to 12-7 at halftime.
In the second half, Japan put paid to Hong Kong’s hopes for a comeback with two tries in the first two minutes to Usaku Kuwazuru and Atsushi Tujiya bringing the score to 26-7. The third Japanese try came in the fifth minute to Japan’s Michio Iwa, giving him a brace for the final, and bringing the score to 31-7. In the seventh minute, Kensuke Iwabuchi finished Japan’s scoring with a try that was converted to bring the score to 38-7.
Hong Kong winger Salom Yiu Kam Shing added a last bright moment for the losing finalists with a 60m sprint that he converted himself to bring Hong Kong to 14 points. The whistle blew a moment later ending the match at 38-14 and giving Japan its first title on the new Asian Rugby Sevens Series. In the Bronze Medal (3rd/4th place) match, Korea surpassed a tired Malaysian side 31-7.
Japan’s win sees them clear to the top of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series with 23 points, one ahead of Korea and two in front of Hong Kong.
The Plate final pitted China against an unexpected Philippines team that entered the tournament ranked 10th and was competing in just their second Asian Rugby Sevens Series event after last week’s run in Brunei.
The Philippines’ had formed a habit of unseating favoured opponents over the weekend, ushering Chinese Taipei into the Bowl competition on day one and beating the Thais today to reach the Plate. But the streak ended in the Final as a comprehensive display by China saw the favourites romp home 31-0. China finished in fifth place overall in the Borneo Sevens and in fourth spot on the Series table with 16 points.
In the Bowl final Chinese Taipei took its revenge for a weekend of injury setbacks and disappointing results to beat India 19-0. Chinese Taipei finished 9th overall and will be ruing missed opportunities after entering the tournament as fourth seed and in fourth place on the Asian Rugby Sevens Series table. After the weekend’s results, Chinese Taipei slipped to fifth place on the table with 13 points.
Another surprise package this weekend was Guam in its debut Asian Rugby Sevens Series event. After running Korea close in the opening day and consistently scoring against Hong Kong throughout the weekend, Guam took its chances well to upend a favoured Thailand 24-7 in the 7th/8th place playoff today. Their performance in Borneo was good enough to elevate Guam to sixth place on the Series standings.
In the Bowl Semifinal Chinese Taipei beat Indonesia 40-0 while India beat Brunei 19-10. Brunei then beat Indonesia 26-7 to finish in 11th place with Indonesia rounding out the 12 Asian teams in the final spot. Brunei and Indonesia charted two and one points on the Series table respectively.
The Borneo Sevens is the last of two ranking events on the inaugural Asian Rugby Sevens Series. The final table rankings will be effective for the remainder of 2009 and will be used for ARFU competitions, multi-sport games and IRB World Sevens Series events when applicable.
About the Asian Rugby Sevens Series:
The Asian Rugby Sevens Series was launched in September 2009 with the first event being in Shanghai in September. Two of the five events on the inaugural calendar (Shanghai and Borneo) have been awarded official Rankings Status. The Asian Rugby Sevens Series is sanctioned by the Asian Rugby Football Union and International Rugby Board.
2009 Asian Rugby Sevens Series Schedule
Shanghai Sevens, China - September 12-13
Brunei Sevens - October 24-25
Borneo Sevens, Kota Kinabalu - October 31 - November 1
Kish Island Sevens, Iran - November 20-22
Sri Lanka Sevens, November 28-29
In today’s Cup semifinals, Japan edged Korea 10-7 in a tight encounter that was entirely fitting for these two Cup finalists from the Shanghai Sevens in September. This time Japan emerged victorious despite being a man down deep into injury time.
Hong Kong hobbled through to the final after a series of injuries kept much of its star power on the bench over the two tournament days. Despite the injury woes, it was a recovery story that dominated Hong Kong’s semifinal against Malaysia. On his return from a long absence rehabilitating a shoulder injury former captain Mark Wright led from the front against the hometown team, seemingly willing Hong Kong to victory to the dismay of the 3,500 thousand strong crowd.
Wright tallied two tries and set up a third in the match to help steer Hong Kong out of trouble against a talented Malaysian that looks to be a contender in Asian sevens in the years ahead. Hong Kong advanced in a seesaw match over Malaysia, 22-17.
Japan’s dominance extended into the final as Hong Kong started to show the toll of its cumulative injuries with several players taking the pitch heavily strapped. The Brave Blossoms jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first two minutes through a long ranging try to Michio Iwa.
Hong Kong’s Keith Robertson, who was playing despite a rib injury, replied in the fifth minute with an audacious up and under, catching his own ball at the 10 metres before dragging a defender over the line for Hong Kong’s only try of the first half. The successful conversion brought the score to 7-all.
Hong Kong’s defence almost held for the remainder of the half before a crucial knock on by captain Jeff Wong on his own five metre line gave an opportunity for Kenji Shomen to dive over from the ensuing scrum, bringing the score to 12-7 at halftime.
In the second half, Japan put paid to Hong Kong’s hopes for a comeback with two tries in the first two minutes to Usaku Kuwazuru and Atsushi Tujiya bringing the score to 26-7. The third Japanese try came in the fifth minute to Japan’s Michio Iwa, giving him a brace for the final, and bringing the score to 31-7. In the seventh minute, Kensuke Iwabuchi finished Japan’s scoring with a try that was converted to bring the score to 38-7.
Hong Kong winger Salom Yiu Kam Shing added a last bright moment for the losing finalists with a 60m sprint that he converted himself to bring Hong Kong to 14 points. The whistle blew a moment later ending the match at 38-14 and giving Japan its first title on the new Asian Rugby Sevens Series. In the Bronze Medal (3rd/4th place) match, Korea surpassed a tired Malaysian side 31-7.
Japan’s win sees them clear to the top of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series with 23 points, one ahead of Korea and two in front of Hong Kong.
The Plate final pitted China against an unexpected Philippines team that entered the tournament ranked 10th and was competing in just their second Asian Rugby Sevens Series event after last week’s run in Brunei.
The Philippines’ had formed a habit of unseating favoured opponents over the weekend, ushering Chinese Taipei into the Bowl competition on day one and beating the Thais today to reach the Plate. But the streak ended in the Final as a comprehensive display by China saw the favourites romp home 31-0. China finished in fifth place overall in the Borneo Sevens and in fourth spot on the Series table with 16 points.
In the Bowl final Chinese Taipei took its revenge for a weekend of injury setbacks and disappointing results to beat India 19-0. Chinese Taipei finished 9th overall and will be ruing missed opportunities after entering the tournament as fourth seed and in fourth place on the Asian Rugby Sevens Series table. After the weekend’s results, Chinese Taipei slipped to fifth place on the table with 13 points.
Another surprise package this weekend was Guam in its debut Asian Rugby Sevens Series event. After running Korea close in the opening day and consistently scoring against Hong Kong throughout the weekend, Guam took its chances well to upend a favoured Thailand 24-7 in the 7th/8th place playoff today. Their performance in Borneo was good enough to elevate Guam to sixth place on the Series standings.
In the Bowl Semifinal Chinese Taipei beat Indonesia 40-0 while India beat Brunei 19-10. Brunei then beat Indonesia 26-7 to finish in 11th place with Indonesia rounding out the 12 Asian teams in the final spot. Brunei and Indonesia charted two and one points on the Series table respectively.
The Borneo Sevens is the last of two ranking events on the inaugural Asian Rugby Sevens Series. The final table rankings will be effective for the remainder of 2009 and will be used for ARFU competitions, multi-sport games and IRB World Sevens Series events when applicable.
About the Asian Rugby Sevens Series:
The Asian Rugby Sevens Series was launched in September 2009 with the first event being in Shanghai in September. Two of the five events on the inaugural calendar (Shanghai and Borneo) have been awarded official Rankings Status. The Asian Rugby Sevens Series is sanctioned by the Asian Rugby Football Union and International Rugby Board.
2009 Asian Rugby Sevens Series Schedule
Shanghai Sevens, China - September 12-13
Brunei Sevens - October 24-25
Borneo Sevens, Kota Kinabalu - October 31 - November 1
Kish Island Sevens, Iran - November 20-22
Sri Lanka Sevens, November 28-29
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Day One Results of Borneo Sevens
Japan, Hong Kong and China top Pools after Day One of Borneo Sevens
[ARFU.COM]: Japan, Hong Kong and China topped their respective pools after the first day’s play in the Borneo Sevens in sunny Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.
Japan finished the day with an unblemished record of three games, three wins, scoring 105 points and conceding none in today’s play. The Brave Blossoms were particularly impressive in blanking an in-form Malaysia 22 – nil in today’s final Pool A game. Malaysia went two and one from its three matches on the way to posting a points for and against of 66 to 22, good for second place in the pool.
The loss was Malaysia’s first of the day after both of the top two Pool A seeds surpassed Thailand and Indonesia. Thailand took its revenge for going winless throughout the day with a 41-0 victory over Indonesia, a side that is competing in its first Asian Rugby Sevens Series event of the year and its first sevens tournament as a national team in several years.
An injury racked Hong Kong topped Group B today after edging Korea 14-12. Korea was the winners of the Shanghai Sevens, the other ranking event on this year’s Asian Rugby Sevens Series, in September. The Koreans can take solace by the fact that in Shanghai they also lost to Hong Kong in the pool round before going on to win the tournament, beating Japan in the final. The thrilling win put Hong Kong into clear first place with an undefeated record and a plus +83 points total for the day.
Another team making its debut on the new Asian Rugby Sevens Series today, Guam put in a highly creditable performance today. Guam ran Korea close in the first Pool B match losing just 14-19. Guam also put points on the board against Hong Kong losing 38-14 and beat Brunei 38-5 in its 3rd/4th seed pool match to make its way into tomorrow’s Cup competition.
Top seed in Pool C China neatly dispatched its main opponents in the pool Chinese Taipei with a 40-14 win. Both teams made short work of their pool mates, beating India and Philippines easily.
Philippines, the runners-up in the Brunei Sevens a week ago (losing in the finals to Malaysia) continued their strong form giving up just 14 points to China in its opening match. The Philippines Volcanoes then nearly upset the formbook today as they were leading third seed India 7-nil until letting the Indians cross over for the game winner deep in injury time to concede the draw.
The performances from Guam, the Philippines and Malaysia, (winners of last week’s Brunei Sevens), all of whom are participating in their first Asian Rugby Sevens Series ranking event continue to point out the parity in Asian Sevens and bode well for the continued development of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series.
At the end of day one, Japan, China and Hong Kong topped the points table with perfect records and nine points, followed by Korea and Malaysia on seven. Philippines occupied sole position on 6 points with its draw against India while Guam, Thailand and Chinese Taipei finished with five points. India ended on four points and Indonesia with three. Thailand advanced to the Cup competition ahead of Chinese Taipei with a +2 points differential.
The results see Japan and Thailand in the first Cup Quarterfinal that will kick off at 10.00 tomorrow (Malaysia time). Korea take on the Philippines, Hong Kong face Guam and China meets Malaysia in the other three Quarterfinals which will be held at 10.20, 10.40 and 11.00 respectively.
Chinese Taipei will face Indonesia and Brunei and India meet in the Bowl Semifinals.
In today’s women’s competition, Thailand, the second ranked team in Asian women’s sevens overpowered India and Malaysia 39-0 and 52-0. In their game, India beat Malaysia 21-10.
Borneo Sevens Day One results
Chinese Taipei 24 India 0
China 14 Philippines 0
Korea 19 Guam 14
Hong Kong 62 Brunei 5
Malaysia 34 Thailand 0
Japan 57 Indonesia 0
Chinese Taipei 5 Philippines 24
China 45 India 0
Korea 56 Brunei 0
Hong Kong 38 Guam 14
Malaysia 32 Indonesia 0
Japan 26 Thailand 0
India 7 Philippines 7
China 40 Chinese Taipei 14
Guam 38 Brunei 5
Hong Kong 14 Korea 12
Thailand 41 Indonesia 0
Japan 22 Malaysia 0
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Asia Sevens marches on, next stop Kota Kinabulu
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASIAN RUGBY SEVENS SERIES VISITS BORNEO
Competitive new Series will be even tighter with inclusion of Malaysia
[Hong Kong, October 28 2009]: The Asian Rugby Sevens Series rolls into Malaysian Borneo this weekend. The Borneo Sevens is hosted by the Malaysian Rugby Union at the Likas Stadium in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, 2009. Borneo is the second ranking event on the Series after the Shanghai Sevens in September.
Borneo is the world’s third largest island and an important natural refuge for a tremendous array of plant and animal life including Orangutans, Asian Elephants, Sumatran Rhinoceros, and Bornean Clouded Leopards; the rugby action promises to be equally wild this weekend as 12 of Asia’s top sevens nations contest the final ranking event in the inaugural year of the series.
The success of the Shanghai Sevens in September proved the viability of an Asian sevens series concept as in China all of the top five teams were in with a strong chance of winning, producing a thrilling weekend of rugby. The Series has also been given a significant boost by the IOC's decision to include Sevens in the Olympic Games in 2016 and 2020.
In Borneo, the challenge will be even greater as the top teams from Shanghai return to action alongside a rampant Malaysian team that swept last weekend’s Brunei Sevens without a loss and is hitting peak form for their home event.
The participating teams in Borneo are Japan (1st seed), Hong Kong (2), China (3), Chinese Taipei (4), Korea (5), Malaysia (6), Thailand (7), Guam (8), India (9), Philippines (10), Brunei (11) and Indonesia (12). The seedings for Borneo are the same as those for the Shanghai Sevens and are based on the results from the Asian Rugby World Cup Sevens Qualifiers in October 2008.
The teams have been grouped into three pools of four with a round robin pool round followed by knockout matches. The pools for Borneo see Japan, runners-up in Shanghai, squaring off against Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia in Pool A. Pool B is headed by Hong Kong, bronze medallists in Shanghai, with Korea, gold medal winners in Shanghai, Guam and Brunei. Pool C sees third seed China taking on fourth seed Chinese Taipei, India and the Philippines.
One of the key objectives of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series is to provide a sevens-specific ranking of Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) nations. This ranking will be used for future ARFU tournaments and multi-sport events when applicable and will be a major factor in identifying participating teams from Asia for IRB World Sevens Series events. In the first year of the Series only the Shanghai and Borneo Sevens have been awarded ranking status.
Asian Rugby Sevens Series rankings are based on 12-team tournaments. The rankings see the gold medal winners receive 12 points, silver medallists 11 points, bronze medalists ten points and so on down to the last placed team that receives one point.
Mr Jarrad Gallagher, IRB General Manager for Asia said, "The Series started with a bang and the interesting thing that came out of Shanghai was that there were five teams who could have won it. Right from the start it has been extremely competitive and now Malaysia has thrust itself into the mix in Brunei and represents an unknown quantity for the teams that played in Shanghai. We are expecting another exciting tournament this weekend in Borneo.”
"We've already got five events in 2009. Next year we'll have India knocking on the door with their test event for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, so we're providing a great platform for our Asian teams to have competitive matches on a regular basis. I believe that in the space of one or two years we will see a marked improvement.”
The Asian Rugby Sevens Series event at the Borneo Sevens will be played concurrently within a wider club based tournament that also features women’s rugby. Match results and photos will be distributed at end of day Malaysia Time.
About the Asian Rugby Sevens Series:
The Asian Rugby Sevens Series was launched in September 2009 with the first event being in Shanghai in September. Two of the five events on the inaugural calendar (Shanghai and Borneo) have been awarded official Rankings Status. The Asian Rugby Sevens Series is sanctioned by the Asian Rugby Football Union and International Rugby Board.
2009 Asian Rugby Sevens Series Schedule
Shanghai Sevens, China - September 12-13
Brunei Sevens - October 24-25
Borneo Sevens, Kota Kinabalu - October 31 - November 1
Kish Island Sevens, Iran - November 20-22
Sri Lanka Sevens, November 28-29
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASIAN RUGBY SEVENS SERIES VISITS BORNEO
Competitive new Series will be even tighter with inclusion of Malaysia
[Hong Kong, October 28 2009]: The Asian Rugby Sevens Series rolls into Malaysian Borneo this weekend. The Borneo Sevens is hosted by the Malaysian Rugby Union at the Likas Stadium in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, 2009. Borneo is the second ranking event on the Series after the Shanghai Sevens in September.
Borneo is the world’s third largest island and an important natural refuge for a tremendous array of plant and animal life including Orangutans, Asian Elephants, Sumatran Rhinoceros, and Bornean Clouded Leopards; the rugby action promises to be equally wild this weekend as 12 of Asia’s top sevens nations contest the final ranking event in the inaugural year of the series.
The success of the Shanghai Sevens in September proved the viability of an Asian sevens series concept as in China all of the top five teams were in with a strong chance of winning, producing a thrilling weekend of rugby. The Series has also been given a significant boost by the IOC's decision to include Sevens in the Olympic Games in 2016 and 2020.
In Borneo, the challenge will be even greater as the top teams from Shanghai return to action alongside a rampant Malaysian team that swept last weekend’s Brunei Sevens without a loss and is hitting peak form for their home event.
The participating teams in Borneo are Japan (1st seed), Hong Kong (2), China (3), Chinese Taipei (4), Korea (5), Malaysia (6), Thailand (7), Guam (8), India (9), Philippines (10), Brunei (11) and Indonesia (12). The seedings for Borneo are the same as those for the Shanghai Sevens and are based on the results from the Asian Rugby World Cup Sevens Qualifiers in October 2008.
The teams have been grouped into three pools of four with a round robin pool round followed by knockout matches. The pools for Borneo see Japan, runners-up in Shanghai, squaring off against Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia in Pool A. Pool B is headed by Hong Kong, bronze medallists in Shanghai, with Korea, gold medal winners in Shanghai, Guam and Brunei. Pool C sees third seed China taking on fourth seed Chinese Taipei, India and the Philippines.
One of the key objectives of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series is to provide a sevens-specific ranking of Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) nations. This ranking will be used for future ARFU tournaments and multi-sport events when applicable and will be a major factor in identifying participating teams from Asia for IRB World Sevens Series events. In the first year of the Series only the Shanghai and Borneo Sevens have been awarded ranking status.
Asian Rugby Sevens Series rankings are based on 12-team tournaments. The rankings see the gold medal winners receive 12 points, silver medallists 11 points, bronze medalists ten points and so on down to the last placed team that receives one point.
Mr Jarrad Gallagher, IRB General Manager for Asia said, "The Series started with a bang and the interesting thing that came out of Shanghai was that there were five teams who could have won it. Right from the start it has been extremely competitive and now Malaysia has thrust itself into the mix in Brunei and represents an unknown quantity for the teams that played in Shanghai. We are expecting another exciting tournament this weekend in Borneo.”
"We've already got five events in 2009. Next year we'll have India knocking on the door with their test event for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, so we're providing a great platform for our Asian teams to have competitive matches on a regular basis. I believe that in the space of one or two years we will see a marked improvement.”
The Asian Rugby Sevens Series event at the Borneo Sevens will be played concurrently within a wider club based tournament that also features women’s rugby. Match results and photos will be distributed at end of day Malaysia Time.
About the Asian Rugby Sevens Series:
The Asian Rugby Sevens Series was launched in September 2009 with the first event being in Shanghai in September. Two of the five events on the inaugural calendar (Shanghai and Borneo) have been awarded official Rankings Status. The Asian Rugby Sevens Series is sanctioned by the Asian Rugby Football Union and International Rugby Board.
2009 Asian Rugby Sevens Series Schedule
Shanghai Sevens, China - September 12-13
Brunei Sevens - October 24-25
Borneo Sevens, Kota Kinabalu - October 31 - November 1
Kish Island Sevens, Iran - November 20-22
Sri Lanka Sevens, November 28-29
Asia Sevens marches on, next stop Kota Kinabulu
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASIAN RUGBY SEVENS SERIES VISITS BORNEO
Competitive new Series will be even tighter with inclusion of Malaysia
[Hong Kong, October 28 2009]: The Asian Rugby Sevens Series rolls into Malaysian Borneo this weekend. The Borneo Sevens is hosted by the Malaysian Rugby Union at the Likas Stadium in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, 2009. Borneo is the second ranking event on the Series after the Shanghai Sevens in September.
Borneo is the world’s third largest island and an important natural refuge for a tremendous array of plant and animal life including Orangutans, Asian Elephants, Sumatran Rhinoceros, and Bornean Clouded Leopards; the rugby action promises to be equally wild this weekend as 12 of Asia’s top sevens nations contest the final ranking event in the inaugural year of the series.
The success of the Shanghai Sevens in September proved the viability of an Asian sevens series concept as in China all of the top five teams were in with a strong chance of winning, producing a thrilling weekend of rugby. The Series has also been given a significant boost by the IOC's decision to include Sevens in the Olympic Games in 2016 and 2020.
In Borneo, the challenge will be even greater as the top teams from Shanghai return to action alongside a rampant Malaysian team that swept last weekend’s Brunei Sevens without a loss and is hitting peak form for their home event.
The participating teams in Borneo are Japan (1st seed), Hong Kong (2), China (3), Chinese Taipei (4), Korea (5), Malaysia (6), Thailand (7), Guam (8), India (9), Philippines (10), Brunei (11) and Indonesia (12). The seedings for Borneo are the same as those for the Shanghai Sevens and are based on the results from the Asian Rugby World Cup Sevens Qualifiers in October 2008.
The teams have been grouped into three pools of four with a round robin pool round followed by knockout matches. The pools for Borneo see Japan, runners-up in Shanghai, squaring off against Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia in Pool A. Pool B is headed by Hong Kong, bronze medallists in Shanghai, with Korea, gold medal winners in Shanghai, Guam and Brunei. Pool C sees third seed China taking on fourth seed Chinese Taipei, India and the Philippines.
One of the key objectives of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series is to provide a sevens-specific ranking of Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) nations. This ranking will be used for future ARFU tournaments and multi-sport events when applicable and will be a major factor in identifying participating teams from Asia for IRB World Sevens Series events. In the first year of the Series only the Shanghai and Borneo Sevens have been awarded ranking status.
Asian Rugby Sevens Series rankings are based on 12-team tournaments. The rankings see the gold medal winners receive 12 points, silver medallists 11 points, bronze medalists ten points and so on down to the last placed team that receives one point.
Mr Jarrad Gallagher, IRB General Manager for Asia said, "The Series started with a bang and the interesting thing that came out of Shanghai was that there were five teams who could have won it. Right from the start it has been extremely competitive and now Malaysia has thrust itself into the mix in Brunei and represents an unknown quantity for the teams that played in Shanghai. We are expecting another exciting tournament this weekend in Borneo.”
"We've already got five events in 2009. Next year we'll have India knocking on the door with their test event for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, so we're providing a great platform for our Asian teams to have competitive matches on a regular basis. I believe that in the space of one or two years we will see a marked improvement.”
The Asian Rugby Sevens Series event at the Borneo Sevens will be played concurrently within a wider club based tournament that also features women’s rugby. Match results and photos will be distributed at end of day Malaysia Time.
About the Asian Rugby Sevens Series:
The Asian Rugby Sevens Series was launched in September 2009 with the first event being in Shanghai in September. Two of the five events on the inaugural calendar (Shanghai and Borneo) have been awarded official Rankings Status. The Asian Rugby Sevens Series is sanctioned by the Asian Rugby Football Union and International Rugby Board.
2009 Asian Rugby Sevens Series Schedule
Shanghai Sevens, China - September 12-13
Brunei Sevens - October 24-25
Borneo Sevens, Kota Kinabalu - October 31 - November 1
Kish Island Sevens, Iran - November 20-22
Sri Lanka Sevens, November 28-29
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASIAN RUGBY SEVENS SERIES VISITS BORNEO
Competitive new Series will be even tighter with inclusion of Malaysia
[Hong Kong, October 28 2009]: The Asian Rugby Sevens Series rolls into Malaysian Borneo this weekend. The Borneo Sevens is hosted by the Malaysian Rugby Union at the Likas Stadium in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, 2009. Borneo is the second ranking event on the Series after the Shanghai Sevens in September.
Borneo is the world’s third largest island and an important natural refuge for a tremendous array of plant and animal life including Orangutans, Asian Elephants, Sumatran Rhinoceros, and Bornean Clouded Leopards; the rugby action promises to be equally wild this weekend as 12 of Asia’s top sevens nations contest the final ranking event in the inaugural year of the series.
The success of the Shanghai Sevens in September proved the viability of an Asian sevens series concept as in China all of the top five teams were in with a strong chance of winning, producing a thrilling weekend of rugby. The Series has also been given a significant boost by the IOC's decision to include Sevens in the Olympic Games in 2016 and 2020.
In Borneo, the challenge will be even greater as the top teams from Shanghai return to action alongside a rampant Malaysian team that swept last weekend’s Brunei Sevens without a loss and is hitting peak form for their home event.
The participating teams in Borneo are Japan (1st seed), Hong Kong (2), China (3), Chinese Taipei (4), Korea (5), Malaysia (6), Thailand (7), Guam (8), India (9), Philippines (10), Brunei (11) and Indonesia (12). The seedings for Borneo are the same as those for the Shanghai Sevens and are based on the results from the Asian Rugby World Cup Sevens Qualifiers in October 2008.
The teams have been grouped into three pools of four with a round robin pool round followed by knockout matches. The pools for Borneo see Japan, runners-up in Shanghai, squaring off against Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia in Pool A. Pool B is headed by Hong Kong, bronze medallists in Shanghai, with Korea, gold medal winners in Shanghai, Guam and Brunei. Pool C sees third seed China taking on fourth seed Chinese Taipei, India and the Philippines.
One of the key objectives of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series is to provide a sevens-specific ranking of Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) nations. This ranking will be used for future ARFU tournaments and multi-sport events when applicable and will be a major factor in identifying participating teams from Asia for IRB World Sevens Series events. In the first year of the Series only the Shanghai and Borneo Sevens have been awarded ranking status.
Asian Rugby Sevens Series rankings are based on 12-team tournaments. The rankings see the gold medal winners receive 12 points, silver medallists 11 points, bronze medalists ten points and so on down to the last placed team that receives one point.
Mr Jarrad Gallagher, IRB General Manager for Asia said, "The Series started with a bang and the interesting thing that came out of Shanghai was that there were five teams who could have won it. Right from the start it has been extremely competitive and now Malaysia has thrust itself into the mix in Brunei and represents an unknown quantity for the teams that played in Shanghai. We are expecting another exciting tournament this weekend in Borneo.”
"We've already got five events in 2009. Next year we'll have India knocking on the door with their test event for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, so we're providing a great platform for our Asian teams to have competitive matches on a regular basis. I believe that in the space of one or two years we will see a marked improvement.”
The Asian Rugby Sevens Series event at the Borneo Sevens will be played concurrently within a wider club based tournament that also features women’s rugby. Match results and photos will be distributed at end of day Malaysia Time.
About the Asian Rugby Sevens Series:
The Asian Rugby Sevens Series was launched in September 2009 with the first event being in Shanghai in September. Two of the five events on the inaugural calendar (Shanghai and Borneo) have been awarded official Rankings Status. The Asian Rugby Sevens Series is sanctioned by the Asian Rugby Football Union and International Rugby Board.
2009 Asian Rugby Sevens Series Schedule
Shanghai Sevens, China - September 12-13
Brunei Sevens - October 24-25
Borneo Sevens, Kota Kinabalu - October 31 - November 1
Kish Island Sevens, Iran - November 20-22
Sri Lanka Sevens, November 28-29
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Touch in Incheon
Looks like touch rugby is starting in Incheon http://www.koreatouch.com/news/3-general/42-social-touch-in-incheon
Let's go!!
Let's go!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Introducing rugby in Goyang City, Korea
To take a look at
- the pitch in Goyang City
- Henry and other 5 volunteers
You may visit http://cafe.daum.net/CouncilofRugbyKorea
and click '동영상보기'
You may find the first session on 17th October, at a brand new pitch with Henry and the other instructors.
Henry (with black trainers, beared) and Casey (upper red, blue trainers).
You are welcome to visit this pitch at any time.
Their next session is on 24th Oct, at 3 PM.
- the pitch in Goyang City
- Henry and other 5 volunteers
You may visit http://cafe.daum.net/CouncilofRugbyKorea
and click '동영상보기'
You may find the first session on 17th October, at a brand new pitch with Henry and the other instructors.
Henry (with black trainers, beared) and Casey (upper red, blue trainers).
You are welcome to visit this pitch at any time.
Their next session is on 24th Oct, at 3 PM.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Beijing rugby comes to Seoul
The Oakwood Seoul Survivors RFC take on the Beijing Devils in this clash of old rivals on the banks of the Han River, Saturday 24th of October.We're aiming for an early afternoon kickoff. It'll be a great opportunity to enjoy the mild Fall weather. All family and friends welcome.Details may change. Stay tuned.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=157768431015
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=157768431015
Friday, October 9, 2009
Rugby is in the Olympics!!
2016 and the carnival in Rio beckons….a festival of rugby in the world’s party town….it won’t get a better start than this!! Will the inclusion of rugby sevens in the Olympics be the wake-up call that Korea needs? Will it be the focal point that allows the disparate factions gather around one common cause and to put their petty differences aside and go for glory together? Of course, Korea are a long way from the medal slots but seven years is plenty of time to narrow the differences and the football team was even further down the rankings when they reached the semis of the world cup in 2002.
Goyang City is a rugby city
The mayor of Goyang (Koyang) has made a bold step for Rugby and English by making available a pitch for the development of rugby. Smart move! He’s catching two important trends in one; every child in Korea is striving to learn English and what better way to do that than through sport.
Secondly, with rugby now in the Olympics, it will be an up and coming sport in Korea and as every rugby fan knows, the teamwork and discipline it brings is also a nice plus for kids to learn all about as they grow up.
Details are below;
The first permanent Rugby Pitch in Koyang City.
Location ; Baik Shin High School in Koyang City ( Metro Line 3, North bound, 400 meters from Baik Suck Stn exit 3. )
Dimension ; 75m x 65m Surface; artificial lawnopens exclusively for Rugby ; a half day every week-end ( offered Sunday afternoon – negotiable) and full days occasionally ( in case of tournament )
No fee!!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Shanghai Touch in Korea
The Shanghai Scary Dragons made it over to ITS and are now really looking forward to the Korea Touch Association bringing a team to Shanghai for their tournament on October 31 (Haloween!!). The Shanghai tournament will be very big; as many as 40 teams coming from all over Asia...get down to Jamwon on Saturday to book your place on the Korean team!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
ITS 2009 another big success for Touch Korea
Beautiful weather, good crowd, great facilities and a load of fun as Tokyo Masters won the main title and the Mixed was shared between Tits for Hands and Three Alley Dutch Rudders....hmmm!
This weekend, the selection will be made for the representative team to go to Shanghai at the end of October...so anyone keen to play should be at the Jamwon pitch on Saturday morning.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
All set for ITS 2009, Koreas showcase Touch tournament
Touch teams from around the peninsula and overseas are already gathering for Seoul's "big one" and judging by the noise on facebook etc, this will be a big event. Conditions look to be set fair overhead (the forecast is kind, so far!) and underfoot (the tournament will be held on all grass pitches for the first time ever). Meanwhile, competition looks hot. At least five contenders in the men's tournament and the mixed is wide open. Sadly, it seems that this year there will be no juniors or womens events, which may have a dampening effect on the crowd. Otherwise, the tournament will deliver on all its signature promises....good Touch, great atmosphere, wonderful gifts for the players and a superb chance for all to enjoy sport, good company and quite a party. All info can be found on www.koreatouch.com
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Seoul Colts grow and learn
Since their formation earlier this year, Seoul Colts have grown in every way...more players, more fixtures and of course, the lads have grown some too! The attached link to "Rugby in Asia" shows some action from recent matches and shows that the expat and Korean communities can come together through rugby http://www.rugbyinasia.com/korea/478-22/ss-colts-rfc
Earlier this year, the Colts played the curtain raiser before the England Counties match. It was a tens game against YangJung High School who are one of the top rugby schools in Korea. The Colts unsurprisingly were beaten but the crowd recognised their commitment and raw skill and could see the progress wrought by coach Dan Grover.
Another neat thing about this team is that players come from several different international schools; the Lycee Seoul, Seoul Foreign School, KIS, YISS and Taejon Christian International all have an interest. This shows how far rugby has come for kids in Korea in the last few years and the Colts now offer kids who have graduated through the Han River Pirates the chance to play some decent quality contact rugby while they stay in Korea!
Earlier this year, the Colts played the curtain raiser before the England Counties match. It was a tens game against YangJung High School who are one of the top rugby schools in Korea. The Colts unsurprisingly were beaten but the crowd recognised their commitment and raw skill and could see the progress wrought by coach Dan Grover.
Another neat thing about this team is that players come from several different international schools; the Lycee Seoul, Seoul Foreign School, KIS, YISS and Taejon Christian International all have an interest. This shows how far rugby has come for kids in Korea in the last few years and the Colts now offer kids who have graduated through the Han River Pirates the chance to play some decent quality contact rugby while they stay in Korea!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Kim Won Yong leads Korea to victory in IRB Asia Sevens inaugural tournament
Korea took Shanghai by storm over the weekend and despite some hiccups in the opening round against Hong Kong and despite a close run semi-final against Chinese Taipei, they did the double on Japan, beating them in the group stages and then blitzing them 40-19 in the final.
ARFU and KRU President Choi, Won-tae was on hand to see his team clean up and looked thrilled with the result.Skipper Kim Yong Won was a constant buzzing threat throughout and key to Korea's superb strategy of keeping the ball alive continuously...almost to a fault as they spurned what seemed certain scoring chances rather than risk losing posession. Kim's leadership and all round attacking and defensive performance was recognised as he was awarded "Player of the Tournament" by Jarrad Gallacher, IRB Asia's Development Officer.
The crowd was steady and largely made up of expats, something that the organisers will look to next year but they must have been pleased with the overall result and look back on a job well done with entertainment and facilities holding up well.
Well done Korea and hope they carry it through this series!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Korea Touch all set for ITS 2009...
....but teams still have openings for players if you are keen. Visit http://www.koreatouch.com/ and email koreatouch@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Referee clinic in Korea Sept 19?
Sounds like London Society referee Darryl Chapman will be visiting Seoul on Sept 19th and has offered an impromptu clinic for referees at Jamwon. Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Kurt at the Seoul Survivors www.survivorsrfc.com
Korea U-20 rugby crashes out
Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei through to Final of Olympus Capital Asian Junior Rugby Championship
Sun Hsin-Chien is hat-trick hero for Chinese Taipei[Hong Kong, 9 September 2009]:
Hong Kong and surprise finalists Chinese Taipei are into the final of the Olympus Capital Asian Junior Rugby Championships. The final will be played at 17.30 on Saturday, 12 September, 2009 at the Hong Kong Football Club.
Hong Kong cruised past Sri Lanka 51-10, while Chinese Taipei and Korea played the match of the tournament before Chinese Taipei came up with the dramatic finish, 34-29. Chinese Taipei (tournament 5th seeds) continued their run on the formbook as they upset defending Asian Junior Rugby champions Korea, top seeds in the tournament.
The upset comes after a less dramatic reversal of fourth seeds Thailand in Chinese Taipei’s opening match. Today’s encounter was evenly paced throughout with Korea entering the sheds up 14-12 at halftime through tries to hooker Lee, Tae Hyun and fullback Yang, Hee Chan.
Yang converted his own conversion while outside centre Yun, Su Woong tallied the other. Chinese Taipei’s opening stanza points came through a try to prop Chuan Wan Hao and reserve flanker Sun Hsin–Chien. Sun’s substition was fortuitous as he scored his first of three of tries five minutes after he entered the field.
In the second half, Korea extended its lead to 22-12 before Chinese Taipei began their bravest fightback of the tournament to date. Again it was super sub Sun Hsin-Chien who started Chinese Taipei on the road to recovery scoring his second try at the 25 minute marker; the conversion by fly half Liu Chung-Hao brought the score to 22-19 Korea.
Shortly thereafter another Chinese Taipei substitute made his mark as substitute lock Chen Yu-Hui’s try put Chinese Taipei ahead 24-22. No. 8 Wang, Yu-Hsian capped Chinese Taipei’s scoring run with a beautiful solo effort as he swerved past a few defenders and crashed through a couple of more to bring his side ahead 29-22.As soon as they had secured the lead, the plucky Taiwanese gave it up again after Korean centre Young Soo Nam replied with a fine run to bring Korea back to 27-29.
Centre Yun Su Woong’s conversion drew the scores level in the 36th minute. Neither side could break the deadlock before half-time triggering a ten-minute period of extra time. The golden point impasse was broken by Sun Hsin-Chien as he completed his hat trick in sensational fashion in the sixth minute to put Chinese Taipei through to the final 34-29.
In today’s second match, Sri Lanka held Hong Kong tight until the second half when the hosts surged ahead to jump to a 51-10. In today’s bowl semi-final, Malaysia found another gear to pass Singapore 46-10.
Malaysian captain flanker Az-Zuhran Zainal’s brace of tries in the second quarter of the first half helped open the floodgates and sent Malaysia through to the Bowl final against Thailand (the losers to Chinese Taipei last Saturday.
Singapore’s second loss eliminated them from the tournament.The Olympus Capital Asian Junior Rugby Championship concludes this Saturday at the Hong Kong Football Club. Match times are 13.30 for the 5th place decider between Thailand and Malaysia, 15.30 for the 3rd place decider between Korea and Sri Lanka and 17.30 for the Hong Kong – Chinese Taipei final.
Sun Hsin-Chien is hat-trick hero for Chinese Taipei[Hong Kong, 9 September 2009]:
Hong Kong and surprise finalists Chinese Taipei are into the final of the Olympus Capital Asian Junior Rugby Championships. The final will be played at 17.30 on Saturday, 12 September, 2009 at the Hong Kong Football Club.
Hong Kong cruised past Sri Lanka 51-10, while Chinese Taipei and Korea played the match of the tournament before Chinese Taipei came up with the dramatic finish, 34-29. Chinese Taipei (tournament 5th seeds) continued their run on the formbook as they upset defending Asian Junior Rugby champions Korea, top seeds in the tournament.
The upset comes after a less dramatic reversal of fourth seeds Thailand in Chinese Taipei’s opening match. Today’s encounter was evenly paced throughout with Korea entering the sheds up 14-12 at halftime through tries to hooker Lee, Tae Hyun and fullback Yang, Hee Chan.
Yang converted his own conversion while outside centre Yun, Su Woong tallied the other. Chinese Taipei’s opening stanza points came through a try to prop Chuan Wan Hao and reserve flanker Sun Hsin–Chien. Sun’s substition was fortuitous as he scored his first of three of tries five minutes after he entered the field.
In the second half, Korea extended its lead to 22-12 before Chinese Taipei began their bravest fightback of the tournament to date. Again it was super sub Sun Hsin-Chien who started Chinese Taipei on the road to recovery scoring his second try at the 25 minute marker; the conversion by fly half Liu Chung-Hao brought the score to 22-19 Korea.
Shortly thereafter another Chinese Taipei substitute made his mark as substitute lock Chen Yu-Hui’s try put Chinese Taipei ahead 24-22. No. 8 Wang, Yu-Hsian capped Chinese Taipei’s scoring run with a beautiful solo effort as he swerved past a few defenders and crashed through a couple of more to bring his side ahead 29-22.As soon as they had secured the lead, the plucky Taiwanese gave it up again after Korean centre Young Soo Nam replied with a fine run to bring Korea back to 27-29.
Centre Yun Su Woong’s conversion drew the scores level in the 36th minute. Neither side could break the deadlock before half-time triggering a ten-minute period of extra time. The golden point impasse was broken by Sun Hsin-Chien as he completed his hat trick in sensational fashion in the sixth minute to put Chinese Taipei through to the final 34-29.
In today’s second match, Sri Lanka held Hong Kong tight until the second half when the hosts surged ahead to jump to a 51-10. In today’s bowl semi-final, Malaysia found another gear to pass Singapore 46-10.
Malaysian captain flanker Az-Zuhran Zainal’s brace of tries in the second quarter of the first half helped open the floodgates and sent Malaysia through to the Bowl final against Thailand (the losers to Chinese Taipei last Saturday.
Singapore’s second loss eliminated them from the tournament.The Olympus Capital Asian Junior Rugby Championship concludes this Saturday at the Hong Kong Football Club. Match times are 13.30 for the 5th place decider between Thailand and Malaysia, 15.30 for the 3rd place decider between Korea and Sri Lanka and 17.30 for the Hong Kong – Chinese Taipei final.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei advance on first day of Olympus Capital Asian Rugby Junior Championships
Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei advance on first day of Olympus Capital Asian Rugby Junior Championships
[Hong Kong, 5 September 2009]: Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei emerged victorious from the first day’s match action in the Olympus Capital Asian Rugby Junior Championship held today at the Hong Kong Football Club, Hong Kong.
Today’s results saw fifth seeds Chinese Taipei upend fourth seeds Thailand, 28-23; third seed Sri Lanka run rampant over sixth seeds Singapore 65-0; and Hong Kong upend Malaysia, 69 - 9.
Today’s opening match was a thrilling affair between Thailand and Chinese Taipei that saw six lead changes overall. In a game played in searing conditions both teams put on an excellent display of skills and free-flowing rugby.
At halftime Thailand led 20-14, but in the second interval Chinese Taipei came out roaring and ready to play getting first on the board with a try in the 47th minute to bring the score to 21-20 Chinese Taipei after the conversion. The Thais responded with a penalty to make it 23-21. The score remained 23-21 until the 38th minute when Chinese Taipei flanker Chen Kuo Lun broke away with an intercept pass from the halfway marker to bring Chinese Taipei out front for good at 28-23.
In the day’s second match, tournament third seeds Sri Lanka cruised to an early lead over six seeds Singapore, scoring their first try in just the 3rd minute. The Sri Lankans never looked back after that running away with an easy victory that should put them in good stead for their upcoming matches.
In today’s final match, Hong Kong ran in an impressive 11 tries to advance past seventh seeds Malaysia 69-9. Fly-half Niall Rowark accounted for 17 points through a try, two penalties and two conversions.
After today’s results, top seeds Korea, who had a bye entry to the Semi Finals, will make their debut in the Asian Junior Rugby Championships on Wednesday (September 9) against Chinese Taipei. Thailand will automatically advance to the 5th/6th place playoff on next Saturday (September 13) against the winner of Wednesday’s match between Singapore and Malaysia.
Olympus Capital Asian Rugby Junior Championships match action resumes on Wednesday, September 9, at the Hong Kong Football Club. Match 1 sees Korea take on Chinese Taipei at 10.00am, Match 2 pits Hong Kong against Sri Lanka at 11.45 and the final match sees Singapore take on Malaysia at 13.30.
[Hong Kong, 5 September 2009]: Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei emerged victorious from the first day’s match action in the Olympus Capital Asian Rugby Junior Championship held today at the Hong Kong Football Club, Hong Kong.
Today’s results saw fifth seeds Chinese Taipei upend fourth seeds Thailand, 28-23; third seed Sri Lanka run rampant over sixth seeds Singapore 65-0; and Hong Kong upend Malaysia, 69 - 9.
Today’s opening match was a thrilling affair between Thailand and Chinese Taipei that saw six lead changes overall. In a game played in searing conditions both teams put on an excellent display of skills and free-flowing rugby.
At halftime Thailand led 20-14, but in the second interval Chinese Taipei came out roaring and ready to play getting first on the board with a try in the 47th minute to bring the score to 21-20 Chinese Taipei after the conversion. The Thais responded with a penalty to make it 23-21. The score remained 23-21 until the 38th minute when Chinese Taipei flanker Chen Kuo Lun broke away with an intercept pass from the halfway marker to bring Chinese Taipei out front for good at 28-23.
In the day’s second match, tournament third seeds Sri Lanka cruised to an early lead over six seeds Singapore, scoring their first try in just the 3rd minute. The Sri Lankans never looked back after that running away with an easy victory that should put them in good stead for their upcoming matches.
In today’s final match, Hong Kong ran in an impressive 11 tries to advance past seventh seeds Malaysia 69-9. Fly-half Niall Rowark accounted for 17 points through a try, two penalties and two conversions.
After today’s results, top seeds Korea, who had a bye entry to the Semi Finals, will make their debut in the Asian Junior Rugby Championships on Wednesday (September 9) against Chinese Taipei. Thailand will automatically advance to the 5th/6th place playoff on next Saturday (September 13) against the winner of Wednesday’s match between Singapore and Malaysia.
Olympus Capital Asian Rugby Junior Championships match action resumes on Wednesday, September 9, at the Hong Kong Football Club. Match 1 sees Korea take on Chinese Taipei at 10.00am, Match 2 pits Hong Kong against Sri Lanka at 11.45 and the final match sees Singapore take on Malaysia at 13.30.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Asian U-20 rugby schedule
OLYMPUS CAPITAL ASIAN RUGBY JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP 2009
亞洲青少年欖球錦標賽2009
Tournament Schedule 賽程
Seedings參賽球隊種籽排名
1. Korea韓國 2. Hong Kong香港 3. Sri Lanka斯里蘭卡 4 Thailand泰國
5. Chinese Taipei中華台北 6. Singapore新加坡 7. Malaysia馬來西亞
Venue: Hong Kong Football Club 香港足球會 Entry Fee: Free Admission 免費入場
First Round 第一輪賽事 (5/9/2009 , Saturday,星期六)
* Korea (1) – bye, direct entry to SF1 *韓國 (直接晉身四強賽事)
Match
賽事
Team 1
隊伍 1
Team 2
隊伍 2
Kick off Time
開賽時間
1
Thailand 泰國
Chinese Taipei 中華台北
1330
2
Sri Lanka 斯里蘭卡
Singapore 新加坡
1505
3
Hong Kong 香港
Malaysia 馬來西亞
1640
Second Round 第一輪賽事 (9/9/2009 , Wednesday,星期三)
*Loser Match 1 receives bye, direct entry to 5th place playoff *賽事一負方直接進入第五名名次賽
Match
賽事
Team 1
隊伍 1
Team 2
隊伍 2
Kick off Time
開賽時間
Semi Final 1 四強賽事一
Korea 韓國
Winner Match 1 賽事一勝方
1000
Semi Final 2 四強賽事二
Winner Match 2 賽事二勝方
Winner Match 3 賽事三勝方
1145
Semi Final 3 四強賽事三
Loser Match 2 賽事二負方
Loser Match 3 賽事三負方
1330
Finals決賽日 (12/9/2009 ,Saturday,星期六)
Match
賽事
Team 1
隊伍 1
Team 2
隊伍 2
Kick off Time
開賽時間
7th Place 第七名名次賽
Loser SF 3 四強賽事三負方
Invitational XV 十五人邀請隊
1330 (TBC)
5th Place 第五名名次賽
Winner SF3 四強賽事三勝方
Loser Match 1 賽事一負方
1505
3rd Place 第三名名次賽
Loser SF1 四強賽事一負方
Loser SF2 四強賽事二負方
1640
Final 冠軍戰
Winner SF1 四強賽事一勝方
Winner SF2 四強賽事二勝方
1815
亞洲青少年欖球錦標賽2009
Tournament Schedule 賽程
Seedings參賽球隊種籽排名
1. Korea韓國 2. Hong Kong香港 3. Sri Lanka斯里蘭卡 4 Thailand泰國
5. Chinese Taipei中華台北 6. Singapore新加坡 7. Malaysia馬來西亞
Venue: Hong Kong Football Club 香港足球會 Entry Fee: Free Admission 免費入場
First Round 第一輪賽事 (5/9/2009 , Saturday,星期六)
* Korea (1) – bye, direct entry to SF1 *韓國 (直接晉身四強賽事)
Match
賽事
Team 1
隊伍 1
Team 2
隊伍 2
Kick off Time
開賽時間
1
Thailand 泰國
Chinese Taipei 中華台北
1330
2
Sri Lanka 斯里蘭卡
Singapore 新加坡
1505
3
Hong Kong 香港
Malaysia 馬來西亞
1640
Second Round 第一輪賽事 (9/9/2009 , Wednesday,星期三)
*Loser Match 1 receives bye, direct entry to 5th place playoff *賽事一負方直接進入第五名名次賽
Match
賽事
Team 1
隊伍 1
Team 2
隊伍 2
Kick off Time
開賽時間
Semi Final 1 四強賽事一
Korea 韓國
Winner Match 1 賽事一勝方
1000
Semi Final 2 四強賽事二
Winner Match 2 賽事二勝方
Winner Match 3 賽事三勝方
1145
Semi Final 3 四強賽事三
Loser Match 2 賽事二負方
Loser Match 3 賽事三負方
1330
Finals決賽日 (12/9/2009 ,Saturday,星期六)
Match
賽事
Team 1
隊伍 1
Team 2
隊伍 2
Kick off Time
開賽時間
7th Place 第七名名次賽
Loser SF 3 四強賽事三負方
Invitational XV 十五人邀請隊
1330 (TBC)
5th Place 第五名名次賽
Winner SF3 四強賽事三勝方
Loser Match 1 賽事一負方
1505
3rd Place 第三名名次賽
Loser SF1 四強賽事一負方
Loser SF2 四強賽事二負方
1640
Final 冠軍戰
Winner SF1 四強賽事一勝方
Winner SF2 四強賽事二勝方
1815
Korea rugby defends its Asian U-20 Championship title in Hong Kong this weekend
HONG KONG READY FOR REGIONAL CHALLENGERS IN OLYMPUS CAPITAL ASIAN RUGBY JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
[3 September, Hong Kong]: The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union’s Under 20 men’s team will join six of Asia’s premier Under 20 sides in the upcoming Olympus Capital Asian Rugby Junior Championship. The Tournament will be held over three match days on Saturday, September 5; Wednesday, September 9; and Saturday, September 13, 2009. All matches will be played at the Hong Kong Football Club.
Alongside the hosts, the participating teams include defending Asian Junior Rugby champions South Korea, as well as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Singapore and Malaysia.
Mr Ross Mitchell, Honorary Secretary General of the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) commented on the upcoming competition saying:
“ARFU is delighted to be returning to Hong Kong for the hosting of the U20 Asian Junior Rugby Championship. This competition is a showcase for the future stars of Asian rugby and we know that the crowds will strongly support the event. On behalf of all of our participating Unions, I would like to thank the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union for their efforts in hosting another successful Asian Rugby event.”
“In the past year, we have been greatly encouraged at the noticeable increase in Asian Rugby Unions wanting to participate at U20 level. As a result, we shall once again be holding two divisional championships this year, with a further 8 teams expressing their desire to play in the Division 2 tournament in Manila this November. Our long-term goal is to institute a promotion and relegation mechanism between the two Divisions in Asia, providing even further competition at this level,” added Mitchell.
South Korea, winners of the 2008 Under 20 championship held in Buan, Korea, are ranked first seeds overall and have an opening round bye to the semi finals. South Korea will make its tournament debut on Wednesday against the winners of Saturday’s Thailand v Chinese Taipei match.
In 2008, Hong Kong’s Under 20 team reached the final before losing to Korea 11-19. This year, Hong Kong will be out for revenge in front of its home crowds. Based on their runners-up finish in Buan, Hong Kong is seeded second in this year’s championship.
Sri Lanka finished third in the 2008 championship beating Thailand in a nail-biting 3rd/4th place playoff match that saw nine tries scored and the lead change hands three times in the second half before Sri Lanka emerged victorious 35-33. Based on these results, Sri Lanka is the third seed for the Olympus Capital Asian Junior Rugby Championship, followed by Thailand as the 4th seed. Chinese Taipei, Singapore and Malaysia are the 5th, 6th and 7th seeds respectively.
Asia’s other premier Under 20 side, Japan, has been given direct entry to the IRB’s Junior World Rugby Trophy 2010 by virtue of their participation in the Junior World Championships, which were hosted in Japan earlier this year.
The field for next year’s Junior World Championships has been cut from 16 to 12 teams so Japan must win the Junior World Rugby Trophy 2010 outright to earn automatic promotion to the Junior World Championships. If they fail to win, Japan will have to compete alongside the other Division I Asian Teams for the chance of promotion to the Junior World Rugby Trophy in 2011.
Hong Kong’s opening competition in the Olympus Capital Asian Rugby Junior Championship is against the seventh seeded Malaysian team on September 5 at 16.40pm. Other Round 1 match-ups on September 5th include Thailand versus Chinese Taipei (kick-off at 13.30) and Sri Lanka versus Singapore (kick-off at 15.05).
The 24-man Hong Kong squad has been in training thrice weekly for two months and has played two warm-up matches to date against the Hong Kong Tertiary XV and last Sunday (August 30) against the touring Thailand Navy team, Thailand’s senior rugby domestic champions. The Under 20s won both matches including a 45-0 rout of the Thai Navy.
The team is being captained by experienced centre Ed Rolston of Valley RFC. Ed made his debut at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2009 and was also capped in Hong Kong’s senior XV for the Asian Five Nations 2009.
[3 September, Hong Kong]: The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union’s Under 20 men’s team will join six of Asia’s premier Under 20 sides in the upcoming Olympus Capital Asian Rugby Junior Championship. The Tournament will be held over three match days on Saturday, September 5; Wednesday, September 9; and Saturday, September 13, 2009. All matches will be played at the Hong Kong Football Club.
Alongside the hosts, the participating teams include defending Asian Junior Rugby champions South Korea, as well as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Singapore and Malaysia.
Mr Ross Mitchell, Honorary Secretary General of the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) commented on the upcoming competition saying:
“ARFU is delighted to be returning to Hong Kong for the hosting of the U20 Asian Junior Rugby Championship. This competition is a showcase for the future stars of Asian rugby and we know that the crowds will strongly support the event. On behalf of all of our participating Unions, I would like to thank the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union for their efforts in hosting another successful Asian Rugby event.”
“In the past year, we have been greatly encouraged at the noticeable increase in Asian Rugby Unions wanting to participate at U20 level. As a result, we shall once again be holding two divisional championships this year, with a further 8 teams expressing their desire to play in the Division 2 tournament in Manila this November. Our long-term goal is to institute a promotion and relegation mechanism between the two Divisions in Asia, providing even further competition at this level,” added Mitchell.
South Korea, winners of the 2008 Under 20 championship held in Buan, Korea, are ranked first seeds overall and have an opening round bye to the semi finals. South Korea will make its tournament debut on Wednesday against the winners of Saturday’s Thailand v Chinese Taipei match.
In 2008, Hong Kong’s Under 20 team reached the final before losing to Korea 11-19. This year, Hong Kong will be out for revenge in front of its home crowds. Based on their runners-up finish in Buan, Hong Kong is seeded second in this year’s championship.
Sri Lanka finished third in the 2008 championship beating Thailand in a nail-biting 3rd/4th place playoff match that saw nine tries scored and the lead change hands three times in the second half before Sri Lanka emerged victorious 35-33. Based on these results, Sri Lanka is the third seed for the Olympus Capital Asian Junior Rugby Championship, followed by Thailand as the 4th seed. Chinese Taipei, Singapore and Malaysia are the 5th, 6th and 7th seeds respectively.
Asia’s other premier Under 20 side, Japan, has been given direct entry to the IRB’s Junior World Rugby Trophy 2010 by virtue of their participation in the Junior World Championships, which were hosted in Japan earlier this year.
The field for next year’s Junior World Championships has been cut from 16 to 12 teams so Japan must win the Junior World Rugby Trophy 2010 outright to earn automatic promotion to the Junior World Championships. If they fail to win, Japan will have to compete alongside the other Division I Asian Teams for the chance of promotion to the Junior World Rugby Trophy in 2011.
Hong Kong’s opening competition in the Olympus Capital Asian Rugby Junior Championship is against the seventh seeded Malaysian team on September 5 at 16.40pm. Other Round 1 match-ups on September 5th include Thailand versus Chinese Taipei (kick-off at 13.30) and Sri Lanka versus Singapore (kick-off at 15.05).
The 24-man Hong Kong squad has been in training thrice weekly for two months and has played two warm-up matches to date against the Hong Kong Tertiary XV and last Sunday (August 30) against the touring Thailand Navy team, Thailand’s senior rugby domestic champions. The Under 20s won both matches including a 45-0 rout of the Thai Navy.
The team is being captained by experienced centre Ed Rolston of Valley RFC. Ed made his debut at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2009 and was also capped in Hong Kong’s senior XV for the Asian Five Nations 2009.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Big day of rugby in Korea Saturday 29 August
Teams are up from HK and games will be played with the Survivors, Sisters and Colts all in action....wow, things are looking up for rugby in Korea....touring teams galore in August.
There will be more visitors when the International Touch Seoul ITS 2009 takes place on Sept 26th see www.koreatouch.com for more details.
There will be more visitors when the International Touch Seoul ITS 2009 takes place on Sept 26th see www.koreatouch.com for more details.
Monday, August 17, 2009
International Touch Seoul starts building!
Looks like there will be a distinctly "International" feel to this fixture of the Seoul sporting and social calendar! Sounds like the Japanese will be there in force with teams over from Tokyo and some of the home-grown variety too. Also Shanghai are coming again and the tournament begins to build across all the age groups (juniors and above) and in the men's women's and mixed too.
For those wanting to get teams signed up or to get involved in anyway then all the contact details are on www.koreatouch.com and as a reminder, the tournament is on Saturday 26th September in Taerung (east side of Seoul).
For those wanting to get teams signed up or to get involved in anyway then all the contact details are on www.koreatouch.com and as a reminder, the tournament is on Saturday 26th September in Taerung (east side of Seoul).
Saturday, August 15, 2009
MBC features footage of England Counties rugby v Korea
http://imnews.imbc.com/replay/nw1700/article/2414227_2735.html
In the coverage of the rugby and golf (OK, they were emphasising golf more than rugby), MBC showed footage from the recent England Counties game here in Korea....
In the coverage of the rugby and golf (OK, they were emphasising golf more than rugby), MBC showed footage from the recent England Counties game here in Korea....
Rugby in the Olympics? That changes everything....
So the IOC looks set to include rugby sevens in the Olympics from 2016 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympic_games/8196956.stm This should be wonderful news for the development of rugby in Korea. The Koreans have always punched above their weight in sevens and with 7 years to prepare, have the time to turn around sluggish performances in recent HK sevens tournaments by putting in place the infrastructure to attract and then develop the players they need. Let's hope they don't drop the ball because despite 7 years sounding a lot of time, it means that Korea's 2016 Olympic rugby contenders are already teenagers.
The KRU would do well to look overseas for talent, and that could still be Korean nationals, since so many Korean kids are studying in rugby hotbeds like NZ, Australia and the UK....not to mention Canada and even South Africa. These youngsters will be well drilled and could raise the tide for all of Korean rugby if the system were more open here and allowed them to repatriate their skills.
With the 2019 RWC to be held in Japan too, it now gives Korean rugby something to go at....a target that could well galvanise the disparate factions and get everyone pulling (or perhaps pushing) in the same direction!
The KRU would do well to look overseas for talent, and that could still be Korean nationals, since so many Korean kids are studying in rugby hotbeds like NZ, Australia and the UK....not to mention Canada and even South Africa. These youngsters will be well drilled and could raise the tide for all of Korean rugby if the system were more open here and allowed them to repatriate their skills.
With the 2019 RWC to be held in Japan too, it now gives Korean rugby something to go at....a target that could well galvanise the disparate factions and get everyone pulling (or perhaps pushing) in the same direction!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Rugby in Korea; "The British are coming"
August 22nd, Jamwon; REME v Seoul Survivors...wow, things are hotting up...then the following weekend, it is Hong Kong and several matches at Jamwon....
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Free beer and Touch and rugby
Tomorrow, Saturday 15th August, will be your correspondents last run out before departing for China....beer will be served at the Jamwon ground after Touch.
Korea Touch in Seoul is open to all comers, newbies to veterans (and super-vetereans like me)....so please come down and see how much you'll enjoy playing.
For contact rugby, alongside you'll see Seoul Sisters and Seoul Survivors training....
Korea Touch in Seoul is open to all comers, newbies to veterans (and super-vetereans like me)....so please come down and see how much you'll enjoy playing.
For contact rugby, alongside you'll see Seoul Sisters and Seoul Survivors training....
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Rugby is everywhere in Australia
Wallabies vs All Blacks at an irish pub but they didn't put the sound on...
So went to the casino to watch the rugby game
Brisbane Boys College
Touch referee course
Found a record of Korea rugby at the State Library
Korea played against Australia in 1987 and scored two tries!
So went to the casino to watch the rugby game
Brisbane Boys College
Touch referee course
UQ Rugby Club
Found a record of Korea rugby at the State Library
Korea played against Australia in 1987 and scored two tries!
Queensland Rugby Union and Junior Coaching Camp
Queensland Rugby Union in Brisbane
Reds' weight traning facility
Reds' home stadium
QRU's junior coaching camp for children
Reds' weight traning facilityReds' home stadium
QRU's junior coaching camp for childrenReds players coaching
It was all about fun and enjoyment!
It was all about fun and enjoyment!How can they not be a fan of the team?
Friday, July 24, 2009
Touch tournament in Seoul July 25th 2009
Down at Jamwon....come along and bring your boots...all day from approx 10:30am...at Jamwon, see left side of the blog!
Monday, July 20, 2009
ITS 2009 Touch tournament in Seoul now open for teams to enter
Visit the http://www.koreatouch.com/ website for the latest news and click on the ITS 2009 logo (right side). The tournament will be another big one with 4 grass pitches, teams from all over, a very low (by international touch rugby comp standards) entry fee and loads of give aways (tournament T shirts, goody bags) and especially NO HIDDEN COSTS!!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Make rugby an Olypmic sport
http://www.olympic-rugby.org/
Clicking on this link will take you to a petition calling for the IOC to adopt rugby sevens as an Olympic sport. Were this to happen, it would be a very big deal for rugby in general and particularly for the sport in Korea. As an Olympic sport, rugby would start to get serious attention including money, organisational support, facilities and probably most importantly, talent management. The latter is crucial for Korea both on the playing front as well as in administration and refereeing (see earlier posts). As an Olympic sport, rugby would start to see rhyme and reason to its development in Korea...so please add yuor weight to the campaign and get friends and family and colleagues signing up too! Last time I checked, Korea only had 14 signatures...not good for a top 25 country!!
Clicking on this link will take you to a petition calling for the IOC to adopt rugby sevens as an Olympic sport. Were this to happen, it would be a very big deal for rugby in general and particularly for the sport in Korea. As an Olympic sport, rugby would start to get serious attention including money, organisational support, facilities and probably most importantly, talent management. The latter is crucial for Korea both on the playing front as well as in administration and refereeing (see earlier posts). As an Olympic sport, rugby would start to see rhyme and reason to its development in Korea...so please add yuor weight to the campaign and get friends and family and colleagues signing up too! Last time I checked, Korea only had 14 signatures...not good for a top 25 country!!
Here is another promotional video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5X2KMnZ_1s
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Rugby sevens in Korea
There will be 2 Rugby tournaments in Sokcho City, Gangwon-Do.
This city is at East Seashore, near Soraksan Mountain, the most beautiful mountain in South Korea.
1) 24-26 July ; 7 a side tournament (for elite sports)
2) 25-26 July ; 7 a side tournament (for amateur clubs).
I understand foreigners' club are allowed participation, and, 2 different catagories - under 35 and over 35 year of age. I do not have any information about woman's catagories.
You may ask details at KRU.
This city is at East Seashore, near Soraksan Mountain, the most beautiful mountain in South Korea.
1) 24-26 July ; 7 a side tournament (for elite sports)
2) 25-26 July ; 7 a side tournament (for amateur clubs).
I understand foreigners' club are allowed participation, and, 2 different catagories - under 35 and over 35 year of age. I do not have any information about woman's catagories.
You may ask details at KRU.
Shanghai sets date for Touch tournament...Korea will send a team!
October 31
st , 20096TH TNT Shanghai International
Touch Football Tournament
Dear Teams, Individual Competitors and Referees:
You cordially are invited to compete at the 2009 Annual Shanghai International Touch (Rugby)
Tournament. Following the fantastic success of our previous events we are seeking entries from
all teams or individuals interested in competing at this event.
Teams from across Asia are coming including representative players from New Zealand, and we
are expecting an exciting mix of local and international sides to turn out.
Entries are welcome for all categories,
Open, Masters (35+), Women’s, Junior’s and MixedTeams
(though the final format will be dependent on the mix of the entries).The tournament will be contested under the International Touch rules with teams of six players
per side and referees interested in officiating at the tournament are especially welcome.
More details will be available soon!!
Start Your Planning for a Fantastic Tournament and Enjoy a Great Weekend In Shanghai!!
Register your interest or request more information by contacting:
Wang Tao:
witch.wt@gmail.comand stay updated by visiting
www.shanghaitouch.comYour Sincerely
Shanghai Touch Football
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
ITS 2009 set for Sept 26 and KMA again
The KMA have kindly offered themselves as hosts again and this year, it will be all on grass and all pitches close together. Sept 26th is the tournament and get signed up to help, to ref, to sponsor or to play on http://www.koreatouch.com/
Saturday, July 4, 2009
All Blacks and Wallabies come to Asia again this year
JRFU will host the fourth game of this year’s Bledisloe Cup series on 31 Oct in Tokyo.
More information:
http://bledisloecuptokyo.net/en/HOME/tabid/104/language/ja-JP/Default.aspx
More information:
http://bledisloecuptokyo.net/en/HOME/tabid/104/language/ja-JP/Default.aspx
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Korea Touch restores pride at Asian Touch Champs Day 2
Clearly the Seoul-Tans had something up their sleeves after Saturday's showing as they were able to the raise their performance with two wins out of three on the second day to finish a creditable fifth place in the "open mixed" event. They capped their performance in a ping-pong battle with Southerners in the play-offs, overturning an earlier loss against the same opposition.
Earlier in the day, Amanda darted over for the touchdown that secured a second win over Beijing.
Ice-baths and the massaging of tired limbs clearly helped the second day's performance as did a growing team spirit; this is a team that wears its heart on its sleeve which certainly helped members to gel. Captain Nathan, disappointed by the results on day one, rose to the occasion with the help of Dutch Rudders representative, Cody.
A very enjoyable tournament with plenty of moments to remember and lots of teams at the Asian Champs are now weighing up the idea of travelling to Seoul for ITS 2009.
Earlier in the day, Amanda darted over for the touchdown that secured a second win over Beijing.
Ice-baths and the massaging of tired limbs clearly helped the second day's performance as did a growing team spirit; this is a team that wears its heart on its sleeve which certainly helped members to gel. Captain Nathan, disappointed by the results on day one, rose to the occasion with the help of Dutch Rudders representative, Cody.
A very enjoyable tournament with plenty of moments to remember and lots of teams at the Asian Champs are now weighing up the idea of travelling to Seoul for ITS 2009.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Seoul Tans Touch team start badly at day one of Asia Club Championships
Coming up against some very strong sides in the hotly contested "open mixed" section, Seoul Tans fought some hard battles but came away with just one win from six. The conditions were good underfoot on beautiful grass pitches but the temperature and humidity were brutal.
A lack of team preparation was probably the single most important cause for the poor return but by the end of the day, the Korean representative team was certainly struggling for fitness.
Full report and pics tomorrow, I hope.
A lack of team preparation was probably the single most important cause for the poor return but by the end of the day, the Korean representative team was certainly struggling for fitness.
Full report and pics tomorrow, I hope.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Korean Match Official Development and Hirabayashi
Taizo Hirabayashi is one of the top rugby referees in the world, and he is the only referee in the IRB top referee panel who is not from Tier 1 rugby nations (Japan is Tier 2).
He was born in Japan and started playing rugby when he was 5. Then he studyed and played rugby in Australia until he became a full-time Referee Development Officer for the JRFU and the Technical Advisor for a Top League team in Japan, IBM Big Blue Rugby Club.
Now he is the most famous professional rugby referee in Asia and I can't deny the fact that he is the the fruit of aggressive investment of JRFU.
For further information about him:
Nevertheless, Korea has no referee on the ARFU (Asia Rugby Football Union) top referee panel so we can't see any Korean referees in Asian Five Nations Rugby Tournament although Korea has the second best rugby team in Asia.
However, now KRU has recognized the importance of match offcials for the game and started the development program for match offcials. We started the CMO course (Coach of Match Official) in May thanks to ARFU and the generous sponsor for KRU, Standard Chartered First Bank, helped and sponsored a match official education program for Korean referees with top referees and a referee coach from England.
When can we see a Korean referee like Taizo and see him referee in A5N?
CMO candidates evaluate Taizo's performance and work on stats at the Korea-Hong Kong match
Korean referees ask a question
Taizo explains his opinion about his decision
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Seoul-tans Touch team prepares for Asian Touch Champs
With team members from several of Korea's Touch teams and from different parts of the country, preparation has not been ideal for the squad...just half of them practiced together last Saturday so it will all be down to learning on the hoof at next weekend's Asia Touch Championships in Bangkok.
This is a first entry to the ATF Club Championships for a team from Korea and a squad of 11 will travel to play in the Open Mixed tournament, competing with seven other teams in what looks like a pretty high standard competition (Monsoon from Singapore as well as teams from China and Brotown must be stacked with people flying in from NZ).
A trip like this is very expensive, especially considering the extremely high entry fee for teams but it is an important investment for Korea to make as it helps tie the local organisation in with the regional governing body. Generous sponsorship has lessened the load on individuals selected which is a tribute to the long term planning of the Korea Touch Association and the benefit of running the International Touch Seoul tournament each year.
Later this year, after ITS 2009 which will be held in September, Korea is also intending to send a team to compete in the Shanghai tournament.
This is a first entry to the ATF Club Championships for a team from Korea and a squad of 11 will travel to play in the Open Mixed tournament, competing with seven other teams in what looks like a pretty high standard competition (Monsoon from Singapore as well as teams from China and Brotown must be stacked with people flying in from NZ).
A trip like this is very expensive, especially considering the extremely high entry fee for teams but it is an important investment for Korea to make as it helps tie the local organisation in with the regional governing body. Generous sponsorship has lessened the load on individuals selected which is a tribute to the long term planning of the Korea Touch Association and the benefit of running the International Touch Seoul tournament each year.
Later this year, after ITS 2009 which will be held in September, Korea is also intending to send a team to compete in the Shanghai tournament.
Pics from England Counties visit to Korea
The crowd was really pretty good!!
And the locals enjoyed meeting the England Counties players!!
And the boys enjoyed their transport courtesy sponsors Bentley!!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Seoul Survivors head for Manila
Read all about their trip here http://www.rugbyinasia.com/philippines/321-19/national-trials but the topic is also poignant for Korean rugby since it would make a lot of sense for the KRU to invite in more overseas to encourage the development of local players. Too much introversion means that Korean clubs and players learn little....they are only ever playing each other and so have small incremental development. Perhaps now is the time to allow the Survivors to enter the club competition. Survivors recently played one of the "Big Five" rugby clubs in Korea, Daisin and fared pretty well...leading even at half time. They also play regular games against the Korea Uni side. Being part of a bigger comp would allow a little more ambition into the game and with the three year residency rule applying everywhere, several Survivors players are actually qualified to play for Korea....
Bears thinking about!!
Bears thinking about!!
Friday, June 12, 2009
England Counties v Korea rugby photo comp results due out this weekend
Seems like around 100 photos were submitted so there will now be lots of action shots...more can be found here...
www.rugby.or.kr/england
www.rugby.or.kr/england
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Massive rugby match at Korea's Olympic Stadium 20th June
Thanks Casey Lee of CORK for this info...it is a match I attended a couple of years ago and what an occasion...thousands of kids singing school songs, waving flags, cheerleaders etc and some great rugby on the pitch.
The match is between Pai Chai and Yang Chung High School.
There are leading 2 private high schools in Korea, more than 100 year of history,
The Navy Blue (PC) meets The Orange Eagles(YC), annual game as ;
on 2009 6 20 Sat.
at Jamsil Olympic Stadium
( Metro Line 2, 종합운동장 -, Sports Complex. exit 6&7)
at 1130 over 40's
at 1230 middle schools
at 1330 High schools Young Boys
at 1530 main game OB All Stars.
A year or so ago, Dow Corning organised the visit of Pai Chai HS to Japan to play Waseda HS...the Pai Chai boys won the match (and their old boys reportedly won the drinking afterwards)...so you can be sure that teh standard of play at Pai Chai will be very good. Meanwhile, YangJung have some very big players (100+kg) and looked very strong versus Seoul Colts last week.....expect a cracking match!
The match is between Pai Chai and Yang Chung High School.
There are leading 2 private high schools in Korea, more than 100 year of history,
The Navy Blue (PC) meets The Orange Eagles(YC), annual game as ;
on 2009 6 20 Sat.
at Jamsil Olympic Stadium
( Metro Line 2, 종합운동장 -, Sports Complex. exit 6&7)
at 1130 over 40's
at 1230 middle schools
at 1330 High schools Young Boys
at 1530 main game OB All Stars.
A year or so ago, Dow Corning organised the visit of Pai Chai HS to Japan to play Waseda HS...the Pai Chai boys won the match (and their old boys reportedly won the drinking afterwards)...so you can be sure that teh standard of play at Pai Chai will be very good. Meanwhile, YangJung have some very big players (100+kg) and looked very strong versus Seoul Colts last week.....expect a cracking match!
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