Hong Kong Men's Rugby Sevens Crowned Champions in Suzhou
SingTao · 4 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The Asian Rugby Sevens Series first leg concluded in Suzhou on Sunday, June 30, with Hong Kong's men's team delivering a dramatic championship performance. Trailing Japan 7-0 at halftime, Hong Kong rallied with three consecutive tries in the second half to secure a 19-7 victory and claim the gold medal. The women's team, however, ended the tournament in fourth place after falling to China 0-21 in the semifinals and suffering a heartbreaking 12-17 extra-time loss to Thailand in the bronze medal match. This competition represented the final preparation opportunity before the Nagoya Asian Games scheduled for October 1-3.
Key Points
- Hong Kong men's team defeated Japan 19-7 in the cup final, scoring three tries in rapid succession after halftime to complete the comeback
- Hong Kong women's team finished fourth after losing the bronze medal match to Thailand 12-17 after extra time, despite leading 12-0 at halftime
- Japan's Mori Daiki scored the opening try just before halftime to give Japan a 7-0 lead, while Hong Kong's Callum McCullough, Julien Bourron, and Liam Herbert each crossed the try line in the second half
- Hong Kong men's team had topped their group with perfect records: 48:0 vs Uzbekistan, 61:0 vs Malaysia, and 17:5 vs Thailand
- Hong Kong women's team also finished group stage unbeaten with victories over Malaysia 40:5, Sri Lanka 45:0, and Thailand 5:0, with Julia Mibuy Mba Oyana scoring the decisive try against Thailand
Why It Matters
The championship victory provides Hong Kong's men's team with crucial momentum heading into the Nagoya Asian Games, where they will attempt to win a third consecutive gold medal. Coach Jevon Groves acknowledged that while the win was encouraging, the team must continue to improve, as other nations will have more preparation time and will be targeting Hong Kong's crown. The women's team, despite missing out on a medal, gained valuable experience against top Asian competition including China, the defending Asian Games champion, which will be invaluable for their Asian Games campaign .
The championship victory provides Hong Kong's men's team with crucial momentum heading into the Nagoya Asian Games, where they will attempt to win a third consecutive gold medal. Coach Jevon Groves acknowledged that while the win was encouraging, the team must continue to improve, as other nations will have more preparation time and will be targeting Hong Kong's crown. The women's team, despite missing out on a medal, gained valuable experience against top Asian competition including China, the defending Asian Games champion, which will be invaluable for their Asian Games campaign .