Honda win promotion to Top League (Top Challenge 1)

Honda Heat ensured they will be playing in the Japan Rugby Top League next season as they clinched the Top Challenge 1 promotion tournament on Sunday.

The Heat beat Kyuden Voltex 17-15 at Fukuoka’s Level-5 Stadium on the final day of the promotion tournament to make certain of their return to Japan rugby’s top flight, after getting relegated following the 2011-12 season.

All Black Hosea Gear set the Heat on the way with a try in the 30th minute before Tomasi Soqeta wrapped up the victory and promotion with the decisive try six minutes from time as Honda followed up on a 33-16 win over Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars and a 59-0 drubbing of Kamaishi Seawaves to finish top of the group.

The DynaBoars finished second, despite a final day 27-26 defeat to Kamaishi, with Kyuden third and the Seawaves fourth.

While Honda’s ascension is guaranteed, the three other sides can still get promoted to the Top League if they win a final promotion/relegation playoff game.

Mitsubishi will take on Toyota Industries Shuttles on Feb. 14 in what is set to be Welsh legend Shane Williams’ final game of rugby,  Voltex will play Coca-Cola Red Sparks in a winner takes all Kyushu derby while Kamaishi face Kubota Spears.