Top League trio retain status

NAGOYA (Feb 14) – The final make-up of the 2015-16 Japan Rugby Top League season was determined Saturday with the conclusion of the promotion playoffs.

Kubota Spears, Coca-Cola Red Sparks and Toyota Industries Shuttles all retained their top-flight status following convincing wins over sides from the regional leagues.

Kubota, who finished 13th in this season’s Top League were made to work hard in the first half of their clash with Top East runners-up Kamaishi Seawaves at Kumagaya Rugby Ground.

But a stronger second half saw them ease away and they eventually finished up 34-5 winners, with Harumichi Tatekawa kicking four penalties and a conversion.

Coca-Cola No. 8 Jimmy Maher bagged a hat-trick of tries as the Red Sparks (14th) beat Top Kyushu champions Kyuden Voltex 53-8 in Fukuoka.

The former New Zealand sevens player touched down in the 21st, 62nd and 76th minutes to ensure Cola won the Fukuoka derby.

Meanwhile in Nagoya, Shane Williams played his final game of rugby as a professional for Top East champions Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars.

Unfortunately for the Welsh legend his sayonara game was in a losing cause as Toyota Shokki (15th) ran away with the game 53-7.

Hiroki Oi scored two early tries for Shokki, while Shotaro Onishi weighed in with six conversions and two penalties in what could be his final game.

Honda Heat had already assured themselves of a spot in the Top League next season by winning Top Challenge 1 and they replace Munakata Sanix Blues.