Japan women join men as Asian champs as storm abandons Brave Blossoms’ game

HONG KONG (May 23) – Japan doubled up as Asia rugby champions Saturday as the Sakura XV beat Hong Kong 27-12 to join the Brave Blossoms as champions of the world’s biggest continent.

However, the double celebration was cut short after the men’s game against Hong Kong was abandoned after just 13 minutes.

Heavy rain, standing water and lightning at Aberdeen Sports Ground meant officials had no option but to abandon the men’s game after just 13 minutes with the Brave Blossoms leading 3-0 thanks to a penalty from Ayumu Goromaru.

The game will therefore go down as a draw meaning Hong Kong will finish second in the standings to Japan, who clinched the title two weeks ago with a 66-10 win over South Korea.

Earlier, three tries from No.8 Mateitoga Bogidraumainadave saw Japan women’s team, who fielded four teenagers in their backline, beat Hong Kong to jump above Kazakhstan in the women’s standings.

Bogidraumainadave touched three times in the second half as the Sakura XV brushed aside three second half yellow cards to wrap up the title.

Captain and fullback Ai Tasaka led by example and helped set up the final try for Emi Ito as the Japan defied the conditions to score five tries and win the title in style.