Dynaboars, Red Hurricanes Promoted

TOKYO (Dec. 23) The make-up of the 2019-2020 Japan Rugby Top League season was determined Sunday with the final round of playoff games, pitting the bottom four sides from the top flight with the top four teams from the Top Challenge League.

Munakata Sanix Blues and Hino Red Dolphins will remain in the Top League, Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars and NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes were promoted while Toyota Industries Shuttles and Coca-Cola Red Sparks drop down to the second division.

TCL champions NTT Docomo beat Coca-Cola 33-24 to return to the first division after a one-year absence.

Mewett Keepa bagged a brace of tries for Mike Brewer’s team while Marty Banks weighed in with a try and four conversions.

Greg Cooper’s Mitsubishi side earned their promotion thanks to a 31-7 win over Toyota Shokki with Daniel Hawkins kicking 16 points. The Dynaboars return to the Top League for the first time since the 2007-2008 season.

Sanix ensured they avoided the drop as they beat Kurita Kogyo Water Gush 75-0 with Curwin Bosch contributing 45 points courtesy of five tries and 10 conversions, while Hino downed Kintetsu Liners 21-11.