Pools announced for Asian Games , Asia Rugby

The official draw for the Asian Games 2018 took place on Thursday in Jakarta, with 12 men’s and eight women’s sides involved.

The draw conducted by Ross Mitchell, General Manager for Asia Rugby, saw the pools determined for the competition that takes place on 30 August – 1 September.

In the men’s draw, Hong Kong head Pool A alongside China, Thailand and Pakistan. Following their recent qualification to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Japan top Pool B and will face Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Commonwealth Games participants Malaysia.

Sri Lanka, who also competed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games are in Pool C with Korea, UAE and Afghanistan.

There are just two pools in the women’s competition, and China, also recent qualifiers for the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series top Pool A. They are joined by Hong Kong, Singapore and Korea.

Japan, who were relegated from the women’s series, are set to play Kazakhstan, Thailand and Indonesia.

Afterwards, Mitchell said: “We are all excited about the upcoming competition in Indonesia.

“It was a very well run draw and the host nation took a collective gasp when both the men and women’s teams were drawn.

“It is all shaping up to be a great tournament, and a competitive one that will further enhance the growth of rugby in Asia.”

Asia Games Draw Rugby 7s : Men

Pool A | Pool B | Pool C
Hong Kong | Japan | Korea
China | Malaysia | Sri Lanka
Thailand | Chinese Taipei | UAE
Pakistan | Indonesia | Afghanistan

Asia Games Draw Rugby 7s : Women

Pool D | Pool E
China | Japan
Hong Kong | Kazakhstan
Singapore | Thailand
Korea | Indonesia