Asian sides miss out on sevens series qualification

Japan lost to Scotland 24-19 in the semi finals of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series 2019/20 season as they failed in their bid to gain promotion to the series.

Despite two tries from Mateitoga Bogidraumainadave and a fifth try of the tournament for Yoko Suzuki, Scotland proved one step too far for Japan.

Having maintained a 100% record on day one, the Sakura Sevens continued their impressive form with 27-7 win over hosts Hong Kong, before falling short against Scotland.

Japan booked their place in the semi finals in Hong Kong thanks to Yoko Suzuki's fifth try of the tournament! pic.twitter.com/IGal4hbRjy

— Asia Rugby (@asiarugby) April 5, 2019

It was a missed opportunity for an immediate return to the series having been relegated and replaced by China last season.

With a home Olympic Games in Tokyo next year, Japan will be disappointed not to be part of the new-look eight-round women’s series in 2019/20.

The tournament was eventually won by 2016 Olympic Games hosts Brazil, with Kazakhstan losing to them in the quarter-finals 21-5.