Asia Rugby Sevens Series: Hong Kong teams cruise into semis as men’s debutants make mark
Men’s team poised for China semi-final in Bangkok, while women set to go head-to-head with Japan for final spot
Hong Kong’s men completed a crushing trio of victories at the Asia Rugby Sevens Series leg in Bangkok on Saturday to move within two wins of a 2024 competition clean sweep.
Head coach Jevon Groves’ side began with a 22-7 victory against Singapore, before hitting their stride to thump Malaysia 49-0, then scored 50 unanswered points against perennial rivals South Korea.
In Sunday’s semi-final, they will face China for the right to meet either Japan or South Korea, who sneaked through as Pool A runners-up despite their Hong Kong drubbing, in the championship match.
Progress from the pool has confirmed Hong Kong’s place in next year’s second-tier Challenger Series, with dates and locations for that tournament expected to be announced this week.
Hong Kong were undefeated when they won the opening two series legs, in Incheon and Hangzhou, and two more victories would make it 15 wins from 15 matches for Groves’ irrepressible side.
Success in Bangkok would be particularly notable, given Hong Kong are missing a handful of players involved in the ongoing 15s Test series with Brazil.
