JAPAN AND HONG KONG LEAD SUZHOU CHARGE

-

The opening chapter of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series 2026, powered by Emirates, delivered everything fans could ask for, speed, drama, comebacks and unforgettable finishes.

With 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams battling across two action-packed days in Suzhou, China, the continent’s finest sevens players produced a spectacular start to the championship.

In the women’s competition, defending champions Japan showed why they remain the team to beat. China stunned Japan by scoring first in the Cup Final, but the champions responded with composure and quality. Yume Hirano levelled the score before Mei Ohtani, Seika Ohashi and Wakana Akita completed a 24-7 victory.

Japan collected 20 points to lead the standings, with China second on 18 and Thailand third on 16.

Thailand produced one of the weekend’s biggest comebacks, recovering from 12-0 down against Hong Kong to force golden-point extra time before winning 17-12.


The men’s competition was equally explosive.

Defending champions Hong Kong extended their remarkable unbeaten run in Asian sevens, overcoming Japan 19-7 in the Cup Final. Japan struck first, but Hong Kong exploded into life after halftime, with tries from Callum McCullough, Julien Bourron and Liam Herbert sealing another championship victory.

China delighted the home crowd by edging Korea 24-19 in golden-point extra time to claim bronze.

After Leg 1, Hong Kong lead the men’s standings with 20 points, followed by Japan on 18 and China on 16.

But the championship is far from decided. The battle now moves to Colombo, Sri Lanka, in October.

Suzhou has delivered the first shockwaves. Colombo could deliver the final answers.

We are RUGBY TRIBE!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NEGERI SEMBILAN RETURNS AS SERIOUS TITLE CONTENDERS

-
Image
Negeri Sembilan Rugby may have lifted the Piala Agong trophy only three times, but history tells a deeper story, one of resilience, pride, and undeniable quality. In a tournament regarded as Malaysia’s most prestigious rugby stage since 1983, Negeri Sembilan have never been mere participants. They are perennial contenders, a team rich in skill, talent, and fighting spirit. Now entering the 42nd edition as challengers in Pool B, Negeri Sembilan carry both hunger and legacy. Their last triumph came in 2003, but their influence has never faded. Over the years, they have produced some of the nation’s finest players, shaping Malaysian rugby with grit and excellence. Any opponent who underestimates them does so at their own peril. Guiding this ambitious squad is Head Coach Mohd Mazuri Sallehudin , a former national player and Piala Agong winner himself. Alongside him is Assistant Coach Farid Rahman , a national legend who has graced global stages like the Commonwealth Games and Hong Kong S...
Read more

VIOBA BLUES SEAL HISTORIC KLR THREE-PEAT

-
Image
VIOBA BLUES Vioba Blues etched their name deeper into Kuala Lumpur rugby folklore by clinching a third consecutive KLR League title, completing another dominant and unbeaten campaign in the KLR League 2025, the annual rugby championship organised by the Kuala Lumpur Rugby Union . The champions sealed the title with a commanding victory over a resilient SJAA Eagles side in the final match of the season. Vioba struck first in the opening half when Naufal Qayyim crossed for a crucial try, with Jauhar Rosazha adding the conversion. SJAA showed admirable fight and ambition, but missed two key penalties that proved costly, allowing Vioba to head into halftime with a 7–0 advantage. MOBSTER RC After the break, Vioba Blues grew in confidence and control. Their structure tightened, the tempo increased, and SJAA struggled to contain the champions’ momentum. Muhammad Haikal powered over for Vioba’s second try, converted by Khainor Arif , before Naufal struck again to complete the scoring in...
Read more

MALAYSIAN RUGBY MOURNS LOSS OF MYKO

-
Image
PHOTO: AZLEY KASSIM The sudden passing of Malaysian rugby player Muhammad Khairul Abdillah Ramli , fondly known as Myko , has left a deep wound in the hearts of the nation’s rugby community, especially in Kelantan. The son of Kuala Krai passed away on May 10 while travelling home to Kelantan on an express bus. After stopping at Hentian Merapoh for lunch, the late Myko was reportedly struggling to breathe. His face turned pale before he was later confirmed to have passed away. His departure leaves behind grieving family members, close friends, and a rugby fraternity that knew him as a fearless warrior on the field. Tragically, just a day before his passing, Myko was still doing what he loved most, fighting for Kelantan on the rugby field. He inspired his team to a memorable victory over defending champions PDRM in the opening match of the Piala Agong . Playing as scrum half, Myko’s leadership, composure, and tireless contributions proved crucial in one of the biggest results of the to...
Read more