JAPAN CONQUER COLOMBO AS HONG KONG RULES ASIA

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Japan produced a commanding performance to defeat Hong Kong 28-14 in the final of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2026 final leg in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sunday, but Hong Kong had the last laugh in the overall championship race, securing the title on points difference and booking their ticket to HSBC SVNS 3.

The atmosphere at Racecourse Stadium was set for a spectacular showdown as two of Asia's finest rugby sevens teams battled for the final leg crown. Japan rose to the occasion, delivering a ruthless display of speed, precision and attacking firepower to dismantle Hong Kong's challenge.

Japan seized control early, shutting out Hong Kong in a dominant first half to establish a commanding 14–0 lead. Their relentless pressure and clinical execution left Hong Kong searching for answers as the Japanese side took firm control of the contest.

Hong Kong, however, refused to surrender without a fight. Despite their efforts to claw their way back into the match, Japan maintained their composure and continued to find openings in the opposition's defence.

By the final whistle, Japan had secured a convincing 28-14 victory, igniting celebrations as they lifted the final leg trophy in Colombo.

Yuma Nakagawa and Taiyo Sugino led Japan's standout performers, while Takemichi Nakano, captain Yoshiyoki Koga and Ren Ouchi also earned recognition for their contributions to the champions' impressive campaign.

Hong Kong's Max Denmark finished as the tournament's leading try-scorer with an outstanding 10 tries, underlining his attacking threat throughout the competition.

While Japan celebrated their Colombo triumph, the battle for the overall series championship delivered its own dramatic twist.


Both Hong Kong and Japan finished the series with 38 points, but Hong Kong emerged as the overall champions after winning the tiebreaker on total score difference.

China completed the overall podium in third place with 32 points, capping their campaign with a 21-12 victory over Thailand in the third-place playoff. Thailand settled for fourth.

The hosts, Sri Lanka, gave their supporters something to celebrate by defeating Malaysia 33–5 in the fifth-place playoff.

The overall championship marks a significant achievement for Hong Kong, whose consistency across the series ultimately proved decisive.

Despite falling short against Japan in the final leg, Hong Kong emerged as the team that finished the campaign on top, securing qualification for HSBC SVNS 3 and taking another important step towards the international sevens stage.

In Colombo, Japan conquered the final. Hong Kong conquered the series. One trophy was decided by the final whistle. The other was won through the relentless pursuit of excellence across the entire campaign.

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