This page is also available in: Français (French)

Africa in Asia – As usual, Hong-Kong 7s attracted huge crowds ; this year again, the stadium’s 40000 seats were sold out in record time. Of all the circuit’s stages, this one is undoubtedly the one not to miss. Spectacular, sensational, unforgettable ; rugby and emotion, the perfect combo for a rugby fan !

Every year Hong Kong not only plays host to a crucial round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series but also to a thrilling 12-team qualifiying tournament to determine the 15th core team for 2016-17. The 12 teams competing in the qualifier are drawn from six regions Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Oceania, Europe.

In Africa, Morocco and Zimbabwe were selected. A big first for our North Africans who had not set food on the grounds of Hong-Kong for several years. Morocco seized this great opportunity and surprise us all by beating Tonga 19 – 17 before losing to Brazil 45 – 0.

It wasn’t a firt experience for Zimbabwe in Honk Kong Stadium. Indeed, remember, last year the Sables were very close to a qualification to the 2015-2016 circuit when they faced Russia. The Russian won the match with a try by Vladimir Ostroushko scored on the siren allowing them to beat the Africans 22 – 19. This year, Zimbabwe started as favorites but somehow dissapointed. They draw against Germany 14 – 14 and won a match against Cayman Islands 35 – 5.
In the end Japan won the tournament and will be welcomed to the World Series for the season 2016-2017.

par Le-Rugbynistere

As far as the big names of 7s rugby are concerned, South Africa and Kenya keep retain their good rankings.

This weekend, they are facing eachother in pool C in Singapour.