New era for Asian women’s rugby
A new era in women’s rugby in Asia has begun with the commencement of the Asian Women’s Four Nations this week. Formerly the Asia Women’s Division 1 tournament, the competition features the top seeds for the continent - China, Japan, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.
Published by Scrum Queens, July 6th, 2012
2 minute read
This years tournament marks the return of the Asian Women's 15s, last held in 2009, which also doubled as the Asian Qualifiers for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 between Japan, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan and Singapore.
The Asian Women's 15s is the only regional tournament which Asian representative 15s sides play into annually and has been run by the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) since 2006*.
On day one of the tournament there were no upsets as first and second seeded Kazakhstan and Japan booked their places in Saturday's final.
In the first of the playoffs, Hong Kong drew first blood with a try by Natasha Olson Thorne and the score remained at 5-0 to Hong Kong at the half. However, the Japanese were not to be denied for long as Ayaka Suzuki equalised for her country within minutes of the second half.
For the next twenty minutes, both sides exchanged blows, with Candy Cheng and Ka Man Nam putting tries on the board for Hong Kong and Marie Yamaguchi and Mateitoga Bogidraumaindave crossing the line to bring the score to 19-17 to Japan at stroke of the hour.
But it was all Japan thereafter, as blind wing Yamaguchi struck again with Angela Elting and scrum half Chilsami Inoue adding to the spoils. With three minutes left on the clock, Bogidraumaindave closed out the game for Japan 41-17 with her second try of the day.
Thanks toSRU BlogSpotfor Info
The Japanese women's rugby coaching management recently announced their Asia 4 Nations in China and the 7s squad for World Student 7s Championships. For more seehere.