Japan handed Asia Rugby Championship with rain-abandoned draw

Japan were officially crowned Asian champions on Saturday as their final match against Hong Kong was cut short by a downpour.

Japan players leave the ground after winning the Asia Rugby Championship following their match against Hong Kong on Saturday. Dale de la Rey / AFP / May 23, 2015

Japan were officially handed the Asia Rugby Championship Saturday but coach Eddie Jones claimed officials had rained on his team’s parade after deciding to abandon their final game against Hong Kong.

A torrential downpour greeted players at Hong Kong’s Aberdeen Stadium that got worse just after the kick off and with 13 minutes gone, and with Japan leading 3-0 thanks to an Ayumu Goromaru penalty.

The teams were called off the pitch for their own safety, first for 10 minutes and then for a further 20 minutes as officials kept their eyes skyward.

“I always thought rugby was a winter sport and you played in the rain,” said Jones.

“What’s dangerous out there? We said we wanted to play but the decision that’s been made.”

There was to be no more action, however, and as the rain continued to fall, Japan were officially handed a title they had claimed with their third straight win in the series – 66-10 triumph over South Korea in Fukuoka two weeks ago.

The draw ensured Hong Kong finished the series in second place ahead of the Koreans.

Japan now turn their focus to the World Cup in the United Kingdom in September and October.

Jones said he had brought six players with him to Hong Kong hoping to see them stake their claims for that tournament. But it wasn’t to be.

“I’ve got guys here who are playing for their World Cup spots so it’s quite disappointing in terms of individuals and what the team wanted to achieve today. We’ve played Fiji in exactly the same as this,” said Jones.

“It will be really hard for me to cut guys – that’s why we were giving them this opportunity. Or we were hoping to.”

Japan head home for a month’s training camp and then a tune up in the United States before heading to the World Cup, which kicks off when England meet Fiji at Twickenham on September 18.

“We’re progressing slowly and surely,” said Jones. “But we’ve got a long way to go. Every team improves before the World Cup and we’ve got to make sure we improve more than the rest.”

Japan have never yet missed out on playing at the World Cup but their seven appearances have so far brought them one win – 52-8 over Zimbabwe in 1991 – and two draws.

“We’re aiming to make the quarter-finals this time,” said Jones. “You’ve got to go there aiming to make it out of the pool stage.”

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