Hong Kong take 3rd in Asia

Hong Kong's finest in Singapore

Hong Kong finished in third place in the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010 Asian Qualifier in Singapore after beating the hosts Singapore 16-3 in the 3rd/4th place playoff. The win sees the Hong Kong Women’s XV lay claim to third place in Asian Women’s XVs.

The match against Singapore was evenly paced and exciting with Hong Kong striking first through a first half penalty taken by fullback Man Po Kei. Singapore captain Wang Shao-Feng leveled the scores through her own successful penalty attempt in the 27th minute.

Three minutes later Hong Kong regained the lead through another Man Po Kei penalty followed by a try to speedster Aggie Poon to bring the score to 11-3 Hong Kong at halftime. The second half saw Hong Kong captain Royce Chan cross over in the third minute to bring the score to the final 16-3. 

Kazakhstan became the 12th and final team to qualify for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010 after beating Japan 43-5 in the qualification final. Kazakhstan continue to be the dominant force in Women’s XVs rugby in Asia, having represented the region at four previous World Championship events dating back to 1994 in Scotland.

The Kazakhs reached the finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010 qualifier by beating Hong Kong 58-14 on Wednesday, while Japan eased by Singapore 35-11. 



Kazakhstan is the final qualifying team for 2010, joining the other three qualifying teams, Scotland, Sweden and Australia in London where they will face defending champions New Zealand, 2006 Women’s Rugby World Cup runners-up England, 3rd place finishers France, Canada, USA, South Africa, Wales and Ireland. The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010 will be held in London, England from 20 August to 5 September next year.

Susan Carty, Women’s Development Manager for the International Rugby Board, commented on today’s Qualifier saying: 
“Today matched anything I have seen in the worldwide qualification process. From the fan support to the standard of play and the organization of the tournament it has been a fantastic occasion.”

“What stood out for me was that the standard of play is excellent. Both matches featured some great ball handling, offloading, strength in defence and individual tackling.”



“Full credit to Japan, despite being down early, they came right back and played a very positive game of rugby. Kazakhstan played like champions and should be very competitive in London. They have strength in every area of the pitch. Their forwards are very capable and there is real speed in the backline. They now have until August to prepare and I expect them to do very well in at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010.”



“The Women’s Rugby World Cup in Canada in 2006 was great but I think we are in for an amazing tournament in 2010, possibly the best ever,” added Carty.