{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://www.asiarugby.com/category/asia-rugby-championship/feed/json/ -- and add it your reader.", "next_url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/category/asia-rugby-championship/feed/json/?paged=2", "home_page_url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/category/asia-rugby-championship/", "feed_url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/category/asia-rugby-championship/feed/json/", "language": "en-US", "title": "Asia Rugby Championship Archives - Asia Rugby", "description": "Regional Association of the Governing Body for the Global Game", "items": [ { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=9282", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2023/02/11/qatar-rugby-crowned-champions/", "title": "Qatar Crowned Champions of Asia Rugby Division 3 West", "content_html": "

The Qatar Rugby team emerged as champions of Asia Rugby Division 3 West after defeating Iran 40-12 in a thrilling match held at the Al Ain Amblers Rugby Club in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

\n

\u00a0

\n
\"Qatar
Wade Lotter scored a hat-trick
\n

The Qatar team dominated the game with relentless pressure and a solid performance, with hooker Wade Lotter scoring a hat-trick and playing a crucial role in the victory.

\n


\nAs champions of the regional division, Qatar will now join India and Kazakhstan in the Division 3 Championship playoffs soon. The winner and runner-up of the playoffs will gain promotion to Division 2 and keep their dreams alive of a pathway to the Asia Rugby Championship and further progress to qualification for the Rugby World Cup 2027.

\n
\n

Solidarity and Respect! The least we can offer, one minute silence at Qatar \"\ud83c\uddf6\ud83c\udde6\" vs Iran \"\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf7\" match at @asiarugby Championship Division 3 West played in Al Ain – UAE \"\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddea\"

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Our prayers and hearts with all victims\u2019 families #Syria #Turkey pic.twitter.com/YUeF9xswHS

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— Qais A. Al Dhalai (@QaisUAE) February 10, 2023

\n

\n

During the closing ceremony, a minute of silence was observed to show solidarity with the Syria High Rugby Committee, Turkish Rugby Federation, and everyone affected by the recent devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey.

\n


\nAsia Rugby Independent Executive Committee member Trevor Gregory presented the championship trophy to the champions.\u00a0

\n

Man of the match, Wade Lotter from Qatar, spoke to Asia Rugby about the tournament, saying, “There was a long wait for this

\n
\"\"
Ali Yaghooti
\n

tournament to happen and a huge build-up, and everyone was fired up for the game. It was a good game, and I was just fortunate to score the tries, but the credit must go to the team.”

\n

\u00a0Iran also demonstrated impressive character, finishing the game with two outstanding tries by superstar Ali Yaghooti

\n

Related Articles
\nAsia Rugby Appoints Match Officials for Division 3 West\u00a0
\nAsia Rugby season kicks off with Qatar vs Iran Clash \u200e

\n

Asia Rugby Calendar 2023
\nhttps://www.asiarugby.com/calendar-2023/

\n

Watch the full game
\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWw24pO_3s8

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The post Qatar Crowned Champions of Asia Rugby Division 3 West appeared first on Asia Rugby.

\n", "content_text": "The Qatar Rugby team emerged as champions of Asia Rugby Division 3 West after defeating Iran 40-12 in a thrilling match held at the Al Ain Amblers Rugby Club in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.\n\u00a0\nWade Lotter scored a hat-trick\nThe Qatar team dominated the game with relentless pressure and a solid performance, with hooker Wade Lotter scoring a hat-trick and playing a crucial role in the victory.\n\nAs champions of the regional division, Qatar will now join India and Kazakhstan in the Division 3 Championship playoffs soon. The winner and runner-up of the playoffs will gain promotion to Division 2 and keep their dreams alive of a pathway to the Asia Rugby Championship and further progress to qualification for the Rugby World Cup 2027.\n\nSolidarity and Respect! The least we can offer, one minute silence at Qatar vs Iran match at @asiarugby Championship Division 3 West played in Al Ain – UAE \nOur prayers and hearts with all victims\u2019 families #Syria #Turkey pic.twitter.com/YUeF9xswHS\n— Qais A. Al Dhalai (@QaisUAE) February 10, 2023\n\nDuring the closing ceremony, a minute of silence was observed to show solidarity with the Syria High Rugby Committee, Turkish Rugby Federation, and everyone affected by the recent devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey.\n\nAsia Rugby Independent Executive Committee member Trevor Gregory presented the championship trophy to the champions.\u00a0 \nMan of the match, Wade Lotter from Qatar, spoke to Asia Rugby about the tournament, saying, “There was a long wait for this\nAli Yaghooti\ntournament to happen and a huge build-up, and everyone was fired up for the game. It was a good game, and I was just fortunate to score the tries, but the credit must go to the team.”\n\u00a0Iran also demonstrated impressive character, finishing the game with two outstanding tries by superstar Ali Yaghooti\nRelated Articles\nAsia Rugby Appoints Match Officials for Division 3 West\u00a0\nAsia Rugby season kicks off with Qatar vs Iran Clash \u200e\nAsia Rugby Calendar 2023\nhttps://www.asiarugby.com/calendar-2023/\nWatch the full game\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWw24pO_3s8\nThe post Qatar Crowned Champions of Asia Rugby Division 3 West appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2023-02-11T23:01:55+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-02-11T23:01:55+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Qatar.jpg", "tags": [ "Qatar", "Iran", "Featured", "Asia Rugby Championship" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=9275", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2023/02/09/asia-rugby-appoints-match-officials-for-division-3-west/", "title": "Asia Rugby Appoints Match Officials for Division 3 West\u00a0", "content_html": "

-Stakes high as winner stays in contention for Asia Rugby Div 3 crown, promotion to Div 2
\n-Test slated for February 10th in Al Ain, UAE
\n-Mark the date to watch the match in real time on AR\u2019s social media platforms

\n

Asia Rugby has announced the appointment of match officials for the upcoming Asia Rugby Division 3 West match between Iran and Qatar, set to take place\u00a0on Friday, February 10th, in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates who are:

\n\n

\"\"

\n

The appointed match officials have been carefully handpicked by Asia Rugby\u2019s Selections and Appointments Panel, and then ratified by both Asia Rugby Referee\u2019s Committee and the Asia Rugby Interim CEO.

\n

This will be the last match of the Division 3 Regional Championships. The winner will contest the Division 3 Playoff Tournament in March against India and Kazakhstan, who won Divisions 3 South and Central, respectively, in 2022. The Playoff Tournament champion and runners-up will earn a promotion to Division 2 to be played during the period 2nd to 5th May 2023.

\n

Asia Rugby will be live-streaming the match on its Facebook page and YouTube channel, and featuring highlights on its Instagram page.

\n

\u00a0Asia Rugby Division 3 West
\nIran v Qatar
\nLocation: Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
\nDate:\u00a0Friday 10th\u00a0February 2023
\nTime:\u00a019:00\u00a0 (UAE +4 GMT)

\n

\n

 

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The post Asia Rugby Appoints Match Officials for Division 3 West\u00a0 appeared first on Asia Rugby.

\n", "content_text": "-Stakes high as winner stays in contention for Asia Rugby Div 3 crown, promotion to Div 2\n-Test slated for February 10th in Al Ain, UAE\n-Mark the date to watch the match in real time on AR\u2019s social media platforms\nAsia Rugby has announced the appointment of match officials for the upcoming Asia Rugby Division 3 West match between Iran and Qatar, set to take place\u00a0on Friday, February 10th, in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates who are:\n\nGhaith Jalajel, the Asia Rugby Competitions Manager, Will act as Tournament Director.\nJaco De Wit, from the United Arab Emirates Rugby Federation (UAERF), will be the Referee.\nTony Duminy and Azhfar Nor, from UAE Rugby Federation and Malaysia Rugby respectively, will be the Assistant Referees.\nPeter Hudson has been appointed as the Match Officials Performance Reviewer.\nRamesh Lachmanan from Malaysia Rugby will serve as the Judicial Officer\nChris Galea from the Singapore Rugby Union as the Citing Commissioner.\n\n\nThe appointed match officials have been carefully handpicked by Asia Rugby\u2019s Selections and Appointments Panel, and then ratified by both Asia Rugby Referee\u2019s Committee and the Asia Rugby Interim CEO.\nThis will be the last match of the Division 3 Regional Championships. The winner will contest the Division 3 Playoff Tournament in March against India and Kazakhstan, who won Divisions 3 South and Central, respectively, in 2022. The Playoff Tournament champion and runners-up will earn a promotion to Division 2 to be played during the period 2nd to 5th May 2023.\nAsia Rugby will be live-streaming the match on its Facebook page and YouTube channel, and featuring highlights on its Instagram page.\n\u00a0Asia Rugby Division 3 West\nIran v Qatar\nLocation: Al Ain, United Arab Emirates\nDate:\u00a0Friday 10th\u00a0February 2023\nTime:\u00a019:00\u00a0 (UAE +4 GMT)\n\n \nThe post Asia Rugby Appoints Match Officials for Division 3 West\u00a0 appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2023-02-09T08:57:36+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-02-09T14:12:19+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/WhatsApp-Image-2022-04-12-at-5.16.39-PM.jpeg", "tags": [ "Featured", "Asia Rugby Championship", "News", "Match offical" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=9264", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2023/02/03/qatar-vs-iran/", "title": "Asia Rugby season kicks off with Qatar vs Iran Clash \u200e", "content_html": "

-Test slated for\u00a0Friday, February 10th\u00a0in Al Ain, UAE
\n-Fierce rugby rivalry between two strong teams; high-octane showdown on the cards
\n-Mark the date to watch the match in real time on Asia Rugby\u2019s social media platforms

\n

Asia Rugby\u2019s 2023 season kicks off\u00a0on Friday 10th February\u00a0in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, with a highly anticipated Division 3 West showdown between Qatar and Iran, two of West Asia\u2019s Top teams. \u00a0Iran and Qatar have developed a fierce rugby rivalry and both appear well-prepared, confident and eager to lock horns again in, what is expected to be, a high-octane encounter.

\n

Qatar, a strong team, has been steadily improving in recent years and possesses a solid core group of players who are well-trained and highly motivated. The team is known for its quickness and agility, with many players well capable of executing quick breaks and getting over the try line.

\n

Iran, on the other hand, is a team that has been making waves. With a mix of experienced veterans and young talent, they have put together a squad that is both physical and skilled. Iran has a solid set piece and a strong defence, which makes them a tough team to beat.

\n

Back to Full Schedule, Enthralling Year of Rugby in the Offering: Asia Rugby Releases 2023 Calendar

\n

The last time the two sides clashed was in 2018 Division 3 West in Lebanon and Iran beat Qatar 17 \u2013 8.

\n

This will be the last match of the Division 3 Regional Championships 2022; the winner will progress to the playoffs of division 3 a step forward towards the ultimate goal of all teams to play in the Asia Rugby Championship the pathway for Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification road.

\n

Stay tuned and prepare to witness the exciting encounter in real time as Asia Rugby will be live streaming the match on its Facebook page and YouTube channel, and featuring highlights on its Instagram page.

\n

\nQatar vs Iran Live

\n

Live\u00a0

\n

The post Asia Rugby season kicks off with Qatar vs Iran Clash \u200e appeared first on Asia Rugby.

\n", "content_text": "-Test slated for\u00a0Friday, February 10th\u00a0in Al Ain, UAE\n-Fierce rugby rivalry between two strong teams; high-octane showdown on the cards\n-Mark the date to watch the match in real time on Asia Rugby\u2019s social media platforms\nAsia Rugby\u2019s 2023 season kicks off\u00a0on Friday 10th February\u00a0in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, with a highly anticipated Division 3 West showdown between Qatar and Iran, two of West Asia\u2019s Top teams. \u00a0Iran and Qatar have developed a fierce rugby rivalry and both appear well-prepared, confident and eager to lock horns again in, what is expected to be, a high-octane encounter.\nQatar, a strong team, has been steadily improving in recent years and possesses a solid core group of players who are well-trained and highly motivated. The team is known for its quickness and agility, with many players well capable of executing quick breaks and getting over the try line.\nIran, on the other hand, is a team that has been making waves. With a mix of experienced veterans and young talent, they have put together a squad that is both physical and skilled. Iran has a solid set piece and a strong defence, which makes them a tough team to beat.\nBack to Full Schedule, Enthralling Year of Rugby in the Offering: Asia Rugby Releases 2023 Calendar\nThe last time the two sides clashed was in 2018 Division 3 West in Lebanon and Iran beat Qatar 17 \u2013 8.\nThis will be the last match of the Division 3 Regional Championships 2022; the winner will progress to the playoffs of division 3 a step forward towards the ultimate goal of all teams to play in the Asia Rugby Championship the pathway for Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification road.\nStay tuned and prepare to witness the exciting encounter in real time as Asia Rugby will be live streaming the match on its Facebook page and YouTube channel, and featuring highlights on its Instagram page.\n\nQatar vs Iran Live\nLive\u00a0\nThe post Asia Rugby season kicks off with Qatar vs Iran Clash \u200e appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2023-02-03T22:40:32+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-02-03T22:40:32+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iRAN-V-qATAR-1.jpg", "tags": [ "Featured", "Asia Rugby Championship", "Live Streaming" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=9202", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2023/01/08/asia-rugby-2023-calendar/", "title": "Back to Full Schedule, Enthralling Year of Rugby in the Offering: Asia Rugby Releases 2023 Calendar", "content_html": "

Back to Full Schedule, Enthralling Year of Rugby in the Offering: Asia Rugby Releases 2023 Calendar

\n\n

Asia Rugby published its full schedule for 2023 with over 22 international and regional events.\u00a0

\n

\u00a0

\n

In the year, Asia will host five major 7s events, along with three World Rugby Sevens Series legs.

\n


\nThe first half of the Asia Rugby Calendar is dedicated to fifteens rugby and kicks off with the Asia Rugby Division III West. The tournament was originally scheduled for 2022 but was postponed due to political instability in Iran. The one-off game between Iran and Qatar will now be played in the UAE on the 10th\u00a0of February 2023, with the winner promoted to the Division III Playoff tournament. The tournament gives the regional Division III union teams a pathway to the top tier of\u00a0the Asia Rugby Championship, thereby also giving all unions in Asia an opportunity for Rugby World Cup qualification.

\n

\"\"

\n

\u00a0

\n

The premier Asia Rugby Men\u2019s Championship will feature Hong Kong, Korea and Malaysia and will be played in June. The Asia Rugby Men\u2019s Division I and Divisions II are scheduled for May.

\n

\u00a0

\n

The Asia Rugby Women\u2019s Championship will be played in 2 tiers and constitutes a pathway to the long-awaited World Rugby WXV tournament. The top team Asia 1 will compete in WXV 2 and the runner-up in WXV 3.

\n

August will see the sevens season kick-off with Asia Rugby Sevens Series – Round 1 on the 19th and 20th of August,\u00a0 with all eyes on the pinnacle multiple-sports event in Asia the ASIAD. The rugby 7s event will feature 12 or 16 teams (ongoing discussion with the organizing committee), with all teams battling for treasured Asian Games silverware in Hangzhou China from 24th\u00a0September to 26th September. The second round of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series will be played on the 28th and 29th of October.\u00a0

\n

\u00a0The Asia Rugby Sevens Series will again feature the top 8 women\u2019s and men’s teams, the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy will give the balance of the Asian team to compete in October.

\n

\"\"

\n

\u00a0

\n

The fifth major sevens tournament hosted by Asia Rugby in 2023 will be the Asia Rugby Qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics as a stand-alone tournament for men and women.\u00a0

\n

\u00a0

\n

The Asia Rugby schedule also includes both sevens and fifteens tournaments for age-grade teams, including Asia Rugby U20s men’s and women’s Sevens in November and the Asia Rugby U18s Boys and Girls in September.

\n

Lastly, World Rugby\u2019s prestigious premier HSBC 7s World Series, showcasing the talents of the best 7s sides and athletes in the world, will stage three tournaments in Asia \u2013 the Dubai 7s, the Hong Kong 7s and the Singapore 7s.

\n

The World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series 2023 will feature two three-day combined men\u2019s and women\u2019s events taking place at\u00a0Markotter\u00a0Stadium in Stellenbosch, South Africa on 20-22 and 28-30 April 2023.

\n


\nAll Asia Rugby tournaments will be live-streamed in real-time and will be available free to air across the continent on Asia Rugby and its member unions\u2019 social media platforms.

\n

\u00a0

\n

Asia Rugby Youtube\u00a0
\nAsia Rugby FB

\n

Asia Rugby 2023 Calendar

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\"\"

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The post Back to Full Schedule, Enthralling Year of Rugby in the Offering: Asia Rugby Releases 2023 Calendar appeared first on Asia Rugby.

\n", "content_text": "Back to Full Schedule, Enthralling Year of Rugby in the Offering: Asia Rugby Releases 2023 Calendar\n\nAfter pandemic disruptions, Asia Rugby set to return to full schedule\n5 major Sevens events slated for 2023\nFull Asia Rugby Women\u2019s XV returns, with the top tier featuring 4 teams\nRugby 7s to feature at Asian Games in September\nStandalone Asia Rugby Qualifier event for Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, scheduled for November\nRugby 7s age groups for under U18 and U20\u00a0continues from last year \n\nAsia Rugby published its full schedule for 2023 with over 22 international and regional events.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nIn the year, Asia will host five major 7s events, along with three World Rugby Sevens Series legs.\n\nThe first half of the Asia Rugby Calendar is dedicated to fifteens rugby and kicks off with the Asia Rugby Division III West. The tournament was originally scheduled for 2022 but was postponed due to political instability in Iran. The one-off game between Iran and Qatar will now be played in the UAE on the 10th\u00a0of February 2023, with the winner promoted to the Division III Playoff tournament. The tournament gives the regional Division III union teams a pathway to the top tier of\u00a0the Asia Rugby Championship, thereby also giving all unions in Asia an opportunity for Rugby World Cup qualification.\n\n\u00a0\nThe premier Asia Rugby Men\u2019s Championship will feature Hong Kong, Korea and Malaysia and will be played in June. The Asia Rugby Men\u2019s Division I and Divisions II are scheduled for May.\n\u00a0\nThe Asia Rugby Women\u2019s Championship will be played in 2 tiers and constitutes a pathway to the long-awaited World Rugby WXV tournament. The top team Asia 1 will compete in WXV 2 and the runner-up in WXV 3.\nAugust will see the sevens season kick-off with Asia Rugby Sevens Series – Round 1 on the 19th and 20th of August,\u00a0 with all eyes on the pinnacle multiple-sports event in Asia the ASIAD. The rugby 7s event will feature 12 or 16 teams (ongoing discussion with the organizing committee), with all teams battling for treasured Asian Games silverware in Hangzhou China from 24th\u00a0September to 26th September. The second round of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series will be played on the 28th and 29th of October.\u00a0\n\u00a0The Asia Rugby Sevens Series will again feature the top 8 women\u2019s and men’s teams, the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy will give the balance of the Asian team to compete in October.\n\n\u00a0\nThe fifth major sevens tournament hosted by Asia Rugby in 2023 will be the Asia Rugby Qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics as a stand-alone tournament for men and women.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe Asia Rugby schedule also includes both sevens and fifteens tournaments for age-grade teams, including Asia Rugby U20s men’s and women’s Sevens in November and the Asia Rugby U18s Boys and Girls in September.\nLastly, World Rugby\u2019s prestigious premier HSBC 7s World Series, showcasing the talents of the best 7s sides and athletes in the world, will stage three tournaments in Asia \u2013 the Dubai 7s, the Hong Kong 7s and the Singapore 7s.\nThe World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series 2023 will feature two three-day combined men\u2019s and women\u2019s events taking place at\u00a0Markotter\u00a0Stadium in Stellenbosch, South Africa on 20-22 and 28-30 April 2023.\n\nAll Asia Rugby tournaments will be live-streamed in real-time and will be available free to air across the continent on Asia Rugby and its member unions\u2019 social media platforms.\n\u00a0\nAsia Rugby Youtube\u00a0\nAsia Rugby FB\nAsia Rugby 2023 Calendar\n\nThe post Back to Full Schedule, Enthralling Year of Rugby in the Offering: Asia Rugby Releases 2023 Calendar appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2023-01-08T17:16:59+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-01-08T17:17:36+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Calander-2023.jpg", "tags": [ "AR7s", "ARC", "Asian Games", "Singapore 7s", "Rugby World Cup", "Dubai 7s", "#ARW7s", "Featured", "Olympics", "Sevens Challenger Series", "Asia Rugby Championship", "Asia Rugby Sevens Series", "Singapore Rugby Sevens", "Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy", "News" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=8828", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2022/07/10/hong-kong-beat-south-korea-23-21-to-retain-the-asia-rugby-mens-championship-in-incheon/", "title": "Hong Kong beat South Korea 23-21 to retain the Asia Rugby Men\u2019s Championship in Incheon", "content_html": "

The Hong Kong men\u2019s XV beat South Korea 23-21 in the decider of the Asia Rugby Championship in Incheon, South Korea today.\u00a0 Gregor McNeish\u2019s 80th minute game-winning penalty advanced Hong Kong to the next stage of Rugby World Cup Qualification, with a match against Tonga on 23 July, and the winner qualifying directly for the world championship in France.

\n

It was the first test match since 2019 for Hong Kong and it looked it at times with the game fairly sloppy throughout. Surprisingly, most of the miscues came from the hosts South Korea who beat Malaysia heavily in the opening round in June.

\n

Hong Kong\u2019s game plan of putting the ball behind the Korean pack would eventually produce the desired result, although the high ball attack backfired early on.\u00a0 It was a disastrous start for Hong Kong when winger Charles Higson-Smith made contact with his opposing winger\u2019s head collecting a deep kick and was shown a red card in the opening minute.

\n

That left Hong Kong playing a man-down for the remainder of the game. The squad produced an immense effort to counter that disadvantage and patiently amassed a 15-0 lead at halftime, before clinging to it desperately for nearly all of the second half.

\n

Debut fly half Glyn Hughes opened the scoring in the 11th minute with his penalty giving Hong Kong a 3-0 lead.\u00a0 They extended that margin to 8-0 with an impressive effort from the forwards, who conjured up a rolling maul that flattened the Korean defence before hooker Alex Post crossed the line. Hughes\u2019 conversion was wide.

\n

A yellow card to Hong Kong\u2019s other starting winger, Matt Worley, saw the visitors drop to 13 players against 15 midway through the first half – and led to Korea\u2019s best chances of the game, including a near-try that was held up across the line by Bryn Phillips and Mark Prior.

\n

Worley made amends for his card when he returned late in the half, finishing off a scrappy patch of play from both teams with a try beneath the posts. James Sawyer provided the stability needed with a turnover to feed the final Hong Kong rush. Ben Axten-Burrett and Worley produced some nice interchange play before Worley touched down beneath the posts.

\n

Hughes\u2019 conversion was good and Hong Kong took a 15-0 lead into half-time, while Korean frustrations mounted at their inability to bring their numerical advantage to bear.\u00a0 Still, Hong Kong\u2019s first half heroics required a sapping effort and the second half would prove an endurance test for the SAR.

\n

Coach Lewis Evans kept faith with his starters early on, opting not to use the subs bench at the interval, while South Korea came out in the expected frenzy. The Koreans enjoyed more territory in the opening ten minutes of the second half, than all of the first as they parked in Hong Kong\u2019s half.

\n

Korea\u2019s miscues persisted in the second half, but the ball was starting to bounce in their favour. \u00a0The hosts produced their first try after 45 minutes when lock Choi Seong Dook was the beneficiary of three fly-hacked balls up field. The big man did well to control the ball with his own feet and win a footrace for the try to put Korea on the board at 15-7.

\n

For the first time since kick-off, Hong Kong started to look as if it were a man down, with the holes growing larger on the pitch and Korea fast building the momentum to exploit them.

\n

The hosts capitalized well from another period of sustained pressure, adding a penalty and a second try in a ten-minute period. The try came from long-serving captain Kim Kwang Min, who was held up over the line in the first half.

\n

Inside the final quarter, the score was tied at 15-all with the Hong Kong defence out on its feet. \u00a0A penalty allowed Korea to take the lead for the first time in the match after 70 minutes as they pushed ahead 18-15. Hong Kong patiently built another attack and looked to have scored the go-ahead try on its next possession, but the score was disallowed for a knock-on.

\n

In a true test of its character, Hong Kong kept Korea bottled up and eventually produced its own pressure try through Nathan DeThierry, who touched down a perfectly weighted kick pass from McNeish in the corner to regain the lead, 20-18.

\n

Korea responded to the challenge brilliantly, coming back on its next play to force a penalty after Hong Kong failed to release the ball in the tackle.\u00a0 The penalty gave Korea back the lead, 21-20, in the 75th minute.

\n

With time nearly elapsed and desperation in the air, Hong Kong mounted one last attack with McNeish kicking deep for an attacking lineout.\u00a0 Try-scorer Choi was pinged for collapsing the lineout, giving Hong Kong a penalty and McNeish a chance to steal the win back from under Korean noses.

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His penalty was true and with 0:00 showing on the clock, Hong Kong had beaten South Korea 23-21, defending its Asia Rugby championship title for a third time running and kept its Rugby World Cup dream alive.

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\u201cWe did not make it easy for ourselves with some of our indiscipline issues but the result shows the character in this team,\u201d said Lewis Evans after his international coaching debut.

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\u201cGoing down a man after a minute, and leading at half-time shows the quality and belief that we have in this team and our performance in the last half shows the mental resilience we have developed over the past three years. I cannot say enough about the boys today, they were outstanding,\u201d added Evans.

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The post Hong Kong beat South Korea 23-21 to retain the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship in Incheon appeared first on Asia Rugby.

\n", "content_text": "The Hong Kong men\u2019s XV beat South Korea 23-21 in the decider of the Asia Rugby Championship in Incheon, South Korea today.\u00a0 Gregor McNeish\u2019s 80th minute game-winning penalty advanced Hong Kong to the next stage of Rugby World Cup Qualification, with a match against Tonga on 23 July, and the winner qualifying directly for the world championship in France.\nIt was the first test match since 2019 for Hong Kong and it looked it at times with the game fairly sloppy throughout. Surprisingly, most of the miscues came from the hosts South Korea who beat Malaysia heavily in the opening round in June.\nHong Kong\u2019s game plan of putting the ball behind the Korean pack would eventually produce the desired result, although the high ball attack backfired early on.\u00a0 It was a disastrous start for Hong Kong when winger Charles Higson-Smith made contact with his opposing winger\u2019s head collecting a deep kick and was shown a red card in the opening minute.\nThat left Hong Kong playing a man-down for the remainder of the game. The squad produced an immense effort to counter that disadvantage and patiently amassed a 15-0 lead at halftime, before clinging to it desperately for nearly all of the second half.\nDebut fly half Glyn Hughes opened the scoring in the 11th minute with his penalty giving Hong Kong a 3-0 lead.\u00a0 They extended that margin to 8-0 with an impressive effort from the forwards, who conjured up a rolling maul that flattened the Korean defence before hooker Alex Post crossed the line. Hughes\u2019 conversion was wide.\nA yellow card to Hong Kong\u2019s other starting winger, Matt Worley, saw the visitors drop to 13 players against 15 midway through the first half – and led to Korea\u2019s best chances of the game, including a near-try that was held up across the line by Bryn Phillips and Mark Prior.\nWorley made amends for his card when he returned late in the half, finishing off a scrappy patch of play from both teams with a try beneath the posts. James Sawyer provided the stability needed with a turnover to feed the final Hong Kong rush. Ben Axten-Burrett and Worley produced some nice interchange play before Worley touched down beneath the posts.\nHughes\u2019 conversion was good and Hong Kong took a 15-0 lead into half-time, while Korean frustrations mounted at their inability to bring their numerical advantage to bear.\u00a0 Still, Hong Kong\u2019s first half heroics required a sapping effort and the second half would prove an endurance test for the SAR.\nCoach Lewis Evans kept faith with his starters early on, opting not to use the subs bench at the interval, while South Korea came out in the expected frenzy. The Koreans enjoyed more territory in the opening ten minutes of the second half, than all of the first as they parked in Hong Kong\u2019s half.\nKorea\u2019s miscues persisted in the second half, but the ball was starting to bounce in their favour. \u00a0The hosts produced their first try after 45 minutes when lock Choi Seong Dook was the beneficiary of three fly-hacked balls up field. The big man did well to control the ball with his own feet and win a footrace for the try to put Korea on the board at 15-7.\nFor the first time since kick-off, Hong Kong started to look as if it were a man down, with the holes growing larger on the pitch and Korea fast building the momentum to exploit them.\nThe hosts capitalized well from another period of sustained pressure, adding a penalty and a second try in a ten-minute period. The try came from long-serving captain Kim Kwang Min, who was held up over the line in the first half.\nInside the final quarter, the score was tied at 15-all with the Hong Kong defence out on its feet. \u00a0A penalty allowed Korea to take the lead for the first time in the match after 70 minutes as they pushed ahead 18-15. Hong Kong patiently built another attack and looked to have scored the go-ahead try on its next possession, but the score was disallowed for a knock-on.\nIn a true test of its character, Hong Kong kept Korea bottled up and eventually produced its own pressure try through Nathan DeThierry, who touched down a perfectly weighted kick pass from McNeish in the corner to regain the lead, 20-18.\nKorea responded to the challenge brilliantly, coming back on its next play to force a penalty after Hong Kong failed to release the ball in the tackle.\u00a0 The penalty gave Korea back the lead, 21-20, in the 75th minute.\nWith time nearly elapsed and desperation in the air, Hong Kong mounted one last attack with McNeish kicking deep for an attacking lineout.\u00a0 Try-scorer Choi was pinged for collapsing the lineout, giving Hong Kong a penalty and McNeish a chance to steal the win back from under Korean noses.\nHis penalty was true and with 0:00 showing on the clock, Hong Kong had beaten South Korea 23-21, defending its Asia Rugby championship title for a third time running and kept its Rugby World Cup dream alive.\n\n\u201cWe did not make it easy for ourselves with some of our indiscipline issues but the result shows the character in this team,\u201d said Lewis Evans after his international coaching debut.\n\u201cGoing down a man after a minute, and leading at half-time shows the quality and belief that we have in this team and our performance in the last half shows the mental resilience we have developed over the past three years. I cannot say enough about the boys today, they were outstanding,\u201d added Evans.\nThe post Hong Kong beat South Korea 23-21 to retain the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship in Incheon appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2022-07-10T13:53:03+08:00", "date_modified": "2022-07-12T02:24:06+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_3675-e1657431795935.jpg", "tags": [ "ARC", "#ARMC2022", "Featured", "Asia Rugby Championship" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=8770", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2022/06/09/korea-through-to-next-stage-of-rugby-world-cup-2023-qualification/", "title": "Korea Through To Next Stage Of Rugby World Cup 2023 Qualification", "content_html": "

Victory in their first fixture for nearly three years sets up a date with Hong Kong on the road to France 2023.

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Korea\u2019s dream of appearing in a first Rugby World Cup remains alive after they defeated Malaysia 55-10 in the opening round of the Asia Rugby Championship 2022 in Incheon on Saturday.

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Dominant up front and incisive in the backs, Korea comfortably had the measure of a Malaysian side that kept going until the bitter end.

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Outside centre Kim Hyon Soo, winger Jeong Yeonsik and full-back Chang Yonghueng scored tries in the first half for Korea at the Namdong Asiad Rugby Stadium, with fly-half Kim Kimin missing only one of the three conversions, but the hosts couldn\u2019t add to that score until much later in the game.

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In the second half, Korea stepped up the pace to score five more tries, two of them by winger and captain Kim Gwongmin. Second-row Shin Dahyeon scored one try and had another disallowed and he was joined on the scoresheet by flanker Choi Seongdeok, scrum-half Chae Minseong and number eight Park Joonyoung. Four of the five tries were converted, one by fly-half Kim Kimin and four by full-back Oh Jimyeong.

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Congratulations \"\ud83c\udf8a\"\"\ud83c\udf89\" Korea \"\ud83c\uddf0\ud83c\uddf7\" for a spirited performance with 55 – 10 win over Malaysia \"\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\" Korea will host Hong Kong \"\ud83c\udded\ud83c\uddf0\" on the 9th of July #RWC2023 #WorldRugby #AsiaRugby pic.twitter.com/YnEUdXYJp5

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\u2014 Asia Rugby (@asiarugby) June 4, 2022

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Malaysia had chances too but it wasn\u2019t until the last minute, when number eight Etonia Saukuru hoodwinked the Korean defence with a try from a well-worked lineout move, that they managed to find a way over the line. Full-back Faris Pead Azwan Zuwairi rounded off proceedings with the touchline conversion.

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Korea will now host Hong Kong in the final of the Asia Rugby Championship 2022, on 9 July, to determine the side that progresses to meet\u00a0Tonga in the Asia/Pacific Qualifier\u00a0on Australia\u2019s Sunshine Coast on 23 July.

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The winner of that match will take their place in Pool B at Rugby World Cup 2023 along with South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Europe 2.

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\u201cThis is a big step for Korean rugby historically,\u201d commented Korea\u2019s captain Kim Gwongmin. \u201cA lot of challenges are ahead but with everything put together, with a good team and good instruction, we believe we can beat Hong Kong and then successfully beat Tonga to reach the World Cup.\u201d

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Korea remain 29th in the\u00a0World Rugby Men\u2019s Rankings powered by Capgemini, some 22 places above Malaysia.

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In the other big match taking place in Asia this weekend, Pakistan pipped Thailand to promotion to Division 1 of the Asia Rugby Championship with a thrilling victory in the second match in the two-legged contest.

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Read – Korea Keep their dream alive for a Historic Rugby World Cup Appearance

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Having taken the first encounter 20-15, Thailand had a slight advantage over their much lower-ranked opponents going into the rematch. But by the time the teams turned around for the second half that gap had grown to 14 points.

\n

Thailand increased their 9-0 half-time lead by a further three points shortly after the restart and all looked lost for Pakistan.

\n

But with the pack starting to take command and the defence remaining resolute, Pakistan turned the game on its head.

\n

Tries from Khurram Shahzad, Ali Khan and Asrar Ahmad saw them to a 24-18 victory on the day and a 39-38 win on aggregate.

\n

While Pakistan\u2019s players were understandably jubilant on hearing the final whistle, Thailand\u2019s disappointment was there for all to see.

\n

With the victory, Pakistan climb five places up the rankings to 92nd with Thailand dropping down five to 77th.

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The post Korea Through To Next Stage Of Rugby World Cup 2023 Qualification appeared first on Asia Rugby.

\n", "content_text": "Victory in their first fixture for nearly three years sets up a date with Hong Kong on the road to France 2023.\nKorea\u2019s dream of appearing in a first Rugby World Cup remains alive after they defeated Malaysia 55-10 in the opening round of the Asia Rugby Championship 2022 in Incheon on Saturday.\nDominant up front and incisive in the backs, Korea comfortably had the measure of a Malaysian side that kept going until the bitter end.\nOutside centre Kim Hyon Soo, winger Jeong Yeonsik and full-back Chang Yonghueng scored tries in the first half for Korea at the Namdong Asiad Rugby Stadium, with fly-half Kim Kimin missing only one of the three conversions, but the hosts couldn\u2019t add to that score until much later in the game.\nIn the second half, Korea stepped up the pace to score five more tries, two of them by winger and captain Kim Gwongmin. Second-row Shin Dahyeon scored one try and had another disallowed and he was joined on the scoresheet by flanker Choi Seongdeok, scrum-half Chae Minseong and number eight Park Joonyoung. Four of the five tries were converted, one by fly-half Kim Kimin and four by full-back Oh Jimyeong.\n\nCongratulations Korea for a spirited performance with 55 – 10 win over Malaysia Korea will host Hong Kong on the 9th of July #RWC2023 #WorldRugby #AsiaRugby pic.twitter.com/YnEUdXYJp5\n\u2014 Asia Rugby (@asiarugby) June 4, 2022\n\nMalaysia had chances too but it wasn\u2019t until the last minute, when number eight Etonia Saukuru hoodwinked the Korean defence with a try from a well-worked lineout move, that they managed to find a way over the line. Full-back Faris Pead Azwan Zuwairi rounded off proceedings with the touchline conversion.\nKorea will now host Hong Kong in the final of the Asia Rugby Championship 2022, on 9 July, to determine the side that progresses to meet\u00a0Tonga in the Asia/Pacific Qualifier\u00a0on Australia\u2019s Sunshine Coast on 23 July.\nThe winner of that match will take their place in Pool B at Rugby World Cup 2023 along with South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Europe 2.\n\u201cThis is a big step for Korean rugby historically,\u201d commented Korea\u2019s captain Kim Gwongmin. \u201cA lot of challenges are ahead but with everything put together, with a good team and good instruction, we believe we can beat Hong Kong and then successfully beat Tonga to reach the World Cup.\u201d\nKorea remain 29th in the\u00a0World Rugby Men\u2019s Rankings powered by Capgemini, some 22 places above Malaysia.\nIn the other big match taking place in Asia this weekend, Pakistan pipped Thailand to promotion to Division 1 of the Asia Rugby Championship with a thrilling victory in the second match in the two-legged contest.\nRead – Korea Keep their dream alive for a Historic Rugby World Cup Appearance\nHaving taken the first encounter 20-15, Thailand had a slight advantage over their much lower-ranked opponents going into the rematch. But by the time the teams turned around for the second half that gap had grown to 14 points.\nThailand increased their 9-0 half-time lead by a further three points shortly after the restart and all looked lost for Pakistan.\nBut with the pack starting to take command and the defence remaining resolute, Pakistan turned the game on its head.\nTries from Khurram Shahzad, Ali Khan and Asrar Ahmad saw them to a 24-18 victory on the day and a 39-38 win on aggregate.\nWhile Pakistan\u2019s players were understandably jubilant on hearing the final whistle, Thailand\u2019s disappointment was there for all to see.\nWith the victory, Pakistan climb five places up the rankings to 92nd with Thailand dropping down five to 77th.\nThe post Korea Through To Next Stage Of Rugby World Cup 2023 Qualification appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2022-06-09T21:58:59+08:00", "date_modified": "2022-06-14T18:43:40+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Korea-v-Malaysia.jpg", "tags": [ "Korea Rugby", "Rugby World Cup 2023", "Asia Rugby Championship 2022", "Malaysia Rugby", "Asia Rugby", "Featured", "Asia Rugby Championship", "News", "ARC" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=8771", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2022/06/09/pakistan-promotion-one-of-the-best-experiences-of-my-life-gert-mulder/", "title": "Pakistan promotion \u201cone of the best experiences of my life\u201d \u2013 Gert Mulder", "content_html": "

New head coach helps steer one of the lowest-ranked teams in the world to Division 1 of the Asia Rugby Championship.

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The resumption of the Asia Rugby Championship has been a long time in coming because of COVID-19 but the recent Division 2 play-off final doubleheader between Thailand and Pakistan was well worth the wait.

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After two pulsating ties, just one point separated the sides with Pakistan, under their new head coach Gert Mulder, ultimately celebrating victory, 39-38 on aggregate.

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Pakistan lost the first game 20-15 after leading for the majority of the match despite having one player red-carded and another two sent to the sin-bin.

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And they trailed Thailand for 65 minutes of the second game before completing a stunning comeback victory, by 24 points to 18.

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QUICK TURNAROUND

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\u201cIt is something massive, and I am happy to have been a part of that. It is one of the best experiences of my life, especially because nobody was giving us a chance and we had a really, really short time to prepare with just three weekend-long camps,\u201d Mulder said.

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\u201cWhat the players achieved in those three weeks was outstanding. We didn\u2019t think they would get the concepts so quickly but they bought into what we wanted them to do straight away. It was awesome and it was all due to great leadership on the field.

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\u201cThailand were by far the favourites. They have got a very good sevens programme and their skill level was much better than ours,” added Mulder.

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\u201cWe knew that and we worked very hard on getting our skill levels up and focused more on the set-pieces because Pakistan\u2019s players are a little bit bigger. We didn\u2019t lose one lineout and won all our scrums and took a few balls off theirs.

\n

Read – Pakistan Crowned Division II Champions, Prevail in Lahore Thriller: Stun Thailand 24 \u2013 18 in Final Test, Clinch Championship by Solitary Point

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\u201cIn the first match, we had yellow cards and a red card. It was bad discipline why we lost the first match. We should have won that one as well but we won the one we needed to win.

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\u201cWe missed out on a few try-scoring opportunities in the first half and they put us under immense pressure, running the ball, but we\u2019d prepared knowing how they were going to play and they failed to score a try against us in the second match which we were very pleased about.

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\u201cIt is awesome for them that they are going into Division 1. It is the first time ever Pakistan have beaten Thailand. In the previous match, they lost by nearly 50 points (44-0).\u201d

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NEW FRONTIERS

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Mulder, the Vice President of Blues Bulls Rugby Union in South Africa, was made aware of the opportunity to coach Pakistan by Springbok legend, Naas Botha.

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\u201cHe\u2019s\u00a0running rugby in India, and I know him very well and he phoned me one day and said, \u2018do you want to go and coach in Pakistan?\u2019 I said, \u2018are you crazy, do they even play rugby there?\u2019. Then I said, \u2018let\u2019s see how it pans out\u2019,\u201d he explained.

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\u201cThey asked for my CV and I was on a shortlist of eight coaches and they interviewed three and they offered it to me so I took it for the experience.

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\u201cI\u2019ve been coaching rugby for 35 years now, from schoolboy level to club and provincial level and it\u2019s totally different.

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\u201cIn South Africa, you start playing rugby at six years old, here it is much later.

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\u201cAlthough they have been playing rugby for 20 years, they only have four clubs and they all play a one-dimensional type of game.

\n

Read More – Korea Keep their dream alive for a Historic Rugby World Cup Appearance

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\u201cCricket is so huge there, they need to grow the game. Luckily these matches were broadcast by television so that helps a lot in the marketing of rugby as a sport.\u201d

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Pakistan\u2019s victory not only caused ripples of interest in a cricket-mad country but also led to a shake-up of the\u00a0World Rugby Men\u2019s Rankings, with a move of five places up the table to 92nd.

\n

\u201cThey are super-committed and hard working. If they get more opportunities to play and more exposure, they will go further up the rankings.\u201d

\n

The post Pakistan promotion \u201cone of the best experiences of my life\u201d \u2013 Gert Mulder appeared first on Asia Rugby.

\n", "content_text": "New head coach helps steer one of the lowest-ranked teams in the world to Division 1 of the Asia Rugby Championship.\nThe resumption of the Asia Rugby Championship has been a long time in coming because of COVID-19 but the recent Division 2 play-off final doubleheader between Thailand and Pakistan was well worth the wait.\nAfter two pulsating ties, just one point separated the sides with Pakistan, under their new head coach Gert Mulder, ultimately celebrating victory, 39-38 on aggregate.\n \nPakistan lost the first game 20-15 after leading for the majority of the match despite having one player red-carded and another two sent to the sin-bin.\nAnd they trailed Thailand for 65 minutes of the second game before completing a stunning comeback victory, by 24 points to 18.\nQUICK TURNAROUND\n\u201cIt is something massive, and I am happy to have been a part of that. It is one of the best experiences of my life, especially because nobody was giving us a chance and we had a really, really short time to prepare with just three weekend-long camps,\u201d Mulder said.\n\u201cWhat the players achieved in those three weeks was outstanding. We didn\u2019t think they would get the concepts so quickly but they bought into what we wanted them to do straight away. It was awesome and it was all due to great leadership on the field.\n\u201cThailand were by far the favourites. They have got a very good sevens programme and their skill level was much better than ours,” added Mulder.\n\u201cWe knew that and we worked very hard on getting our skill levels up and focused more on the set-pieces because Pakistan\u2019s players are a little bit bigger. We didn\u2019t lose one lineout and won all our scrums and took a few balls off theirs.\nRead – Pakistan Crowned Division II Champions, Prevail in Lahore Thriller: Stun Thailand 24 \u2013 18 in Final Test, Clinch Championship by Solitary Point\n\u201cIn the first match, we had yellow cards and a red card. It was bad discipline why we lost the first match. We should have won that one as well but we won the one we needed to win.\n\u201cWe missed out on a few try-scoring opportunities in the first half and they put us under immense pressure, running the ball, but we\u2019d prepared knowing how they were going to play and they failed to score a try against us in the second match which we were very pleased about.\n\u201cIt is awesome for them that they are going into Division 1. It is the first time ever Pakistan have beaten Thailand. In the previous match, they lost by nearly 50 points (44-0).\u201d\nNEW FRONTIERS\nMulder, the Vice President of Blues Bulls Rugby Union in South Africa, was made aware of the opportunity to coach Pakistan by Springbok legend, Naas Botha.\n\u201cHe\u2019s\u00a0running rugby in India, and I know him very well and he phoned me one day and said, \u2018do you want to go and coach in Pakistan?\u2019 I said, \u2018are you crazy, do they even play rugby there?\u2019. Then I said, \u2018let\u2019s see how it pans out\u2019,\u201d he explained.\n\u201cThey asked for my CV and I was on a shortlist of eight coaches and they interviewed three and they offered it to me so I took it for the experience.\n\u201cI\u2019ve been coaching rugby for 35 years now, from schoolboy level to club and provincial level and it\u2019s totally different.\n\u201cIn South Africa, you start playing rugby at six years old, here it is much later.\n\u201cAlthough they have been playing rugby for 20 years, they only have four clubs and they all play a one-dimensional type of game.\nRead More – Korea Keep their dream alive for a Historic Rugby World Cup Appearance\n\u201cCricket is so huge there, they need to grow the game. Luckily these matches were broadcast by television so that helps a lot in the marketing of rugby as a sport.\u201d\nPakistan\u2019s victory not only caused ripples of interest in a cricket-mad country but also led to a shake-up of the\u00a0World Rugby Men\u2019s Rankings, with a move of five places up the table to 92nd.\n\u201cThey are super-committed and hard working. If they get more opportunities to play and more exposure, they will go further up the rankings.\u201d\nThe post Pakistan promotion \u201cone of the best experiences of my life\u201d \u2013 Gert Mulder appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2022-06-09T21:54:24+08:00", "date_modified": "2022-06-14T00:52:26+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/New-head-coach-helps-steer-one-of-the-lowest-ranked-teams-in-the-world-to-Division-1-of-the-Asia-Rugby-Championship..jpg", "tags": [ "Gert Mulder", "Pakistan Rugby", "Thailand Rugby", "Pakistan", "Asia Rugby Championship", "Featured", "News", "ARC" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=8761", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2022/06/06/korea-keep-there-dream-alive-for-a-historic-rugby-world-cup-appearance/", "title": "Korea Keep their dream alive for a Historic Rugby World Cup Appearance", "content_html": "

Korea v Malaysia 55 \u2013 10 in Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2022 Semi

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Determined, gifted, skilful, well-drilled, disciplined and relentless, hosts Korea wore down and eventually overwhelmed a valiant, resilient and talented Malaysia 55 \u2013 10 in the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship semi-final in Incheon, Korea on 4th June 2022.

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\"Korea

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The colourful crowd at the Namdong Asiad Rugby Stadium, and rugby enthusiasts across the world watching the live stream, were treated by both teams to a real exhibition of high-class rugby.

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It was, arguably, more competitive a match and less of a one-sided blowout than the scoreline appears to scream; by the concluding whistle, Malaysia had surely been overwhelmed but certainly not outclassed.

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Crucially in this regard, despite not being challenged on the scoreboard at any point in the match\u2014having established the lead in the fifth minute, and never relinquishing only growing it at regular intervals\u2014Korea did not dominate Malaysia either territorially or in terms of possession: play changed hands equally and swung from the Korean to the Malaysian halves just as regularly right down to the final minute.

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The significantly heavier Korean pack certainly began to assert itself more and more as the game proceeded. By the second half, the Malaysian scrum did look substantially worn out: it was being bulldozed, driven backwards at rapid rates, even on its own put in. Nevertheless, the Malaysian forwards held their own in both lineouts and open play; they rucked solidly, their front row, locks, flankers and Number 8 in particular, Saukuru Etonia, crashed effectively and made plenty of advances right through to the death.

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Both teams\u2019 backlines were well served by excellent scrum halves, Malaysia\u2019s Muktee Badrul and Korea\u2019s Lee Jeon had outstanding games, both teams moved the ball across the field well, executed set plays efficiently, and ran with purpose, gaining much ground for their respective teams. The Malaysian backs were, however, guilty of committing more unforced ball-handling errors than their counterparts (both teams were also guilty of some silly chip-kicking; whereas both teams\u2019 positional kicking was predominantly on point).

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Moreover, the Korean backline proved more explosive through the centre and appeared to have considerably more speed on the wings, and were hence particularly deadly in counter-attacking.

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And so, Korea overwhelmed Malaysia immensely where it matters most: they treated spectators to a host of electrifying tries. Outside centre Kim Hyon Soo, winger Jeong Yeonsik and full-back Chang Yonghueng scored tries in the first half, with fly-half Kim Kimin missing only one of the three conversions. Malaysia had managed to respond to the first try with a penalty conversion by Mat Zizi Azwan Zuwairi early in the game.

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In the second half, the floodgates pretty much opened for Korea: inside centre Kim Gwongmin added another two tries, while Lock Shin Dahyeon (who got a reprieve with this one; just one play earlier he had completed a brilliant a winger-like burst down the left flank only to bounce instead of touching the ball down in the try zone), scrum-half Chae Minseong and flanker Choi Seongdeok each scored one. Four of the five tries were converted, one by fly-half Kim Kimin and four by full-back Oh Jimyeong.

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Meanwhile, Malaysia saw one near-sure try-scoring opportunity go begging in the second half courtesy the brilliant defending skills of Korean outside centre Kim Gwongmin. An excellent break, a gain of twenty or so meters, and deft off-load by scrum-half Muktee Badrul set up full-back Faris Pead, who took it into the end-zone only for Gwongmin\u2019s tackle to enforce a \u2018held-up\u2019 call.

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In the last minute, as if to underscore the remarkable Malaysian never-say-die flair they brought to the encounter, Number 8 Etonia Saukuru hoodwinked the Korean defence with a try from a well-worked lineout move, which full-back Faris Pead Azwan Zuwairi punctuated by converting \u2013 a difficult kick from way out wide after the final whistle had blown.

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Korea will host Hong Kong on the 9th of July. The winner of that match, the Asia Rugby Men’s Champion, will face \u00a0Tonga in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland\u00a0 Australia and the winner of the match to secure qualification at Rugby\u2019s biggest event next year in Pool B where they will face Scotland, Ireland and South Africa, with one other side to join from Europe.

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The loser joins the final qualification event scheduled to take place in November 2022 and will feature four teams playing in a round-robin format with the winner qualifying for Rugby World Cup.

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\u201cThis is a big step for Korean rugby historically,\u201d commented Korea\u2019s Captain Kim Gwongmin, \u201ca lot of difficulties (Challenges ) ahead but with everything put together, with a good team and good instruction, we believe we can beat Hong Kong and then successfully beat Tonga to reach the World Cup.\u201d

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Related Article: KOREA v MALAYSIA \u2013 NAMDONG ASIAD RUGBY STADIUM, INCHEON\u00a0

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The post Korea Keep their dream alive for a Historic Rugby World Cup Appearance appeared first on Asia Rugby.

\n", "content_text": "Korea v Malaysia 55 \u2013 10 in Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2022 Semi\nDetermined, gifted, skilful, well-drilled, disciplined and relentless, hosts Korea wore down and eventually overwhelmed a valiant, resilient and talented Malaysia 55 \u2013 10 in the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship semi-final in Incheon, Korea on 4th June 2022.\n\nThe colourful crowd at the Namdong Asiad Rugby Stadium, and rugby enthusiasts across the world watching the live stream, were treated by both teams to a real exhibition of high-class rugby.\nIt was, arguably, more competitive a match and less of a one-sided blowout than the scoreline appears to scream; by the concluding whistle, Malaysia had surely been overwhelmed but certainly not outclassed.\nCrucially in this regard, despite not being challenged on the scoreboard at any point in the match\u2014having established the lead in the fifth minute, and never relinquishing only growing it at regular intervals\u2014Korea did not dominate Malaysia either territorially or in terms of possession: play changed hands equally and swung from the Korean to the Malaysian halves just as regularly right down to the final minute.\nThe significantly heavier Korean pack certainly began to assert itself more and more as the game proceeded. By the second half, the Malaysian scrum did look substantially worn out: it was being bulldozed, driven backwards at rapid rates, even on its own put in. Nevertheless, the Malaysian forwards held their own in both lineouts and open play; they rucked solidly, their front row, locks, flankers and Number 8 in particular, Saukuru Etonia, crashed effectively and made plenty of advances right through to the death.\nBoth teams\u2019 backlines were well served by excellent scrum halves, Malaysia\u2019s Muktee Badrul and Korea\u2019s Lee Jeon had outstanding games, both teams moved the ball across the field well, executed set plays efficiently, and ran with purpose, gaining much ground for their respective teams. The Malaysian backs were, however, guilty of committing more unforced ball-handling errors than their counterparts (both teams were also guilty of some silly chip-kicking; whereas both teams\u2019 positional kicking was predominantly on point).\nMoreover, the Korean backline proved more explosive through the centre and appeared to have considerably more speed on the wings, and were hence particularly deadly in counter-attacking.\nAnd so, Korea overwhelmed Malaysia immensely where it matters most: they treated spectators to a host of electrifying tries. Outside centre Kim Hyon Soo, winger Jeong Yeonsik and full-back Chang Yonghueng scored tries in the first half, with fly-half Kim Kimin missing only one of the three conversions. Malaysia had managed to respond to the first try with a penalty conversion by Mat Zizi Azwan Zuwairi early in the game.\nIn the second half, the floodgates pretty much opened for Korea: inside centre Kim Gwongmin added another two tries, while Lock Shin Dahyeon (who got a reprieve with this one; just one play earlier he had completed a brilliant a winger-like burst down the left flank only to bounce instead of touching the ball down in the try zone), scrum-half Chae Minseong and flanker Choi Seongdeok each scored one. Four of the five tries were converted, one by fly-half Kim Kimin and four by full-back Oh Jimyeong.\nMeanwhile, Malaysia saw one near-sure try-scoring opportunity go begging in the second half courtesy the brilliant defending skills of Korean outside centre Kim Gwongmin. An excellent break, a gain of twenty or so meters, and deft off-load by scrum-half Muktee Badrul set up full-back Faris Pead, who took it into the end-zone only for Gwongmin\u2019s tackle to enforce a \u2018held-up\u2019 call.\nIn the last minute, as if to underscore the remarkable Malaysian never-say-die flair they brought to the encounter, Number 8 Etonia Saukuru hoodwinked the Korean defence with a try from a well-worked lineout move, which full-back Faris Pead Azwan Zuwairi punctuated by converting \u2013 a difficult kick from way out wide after the final whistle had blown.\nKorea will host Hong Kong on the 9th of July. The winner of that match, the Asia Rugby Men’s Champion, will face \u00a0Tonga in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland\u00a0 Australia and the winner of the match to secure qualification at Rugby\u2019s biggest event next year in Pool B where they will face Scotland, Ireland and South Africa, with one other side to join from Europe.\nThe loser joins the final qualification event scheduled to take place in November 2022 and will feature four teams playing in a round-robin format with the winner qualifying for Rugby World Cup.\n\u201cThis is a big step for Korean rugby historically,\u201d commented Korea\u2019s Captain Kim Gwongmin, \u201ca lot of difficulties (Challenges ) ahead but with everything put together, with a good team and good instruction, we believe we can beat Hong Kong and then successfully beat Tonga to reach the World Cup.\u201d\nRelated Article: KOREA v MALAYSIA \u2013 NAMDONG ASIAD RUGBY STADIUM, INCHEON\u00a0\nThe post Korea Keep their dream alive for a Historic Rugby World Cup Appearance appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2022-06-06T15:54:40+08:00", "date_modified": "2022-06-06T20:11:24+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DSC08815-1.jpg", "tags": [ "ARC", "#ARMC2022", "Featured", "Asia Rugby Championship", "News" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=8747", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2022/06/02/pakistan-crowned-division-ii-champions/", "title": "Pakistan Crowned Division II Champions, Prevail in Lahore Thriller: Stun Thailand 24 \u2013 18 in Final Test, Clinch Championship by Solitary Point", "content_html": "

Ecstatic scenes were witnessed at the Punjab Stadium in Lahore on 1st\u00a0June, 2022, as the final whistle finally blew and the Pakistan national rugby team walked off, many of them carried off on compatriots\u2019 shoulders actually, Asia Rugby Division II Champions after an unbelievable 24 \u2013 18 victory against Thailand in the concluding match of Championship final.

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Having come from behind to steal the first match 20 \u2013 15 in the dying seconds, with the two-test contest being decided on points aggregated across both matches, Thailand needed only to lose this second match by less than 5 points to secure the Championship. They almost pulled it off again, that too well after the designated 80 minutes, in what appeared to be injury time.

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\"\"Thailand\u2019s star player, fly-half Thanapong Punpang\u2014who scored all 18 of his team\u2019s points from penalty conversions on the day, with 6 out of 7 attempts successful at that stage,including a monstrous boot from the halfway mark\u2014was gifted yet another easy opportunity by Pakistan, courtesy being penalised once again for needless indiscipline, in the 85th\u00a0minute.

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Sadly for Thailand and the outstanding fly-half, he missed one of the easiest kicks on offer all day. Had providence not stepped in as it appears to have done, had Punpang converted this last penalty kick, the score would have ended up 24 \u2013 21; the home team would then have won the second match but lost the Championship to the visitors on aggregate by 2 points.

\n

As it turned out, to the delight of the home team and boisterous crowd in attendance, Pakistan won both the match and the Division II Championship, the latter by a solitary point. A fair reflection of how unbelievably closely contested it all was. Lest one be fooled, this was no fluke though; there is no question Pakistan earned and deserved the victory.

\n

Defensively, the unforgivable multitude of unforced errors, ball-handling blunders, etc., aside: Pakistan was simply outstanding. The team did not concede even a single try in the final match! Shutting out a far more disciplined Thailand team, including a forwards pack boasting an electric live wire of a Number 8, Sarut Janda\u2014whose try won them the first match, and who was also exceptional in the second\u2014and a backs line with significant speed and a superior skill-set, was no mean feat.

\n

In terms of offence, Pakistan\u2019s forwards comprehensively dominated their counterparts in both matches: in scrums particularly, but also line outs and open play; their rolling mauls proved particularly threatening, and downright deadly more than once. Well led by team Captain Hammad Safdar, all eight came together as a truly formidable unit: so, it might be unfair to single out individuals herein. It would perhaps be even more unfair, however, to leave out honourable mentions of Number 8 Ali Shahid, and Locks Ali Khan and Saad Arif, who had outstanding games.

\n

\"\"That there is talent, skill and speed in Pakistan\u2019s backs line: of that there is little doubt. Nor, though, can there be any doubt that they need to be better drilled and, even more so, desperately need to reduce or preferably eliminate ball handling\u00a0errors drastically. Nevertheless, in both games, full-back Omair Khan played superbly; in attack and defence he stood out as the backbone of the team\u2019s backs; veteran winger Khalid Bhatti proved himself an outstanding force and finisher once again in the first match (unfortunately out with an injury in the second); and, young scrum-half Daud Gill had stellar outings and continues to show great promise.

\n

In both offence and defence and beyond, though, this Pakistan team demonstrated how much heart and spirit matters most of all in rugby. That they suffered a heartbreaking last-second defeat in the first match, were 5 points behind on aggregate, were down 9 points by half-time in this match, down 12 – zip shortly thereafter well into the second half, and had registered a big fat zilch on the scoreboard up to the 49th\u00a0minute: and yet, emerged victorious yet. This is the epic stuff of myths and legends that this team may very well be made of.

\n

After the phenomenally hard fought and incredibly well contested, nail-biting thriller of a first Test between hosts Pakistan and guests Thailand three days earlier had been decided in the dying seconds with Thailand clinching a 20 \u2013 15 victory out of the proverbial jaws of defeat with a brilliant try at the very death: it would be fair to contend that only an insane person could have put their money on the second and final match of the Asia Rugby Division II Championship being as, let alone even more, thrilling a contest, one that would go on to be decided pretty much post-death.

\n

\"\"But, Pakistan being Pakistan\u2026 as Asia Rugby\u2019s Development Consultant, Benjamin van Rooyen so aptly put it post-match: \u201cIf you had asked me to write a story, a thriller, up to the last minute, I could not have done it as well as Pakistan did.\u201d

\n

The post Pakistan Crowned Division II Champions, Prevail in Lahore Thriller: Stun Thailand 24 \u2013 18 in Final Test, Clinch Championship by Solitary Point appeared first on Asia Rugby.

\n", "content_text": "Ecstatic scenes were witnessed at the Punjab Stadium in Lahore on 1st\u00a0June, 2022, as the final whistle finally blew and the Pakistan national rugby team walked off, many of them carried off on compatriots\u2019 shoulders actually, Asia Rugby Division II Champions after an unbelievable 24 \u2013 18 victory against Thailand in the concluding match of Championship final.\nHaving come from behind to steal the first match 20 \u2013 15 in the dying seconds, with the two-test contest being decided on points aggregated across both matches, Thailand needed only to lose this second match by less than 5 points to secure the Championship. They almost pulled it off again, that too well after the designated 80 minutes, in what appeared to be injury time.\nThailand\u2019s star player, fly-half Thanapong Punpang\u2014who scored all 18 of his team\u2019s points from penalty conversions on the day, with 6 out of 7 attempts successful at that stage,including a monstrous boot from the halfway mark\u2014was gifted yet another easy opportunity by Pakistan, courtesy being penalised once again for needless indiscipline, in the 85th\u00a0minute.\nSadly for Thailand and the outstanding fly-half, he missed one of the easiest kicks on offer all day. Had providence not stepped in as it appears to have done, had Punpang converted this last penalty kick, the score would have ended up 24 \u2013 21; the home team would then have won the second match but lost the Championship to the visitors on aggregate by 2 points.\nAs it turned out, to the delight of the home team and boisterous crowd in attendance, Pakistan won both the match and the Division II Championship, the latter by a solitary point. A fair reflection of how unbelievably closely contested it all was. Lest one be fooled, this was no fluke though; there is no question Pakistan earned and deserved the victory.\nDefensively, the unforgivable multitude of unforced errors, ball-handling blunders, etc., aside: Pakistan was simply outstanding. The team did not concede even a single try in the final match! Shutting out a far more disciplined Thailand team, including a forwards pack boasting an electric live wire of a Number 8, Sarut Janda\u2014whose try won them the first match, and who was also exceptional in the second\u2014and a backs line with significant speed and a superior skill-set, was no mean feat.\nIn terms of offence, Pakistan\u2019s forwards comprehensively dominated their counterparts in both matches: in scrums particularly, but also line outs and open play; their rolling mauls proved particularly threatening, and downright deadly more than once. Well led by team Captain Hammad Safdar, all eight came together as a truly formidable unit: so, it might be unfair to single out individuals herein. It would perhaps be even more unfair, however, to leave out honourable mentions of Number 8 Ali Shahid, and Locks Ali Khan and Saad Arif, who had outstanding games.\nThat there is talent, skill and speed in Pakistan\u2019s backs line: of that there is little doubt. Nor, though, can there be any doubt that they need to be better drilled and, even more so, desperately need to reduce or preferably eliminate ball handling\u00a0errors drastically. Nevertheless, in both games, full-back Omair Khan played superbly; in attack and defence he stood out as the backbone of the team\u2019s backs; veteran winger Khalid Bhatti proved himself an outstanding force and finisher once again in the first match (unfortunately out with an injury in the second); and, young scrum-half Daud Gill had stellar outings and continues to show great promise.\nIn both offence and defence and beyond, though, this Pakistan team demonstrated how much heart and spirit matters most of all in rugby. That they suffered a heartbreaking last-second defeat in the first match, were 5 points behind on aggregate, were down 9 points by half-time in this match, down 12 – zip shortly thereafter well into the second half, and had registered a big fat zilch on the scoreboard up to the 49th\u00a0minute: and yet, emerged victorious yet. This is the epic stuff of myths and legends that this team may very well be made of.\nAfter the phenomenally hard fought and incredibly well contested, nail-biting thriller of a first Test between hosts Pakistan and guests Thailand three days earlier had been decided in the dying seconds with Thailand clinching a 20 \u2013 15 victory out of the proverbial jaws of defeat with a brilliant try at the very death: it would be fair to contend that only an insane person could have put their money on the second and final match of the Asia Rugby Division II Championship being as, let alone even more, thrilling a contest, one that would go on to be decided pretty much post-death.\nBut, Pakistan being Pakistan\u2026 as Asia Rugby\u2019s Development Consultant, Benjamin van Rooyen so aptly put it post-match: \u201cIf you had asked me to write a story, a thriller, up to the last minute, I could not have done it as well as Pakistan did.\u201d\nThe post Pakistan Crowned Division II Champions, Prevail in Lahore Thriller: Stun Thailand 24 \u2013 18 in Final Test, Clinch Championship by Solitary Point appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2022-06-02T19:21:58+08:00", "date_modified": "2022-06-03T14:13:22+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Cover-Images.jpg", "tags": [ "Asia Rugby Division II Champions", "Featured", "Asia Rugby Championship", "News" ] }, { "id": "https://www.asiarugby.com/?p=8723", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/2022/05/29/pakistan-thailand/", "title": "Pakistan & Thailand Lock Horns in Asia Rugby Division II Clash in Lahore", "content_html": "

Pakistan & Thailand Lock Horns in Asia Rugby Division II Clash in Lahore

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Asia Rugby Returns to Play: Division II Match Marks First Asia Rugby Test after 1,064 Days

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\u00a0Pakistan and Thailand are all set to battle for a chance at promotion to Asia Rugby\u2019s top tier Championship in a two-test Division II clash in Pakistan getting underway on Sunday 29th May, with the second Test to be played on 1st June, 2022.

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Results and Fixture: Asia Rugby Men’s Division 2 2022

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\"PakistanThis leg of the Championship represents a landmark as far Asia Rugby\u2019s post-pandemic \u2018Return to Play\u2019 strategy: it marks 1,064 days since Asia Rugby last hosted a test match. \u201cThree years is a long time for a sport to be dormant. It is great for Asia Rugby\u2026 to get back on track again. If you want to grow the game, you must see some great international clashes to showcase the best talent available. Giving players the opportunity to grow and test themselves against the best,\u201d comments Pakistan Head Coach Gert Mulder.

\n

Mulder, who is overjoyed at the prospect of his team returning to the field, adds: \u201cWe saw back in my home country, South Africa, that we had a huge increase in player numbers on all levels getting back on the rugby fields after Covid. I believe we will see the same phenomenon all over the world. That said, I do not think it was difficult to get players on the pitch again; they want to play and they want to represent their country. The main concern was to get the players strength and conditioning up to standard to prevent injuries and get the players battle ready.\u201d

\n

Things are heating up in Lahore in every sense as anticipation, preparations and excitement peak ahead of the first Test. The Pakistan Rugby Union hosted a press conference the day before the opening fixture, which was well covered by both the electronic and print media.

\n

Both matches are being played at the Punjab Stadium in Lahore, commencing at 7.30 p.m. local time. Entry for the public is free and all officials and players at the Press Conference warmly welcomed Lahoris to come experience the excitement of international rugby in their own back yard.

\n

\"\"

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Moreover, Pakistan Captain Hammad Safdar and PRU President Arif Saeed encouraged the public to come to the stadium to support the national team in these crucial encounters. The matches will also be live-streamed on Asia Rugby\u2019s Facebook and Youtube pages. Click on the link below to catch all the action LIVE:
\nhttps://www.asiarugby.com/videos/

\n

The post Pakistan & Thailand Lock Horns in Asia Rugby Division II Clash in Lahore appeared first on Asia Rugby.

\n", "content_text": "Pakistan & Thailand Lock Horns in Asia Rugby Division II Clash in Lahore\nAsia Rugby Returns to Play: Division II Match Marks First Asia Rugby Test after 1,064 Days\n\u00a0Pakistan and Thailand are all set to battle for a chance at promotion to Asia Rugby\u2019s top tier Championship in a two-test Division II clash in Pakistan getting underway on Sunday 29th May, with the second Test to be played on 1st June, 2022.\nResults and Fixture: Asia Rugby Men’s Division 2 2022\nThis leg of the Championship represents a landmark as far Asia Rugby\u2019s post-pandemic \u2018Return to Play\u2019 strategy: it marks 1,064 days since Asia Rugby last hosted a test match. \u201cThree years is a long time for a sport to be dormant. It is great for Asia Rugby\u2026 to get back on track again. If you want to grow the game, you must see some great international clashes to showcase the best talent available. Giving players the opportunity to grow and test themselves against the best,\u201d comments Pakistan Head Coach Gert Mulder.\nMulder, who is overjoyed at the prospect of his team returning to the field, adds: \u201cWe saw back in my home country, South Africa, that we had a huge increase in player numbers on all levels getting back on the rugby fields after Covid. I believe we will see the same phenomenon all over the world. That said, I do not think it was difficult to get players on the pitch again; they want to play and they want to represent their country. The main concern was to get the players strength and conditioning up to standard to prevent injuries and get the players battle ready.\u201d\nThings are heating up in Lahore in every sense as anticipation, preparations and excitement peak ahead of the first Test. The Pakistan Rugby Union hosted a press conference the day before the opening fixture, which was well covered by both the electronic and print media.\nBoth matches are being played at the Punjab Stadium in Lahore, commencing at 7.30 p.m. local time. Entry for the public is free and all officials and players at the Press Conference warmly welcomed Lahoris to come experience the excitement of international rugby in their own back yard.\n\nMoreover, Pakistan Captain Hammad Safdar and PRU President Arif Saeed encouraged the public to come to the stadium to support the national team in these crucial encounters. The matches will also be live-streamed on Asia Rugby\u2019s Facebook and Youtube pages. Click on the link below to catch all the action LIVE:\nhttps://www.asiarugby.com/videos/\nThe post Pakistan & Thailand Lock Horns in Asia Rugby Division II Clash in Lahore appeared first on Asia Rugby.", "date_published": "2022-05-29T09:24:29+08:00", "date_modified": "2022-05-29T09:24:29+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Asia Rugby", "url": "https://www.asiarugby.com/author/k-haroon/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea791d807df550e52d2e6508886912b7?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.asiarugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ar2.jpg", "tags": [ "ARC", "ARC2022", "#ARMD2", "Featured", "Asia Rugby Championship", "Live Streaming" ] } ] }