Deluge delivers salvation for Hong Kong in Asian championship

Hong Kong held on to their number two spot in Asia after the final match in the Asia Rugby Championship against Japan was abandoned on Saturday owing to torrential rain – much to the disgust of World Cup-bound Japanese coach Eddie Jones. Hong Kong’s women lost 12-27 in their finale against Japan and ended third in the Asia Women’s Rugby Championship.

For the first time in more than four decades a rugby match was called off with the pitch at Aberdeen Sports Ground resembling a lake.

Japan led 3-0 after 13 minutes in the men's event but driving rain forced both teams off as the referee called for a 10-minute rain delay. This was extended by another 20 minutes before Asian Rugby Football Union officials decided to abandon the match and declare it a draw.

That gave Hong Kong three valuable points, which allowed Nick Hewson's men to hang on to the regional runners-up slot behind Japan, who had already been crowned 2015 Asian champions because of their unassailable lead. South Korea finished third.

"It was absolutely the right decision for the referee to abandon the match," said Hong Kong head coach Andy Hall. "It would have been a struggle to have a boat out there let alone play rugby. The game was important for both teams but it was not worth risking the safety of the players."

Japanese counterpart Jones disagreed saying the match should have gone ahead. The Australian, who will be in charge of the Brave Blossoms at this September's RWC in England and Wales, said the return leg against Hong Kong was one of his last chances to make up his mind on selection.

"It wasn't dangerous out there. We said we wanted to play and that is why we went out and trained saying we were willing, but the decision had been made," Jones said.