Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 qualifying continues this weekend with the Asian regional event in Hong Kong, Japan's men and Kazakhstan's women favourites to win and book their places in Dubai in March.
Japan heads the seedings in the 12-team men’s tournaments where two qualifier places are up for grabs, while reigning Asian champions Kazakhstan will be looking to claim one of the three spots available in the nine-team women’s event, which will be played concurrently at the Hong Kong Football Club.
“The Asia qualifiers promise to be extremely competitive. The reigning Asian Games champions Japan are probably favourites for the men’s competition, but Korea and China have improved since that tournament in Doha. You can also never discount Hong Kong of course, especially on home soil,” said IRB Sevens Manager Beth Coalter.
The other seeded teams in the men’s event are Korea (second seeds), Hong Kong (third) and China (fourth) and each will head a pool. In Pool A Japan face Kazakhstan and Thailand with the winners advancing to face the winners of Pool D in the semi-finals on Sunday, which will be competed by China, Malaysia and Guam. Korea are joined by Chinese Taipei and Singapore in Pool B with the winners taking on the top team in Pool C which is contested by Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and India.
Kazakhstan women's pedigree
In the women’s qualifier Kazakhstan have been drawn with Hong Kong and Singapore in Pool A while China, Arabian Gulf and Sri Lanka comprise Pool B and Japan, Thailand and Chinese Taipei form Pool C. The three pool winners are guaranteed passage to the semi-finals along with the best runner-up. The two finalists and the winner of the third place play-off will qualify for Dubai.
The qualifying process for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 kicked off in January and by its completion 87 men’s and 83 women’s teams will have participated. So far 17 men’s teams have been confirmed with Uruguay, Portugal, Wales, Georgia, Ireland, Italy, Samoa and Tonga joining automatic qualifiers Fiji, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Australia, France, Scotland, Argentina and Host Union Arabian Gulf in the men’s event.
The nine nations already qualified for the first ever RWC Sevens women’s event are Brazil, England, the Netherlands, Russia, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Uganda and South Africa.
“With less than six months to go preparation for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 is at an advanced stage. The regional qualifying structure is another important milestone along the road to Dubai and is the largest qualifying process for a Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament, underlining Rugby Sevens truly global appeal,” said Coalter.
Following the Asia qualifiers this weekend, two further regional tournaments will take place; North America (Bahamas, October 25-26, men and women) and Africa (Tunisia, October 31–November 1, men).