It was Hong Kong’s second win over Japan in as many days following a 19-7 victory in the pool stages.
John’s side entered the third and final leg of the series in third place in the standings and in danger of missing out on next year’s big event. Hong Kong needed to finish at least two spots ahead of Korea to grab second spot behind rivals Japan and the tournament win in Colombo meant they did it comfortably, with the Koreans slipping to fourth after losing the bronze medal match to hosts Sri Lanka.
Hong Kong have also qualified for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2018/19 qualifier at April’s Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, as well as continuing their ever-present record at Rugby World Cup Sevens.
“It’s a huge thing for Hong Kong rugby to be playing in those major competitions. To beat Japan twice in two days is a great achievement and the most important thing was we knew we’d qualified going into that last game but it was just not to relax and go on and win the tournament,” said John who had former Wales Sevens captain, Jevon Groves, as his assistant.
“The main goal was to get qualification and I’m just pleased the way that they dug in and fought for each other out there,” John said.
