Top seeds Singapore will be looking to put the disappointment of 2016 behind them as they look to bounce immediately back into the Asia Rugby Sevens Series 2017 by winning promotion in the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2017 #ARST that will take place later this week in Doha, Qatar.
The Singapore squad have been pooled with Pakistan and Jordan, newcomers to the international game in the Asia Rugby ranks, and shouldn’t face too many problems in progressing through their pool.
Singapore will also bring some side line experience with them to Doha having secured the services of one the Sevens greats in Ben Gollings, as mentor, who will no doubt bring a confidence and a competitive edge to the side.
But not to be overawed, the remaining seeds of Thailand, UAE and Philippines will all have their eyes firmly on the trophy #ARST as they also look to return their Sevens programmes to the top echelon of Sevens rugby. And with it, continue their path in the qualification for next years’ Rugby World Cup Sevens that will take place in San Francisco in July, 2018.
Second seeds, Thailand, have been pooled with Iran and Bangladesh. UAE, who are guaranteed a top 8 spot and a place in the quarter finals, face a tougher task in topping their pool having been pooled with India.
Philippines, pooled with Qatar and Nepal, should also progress through to the quarter final stage, but will be weary of a host side who will be looking to impress the local fans on home soil.
Tournament Details #ARST
The tournament commences with Pool Play on Friday 3 March at the Aspire Warm Up and Rugby Stadium and culminates with Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Playoff matches on Saturday 4 March.
Follow updates of the tournament:
#ARST
Link: Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2017
Facebook: facebook.com/asiarugby
Twitter: @asiarugby
Google+: +AsiaRugbylive
Instagram : @Asiarugylive
