As Indonesia hosted Asia’s biggest post-pandemic sevens tournament since the Asia Rugby’s ‘Return To Play’ strategy hit the ground, the Singapore women’s and men’s 7s teams were crowned Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy champions in Jakarta, thereby qualifying for the pinnacle 7s event in Asia, the Asia Rugby Sevens Series 2023.
The Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy made a truly spectacular return after three years with 12 men’s and 7 women’s teams contesting what proved to be a festival of Rugby featuring teams from all five regions, from Guam in the East to Jordan in the West, Indonesia in the South, to Mongolia in the North.
In the men’s final Singapore beat Afghanistan 19 – 5 thanks largely to the experienced pair of Sean Andriesz — the top try scorer of the tournament — and Ada Vine, who managed to retain control of the match against a seriously talented Afghanistan team, which included six Slaimankhel brothers, including captain Omer, one of the most outstanding players in the tournament.
In an oddly similar, thrilling women’s final, the Singapore team also used their superior wealth of experience to prevail over a determined India 17 – 5.
Womens Fixtures and Results : Link
Two teams made their debuts at the games: the Iraq Men’s and Mongolia Women’s teams. Mongolia Women, inspirationally led by Asia Rugby Unstoppable ambassador Dejidmaa UUGANBAYAR, were also able to get their first win — over Nepal 10 – 5.
Singapore 🇸🇬 men 🚹 and women win Gold 🥇 and Promotion to the Asia Rugby Seven Series in 2023.
Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2022 #ARST #ARST2022 #AsiaRugby #GoldMedal pic.twitter.com/Kz5INF6uOc
— Asia Rugby (@asiarugby) August 7, 2022
Iraq has only recently joined the rugby fraternity; their women’s team debuted at last year’s West Asia ‘Return to Play’ tournament held in Doha Qatar, which featured 5 women’s teams.
Men’s Fixtures and Results : Link
With teams cheering on and supporting other teams, both on and off the field, the atmosphere at the event was more festive than conventional tournaments with all teams celebrating their long-awaited ‘Return to Play’.
Rugby in Asia is defiantly back with a bang, the level of play much higher than expected; most teams have clearly used the downtime to work on fitness, speed and endurance, all factors critical to success in Sevens.
Final standing Men
1. Singapore
2. Afghanistan
3. Thailand
4. Iran
5. Kazakhstan
6. Mongolia
7. Jordon
8. Indonesia
9. India
10. Pakistan
11. Brunei
12. Iraq
Final standings Women’s
1. Singapore
2. India
3. UAE
4. Indonesia
5. Guam
6. Mongolia
7. Nepal
