Japan win IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy

Japan win IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy

Japan will compete in the IRB Junior World Championship 2015 after they defeated Tonga 35-10 in the final of the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy in Hong Kong on Saturday.

The Japanese, orchestrated superbly by half-backs Genki Okoshi and captain Rikiya Matsuda, scored four tries, including a penalty try, as they finally emerged triumphant in the final of the Junior World Rugby Trophy after losses at the same stage in each of the last three years.

The victory means that Japan will take their place alongside the world’s top Under 20 teams in Italy next year for the first time since they dropped out of the Junior World Championship back in 2009.

USA edged Uruguay 26-25 to finish third in the tournament. Georgia enjoyed a 46-17 win over Namibia to claim fifth, whilst in the opening match of the final day Canada came from behind to beat Hong Kong 33-30 and secure seventh place.