A young and inexperienced Tongan Sevens team was outclassed by Japan (33 – 0) in the quarter finals of the HSBC Series qualifying competition at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament yesterday April 10.

In the pool stages of the competition, Tonga lost narrowly to Morocco (19 – 17) and to Japan (31 – 0). Tonga scored its only win against Brazil (26 – 5). The bonus try victory against Brazil was enough to sneak Tonga into the quarter finals where they were once again beated by Japan. Japan eventually moved on to win the HSBC Series qualifying competition, beating hosts Hong Kong (24 – 14).

Despite the failure, Tonga still has a chance to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. If Tonga can win an upcoming Olympic Qualifying tournament in Monaco this June, they will be given a spot at the Rio Olympics. The Monaco Sevens tournament will feature 16 outsider teams, including formidable teams such as Samoa, Canada, Spain, Ireland and Russia.