On the back of a 10th placed finish at the Rio Olympic Games the Japan National Women’s Development team are the latest team announced to contest the Kinesio Cup at the UON Central Coast Sevens in October.
Japan ranked 11th in the world faced arguably the toughest pool in Rio confronted by Sevens powerhouse and eventual Bronze Medalists Canada, Great Britain along and host nation Brasil.
The Central Coast Sevens has previously featured Japanese club side Rugirl 7 who have contested the tournament over the last two years, however 2016 will see the Japanese national development team seeking to ensure a strong showing in the internationally renowned invitational tournament to be held from 21st-23 October 2016. The tournament is utilised by several national teams looking to prepare for the start of the World Series.
Japan Head Coach Inada Hitoshi said “We appreciate this opportunity to attend the tournament. We understand it will be tough games with a lot of great opponents. However, we will do our best for triumph and enjoy each game. We look forward to seeing other team members, coaches, and staff”.
The Japanese women are currently ranked 11th in the world based on 2015/16 world series standings and will add another exciting dimension to the tournament.
Central Coast Sevens Tournament Director Craig Morgan said “the inclusion of the Japanese National Women’s team fresh from the Olympic Games is an exciting addition to the competition, teams come here to compete and prepare for the world-series with others wanting a shot at the worlds best, we are pleased to offer such a platform and that the tournament is held in such high esteem to continue to attract teams from around the world, we look forward to welcoming Japan to the Central Coast and seeing them out on the field”.
The UON Central Coast Sevens will kick off on Friday 21st October with youth boys and girls tournaments with all of the international men’s and women’s events running over Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October at Wyong Leagues Club.
The tournament is set to feature several of the worlds best teams including World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalists the Australian National Women’s Team the Aussie Pearls who will defend the Central Coast KInesio Cup title won in 2015.
Tickets are now on sale at www.centralcoastsevens.com.au with free tickets available for kids aged 14 and under (available online only)
