Japan to host Asian Barbarians before Rugby World Cup

By Bernie Wijesekera

Japan, undoubtedly the top rugby playing nation in the Asian region has decided to organise a match against the Asian Barbarians before the mega event the Rugby World Cup to be staged in France in October 2007.

The match with Asian Barbarians will be held in September ‘07.

This was revealed by the president of the Sri Lanka Rugby Union, DIG Nimal Lewke. The president represented the Rugby Union to attend a conference of the Asian Rugby Football Union, held in Hong Kong in collaboration with the International Rugby 7s.

The match between Japan and Asian Barbarians, too was discussed, prior to the World Cup 07 to be in Japan. All expenses will be borne by the Japanese Rugby Union.

The International Rugby Board represented for the Asian region by Jerrard Gallaghar, will oversee and assist to finalise Japan – Asian Barbarians tie played among the players in the region.