Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Japan defeated Portugal on Sunday to claim the top spot in the World Rugby u20 Trophy tournament. Played in diabolical conditions at the Estadio Charrua in Montevideo, the match was abandoned in the 65th minute with when thunder and visible lightning added to the heavy rain and a pitch reduced to a quagmire. The 14-3 lead was good enough for Japan to be declared winners and in doing so earning their spot in the 2018 World Rugby u20 Championship.
It’s an immediate return to the Championship for Japan, who were relegated from the top flight in 2016. Their consistency over the four match days saw them through after surviving a scare from Chile in the opening round. Portugal ultimately came up short but can be immensely proud of their best-ever finish in only their third trip to the Trophy tournament.
Earlier action in the day had seen Canada claim a 38-0 victory over Hong Kong to secure 7th spot and avoid the Wooden Spoon. Chile held on to upset Fiji 15-13 in the match of the day, and Uruguay secured the Bronze as they took a convincing 34-12 result over Namibia.
