ON the same day Catalans secured Super League’s minor premiership, Tokyo French Crusaders were crowned the first champions of a new Japanese Nines tournament.
The Riverside Nines comprised five rugby union clubs as well as hosts Abiko Ducks and was the result of years of hard work by New Zealander David Canham.
And a few hours before James Maloney’s extra-time field goal secured the Perpignan men the League Leaders shield in Newcastle with a 31-20 win over St Helens, there had been a Gallic flavour to events 7700 km away in Tokyo.
Tokyo French Crusaders, an amalgamation of Tokyo Crusaders Rugby Club and Tokyo All France Rugby Club, beat Endogawa Supermen and Narita Chaozu in their pool matches before downing the Supermen 16-10 in the first Riverside Nines final at Sankei Sports Centre.
Now all six teams are preparing to form a new competition in Japan.
“It was a very successful day and laid the foundations for an exciting future,” said Canham, the tournament director. “For most of the players, it was their first time playing rugby league”
RESULTS
Game 1:
Abiko Ducks 8 Narita Chaozu 8
Game 2:
Tokyo French Crusaders 30 Joto Donkeys 4
Game 3:
Edogawa Supermen 28 Narita Chaozu 10
Game 4:
Abiko Ducks 12 Joto Donkeys 12
Game 5:
Narita Chaozu 0 Tokyo French Crusaders 18
Game 6:
Edogawa Supermen 24 Abiko Ducks 8
Game 7:
Tokyo French Crusaders 24 Edogawa Superman 0
Game 8:
Narita Chaozu 22 Joto Donkeys 8
Semi-finell:
Edogawa Superman 16 Narita Chaozu 12
Bowl Final:
Abiko Ducks 22 Joto Donkeys 6
Exhibition:
All Stars A 16 All Stars B 10
Final:
Tokyo French Crusaders 16 Edogawa Superman 10
