Pakistan national 7s team returned from Bangkok Thailand last night after taking part in the prestigious HSBC Rugby 7s Series Tournament.Pakistan team with included eight new caps and two under 20 boys surprised all expectations by beating UAE team in the semi-final of the bowl 31-7 and then finished runners-up in the bowl. The UAE team went on to win the shield competition beating Philippines in the shield final.
Pakistan final standing was sixth in the eight-team event which included the the best teams of Asia. The PRU main goal was to give upcoming players the much-needed international exposure and experience against the top rugby playing nations. The goal was more than achieved as Pakistan not only got to play against all the top countries but also was able to give them tough time. One of the highlights was the points scored against Japan by scoring 2 tries.
The team looking great throughout the tournament showing good basic rugby and great athletic talent IRB official Ismail Kadir who has visited Pakistan a year ago said: “It is great to see the development of rugby in Pakistan. The make up of the team shows the great progress being made in the development of rugby in the country.”
He also pointed out the great skill shown by the Pakistan man of the match Khalid Bhatti who was one of the best players of the whole tournament as he not only got some good tries but also was excellent in tackling and defense. His defence played try-saving tackles against the top two leaders Japan and Hong Kong.
Pakistan was runners-up in the bowl compaction of the tournament beating UAE in the semi-final who went on to with the lower shield competition. In the semi-final, Pakistan lost their captain Umer Butt and Shakeel Ahmed due to injury who had been the main play makers throughout the event. In the final of the bowl, Pakistan team lost against LAOS who were the other stars of the event beating high-ranked Philippines in the semi-final.
