Clarke, Philippines successfully hosted the SEA Games rugby 7s 2019 over the weekend with the Thailand women claiming another gold while the Philippines men also won gold.
The rugby sevens at the Southeast Asia Games had fewer teams compete this year, but the top team were still involved over the course of two sunny and fiercely competitive days at the Clarke Parade Grounds. You can find out more about the pools in our pre-tournament write-up, but as predicted the usual suspects were in the medal contention by the second day of action.
Women’s Rugby Sevens – SEA Games 2019
Thailand were firm favourites going into the SEA Games, having claimed every gold in SEA Games women’s rugby sevens to date. However, the Philippines were hoping to upset the Thai team and looked strong in their pool games, winning all of their matches except the game against the Thais. In what was shaping up to be a gold medal match, the Thai women easily dispatched the Philippines 38-12 in the pool game.
Indonesia was the surprise package over the weekend, looking very physical and vastly improved from a couple of years ago.
The Singapore women, despite the best efforts of one of the players of the tournament in number 12, Jayne, were disappointed not to make the medal playoff games. They came up against Laos in the 5th-6th match and easily put away the Laos team with Jayne scoring 5 tries in the game. Laos was no match for any team on the weekend and played with heart but lack the physicality to compete with the other teams at this level.
In the bronze match, some poor discipline cost the Indonesians but they fought back hard from 19-0 to narrowly lose 19-12. The Malaysian were happy to retain bronze and had too much pace out wide.
In the final gold game, the Philippines were looking for a massive game to upset the Thais but conceded a try and needless yellow card within the first two minutes. Although they stayed in touch and the game was far closer than the pool game, the Thais were superior and came out on top 17-7 to maintain their 100% record in winning women’s rugby 7s gold at the SEA Games.
Women’s Rugby Sevens results
- 5th-6th playoff: Singapore 43-0 Laos
- Bronze playoff: Indonesia 12-19 Malaysia
- Gold-Silver playoff: Thailand 17-7 Philippines
Men’s Rugby Sevens – SEA Games 2019
The Philippines men were one of the leading contenders going into the Games, especially with the home ground and fan support, and on the back of recent impressive performances. However, Malaysia was not going to relinquish the gold spot easily. In their group game, however, the Philippines won convincingly 24-0 to confirm they would be favourites heading into the medal matches.
Laos and Indonesia had a tough weekend and endured some big losses against far superior teams despite some gutsy displays. In their 5th-6th match, it was the Indonesians who came out on top 21-7.
Singapore and Thailand had mixed results in the group games but in the bronze medal match, it was the Thais who edges a tough and passionate game 12-5 to deny Singapore any medals in the rugby 7s and complete a poor 2019 for their national teams in rugby.
In the final, the Philippines men conceded an early yellow card but were still too powerful for the Malaysians to score 3 tries and shut out the Malaysians. The final score of 19-0 was well deserved, and with some fervent home support, the Philippines men claimed gold and ended the weekend on a high.
Men’s Rugby Sevens results
- 5th-6th playoff: Indonesia 21-7 Laos
- Bronze playoff: Singapore 5-12 Thailand
- Gold-Silver playoff: Philippines 19-0 Malaysia
All of the results from the Rugby 7s at the SEA Games can be seen here.
Read more about Asian rugby
- The best rugby tournaments this December.
- Read our thoughts on the new Asia Rugby Exco challenges.
- 2020 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens and the Singapore Sevens 2020.
- Find out about the best national team Asian rugby 7s events here.
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