Shanghai Sevens International Rugby Tournament

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Eight Asian teams competed in last weekend's Shanghai Sevens International Rugby Tournament as rugby continues to make the case that it should be added as an Olympic sport. In the end, South Korea was victorious over Japan in the finals, with China's Hong Kong, Taipei and Mainland teams coming in 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively.

A modest crowd made it out to the remote venue somewhere north of Jinqiao (for this photographer, it took three subway lines and 21 stops to get there). Those who made it got to take in two days of non-stop competition.

On the women's side, China won four matches against Guam. The tournament also featured many matches between local teams and prep schools. The rugby organizers showed they could teach Olympic organizers at least one thing- how to provide good food! The Snickers bars and convenience store food on hand at the Beijing Olympics were replaced by hamburgers, meat pies, margaritas and Guinness.

Photos and article by Jeremy Breningstall.