Hong Kong urged to field team in Japan’s Top League
Blossoms coach Jones says Top League move is only way to close gap on champions
Hong Kong has again been asked to field a team in Japan's professional Top League - this time by Brave Blossoms' head coach Eddie Jones, who believes a franchise based here would help the national squad close the gap on the perennial Asian champions.
"It is time for Hong Kong to think seriously about having a team of full-time professionals in Japan's premier competition," said Jones, who was here at the weekend for the Asian Five Nations Top Five competition.
"The Japan Rugby Union isn't doing enough to promote the game across the rest of Asia and I believe such a move would help the game in the region.
"Apart from Hong Kong, countries such as South Korea should also look at having a team in his league. It would help develop the game in their countries."
The Japan Top League comprises 14 teams, mostly backed by large corporations. Launched in 2003, it has been credited with raising standards in Japan - ranked No15 in the world - largely due to the introduction of full-time professionals, mainly from Australia and New Zealand.
"Just imagine having teams from Hong Kong and South Korea in this competition, or even playing in a regional club championship like soccer's AFC Champions League," said Jones. "This would generate a lot of interest and help raise the standards of the game."
