HONG KONG: Ahead of the first Rugby World Cup in Asia, which begins in Japan on September 20, AFP Sport has this week refiled a series of stories, pictures and videos examining rugby´s development across the world´s largest and most populous continent.
From colonial roots rugby has grown unevenly in Asia, with many oblivious to the game but with several hotspots thriving -- including some surprising outposts.
The articles were originally moved in July and August. To conclude the series we will today shortly move again these final three pieces:
RugbyU-WC-2019-HKG-HongKong,FOCUS
HONG KONG
As Japan gears up to host Asia´s first Rugby World Cup, they might give a nod of thanks in the direction of continental neighbours Hong Kong for helping to make it all possible.
750 words by Daniel Hicks. File picture
RugbyU-WC-2019-CHN-China,FOCUS
CHONGQING, China
Dozens of enthusiastic amateur teams are flying the flag for rugby in China, where attempts to grow the game known as "olive ball" are stuttering.
650 words by Elizabeth Law. Picture. Video
RugbyU-WC-2019-AFG-Afghanistan,FOCUS
KABUL
Thirty or so teenagers kick up dust as they sprint around a field in Kabul, focused intensely as they chase an oval ball in the sweltering heat. The players are sweating profusely but that has not dampened their enthusiasm for their new-found sport: rugby.
600 words by Laurent Abadie. Picture. Video
We have already moved:
RugbyU-WC-2019-PHI-Philippines-Ramirez,FOCUS
RugbyU-WC-2019-Pacific,FOCUS
Rugby-WC-2019-VIE-Vietnam,FOCUS
RugbyU-WC-2019-IND-India,FOCUS
RugbyU-WC-2019-NZL-schools,FOCUS
RugbyU-WC-2019-MYA-Myanmar,FOCUS
Al Nassr player is "toughest opponent" for popular Premier League Hall of Fame player
Al Nassr player is back with Portugal after missing friendly against Sweden
Camp will see players prepare for upcoming series against New Zealand, England as well as T20I World Cup
From triumph to tribulation: Undertaker's WrestleMania missteps revealed
Sharing three pictures of them together, Malik captioned the post: "Happy Birthday Sana Shoaib Malik"
“I still dream to play for Pakistan,” Amir writes on X, taking back his retirement