HSBC to sponsor Asian Five Nations

By Shamseer Jaleel

Rugby:The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation will sponsor the Asian Five Nations 2008 tournament. HSBC announced this major deal at a press conference at Queens Road Central, HSBC Regional Head Quarters.

Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Kazakhstan and Arabian Gulf will be locking horns in the top division. The opener will be between hosts Hong Kong and Arabian Gulf on 25 April.

Sri Lankan outfit will be travelling to Taipei where they will be battling it out with China, Singapore and Taipei. If Sri Lanka wins the tournament they will be promoted to the top division, Sri Lanka will have their games on 16 and 19 of April in Taipei.

Speaking at the press conference Sandy Flokhart Chief Executive HSBC Asia Pacific said that HSBC is proud to sponsor the ARFU regional event and this sponsorship will continue for 3 years. Ross Mitchell Secretary General said that this tournament will be taken as an important one as there will be cream of rugby talent from Asia in Action. Worlds leading try scorer Daisuke Ohata from Japan was also honoured at this event.

The Lankan outfit will be in action at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens last week of March and the final selection process will take place at the next week-ends Club Sevens.