Despite a fairytale run in the 2019 Hong Kong Sevens Qualifiers, Ireland ultimately proved one step too far for the likes of veteran Salom Yiu and Max Woodward despite the backing of a cacophonous home crowd.
However, Yiu places great value on the experience and believes wins over the Philippines (twice), Zimbabwe, Tonga and Chile to reach the brink of World Series qualification puts them in a strong position to once again vie for qualification, this time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
This is the first time the hosts have reached the Final since 2016 and signals an upward trajectory for Hong Kong Rugby, with the Women's squad also making the quarter-finals and playing in the Hong Kong Stadium for the first time.
Text: Joshua Lok