Big day for Canada’s Nathan Hirayama at Hong Kong rugby sevens event
HONG KONG — Nathan Hirayama, celebrating his 50th World Series event, engineered a 17-14 win over Kenya in Canada’s opening game Friday at the Hong Kong Sevens.
The 29-year-old from Richmond, B.C., kicked a penalty from in front of the posts for the winning margin with no time remaining on the clock. Hirayama also took over sole possession of the Canadian rugby sevens points record at 980. He had come into the game tied with Phil Mack at 973.
Luke McCloskey and Harry Jones scored tries for Canada with Hirayama also providing two conversions. Dennis Ombachi and Nelson Oyoo replied with converted tries for Kenya.
Canada came into the tournament 10th in the overall standings after six events on the circuit. Kenya stands 12th.