Dinesvaran confident of taking Hino to top of Japanese league

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia rugby player K. Dinesvaran is hopeful of leading his club Hino Red Dolphins to success in the Japanese Top League.

Hino have qualified for the knockout phase after their surprise win over Japanese Top Challenge League side Shimizu Blue Sharks 40-28 in the playoffs at the Komazawa Olympic Stadium on Sunday.

Earlier in the league, Hino finished second last in their White Conference Group, which landed them a matchup with Blue Sharks and subsequently their shock victory.

They now face Toyota Verblitz, the side who finished second in the Conference Red Group of the league, in the round of 16 at the Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium on April 25.

“I’m happy and excited to be in the knockout stage. The season has been good and dealing with the pandemic here in Japan was not very hard as we followed the standard operating procedures,” said the 32-year-old Dinesvaran.

“Hino are underdogs with a lot of desire. During my time with Hino, the club have changed a lot from time to time. We haven’t shown it with good results but I can see the progress made by the team.

“It will take time to become one solid team but we are working on it. With Hino, I look forward to add value to their game with my drive and passion. My aim is to help them produce quality performances.”

Dinesvaran has been in Japan for the last six years. Before joining Hino in 2019, he played for Yamaha Jubilo for five years in the Top League.