Jun 03 (Kyodo) - Japan's run as a core team in rugby sevens' elite world tour came to an abrupt end on Sunday, when the team was relegated for next season.
Playing in the series as a core team for the first time in two years, Japan's 52-7 loss to England in the Paris Sevens' challenge trophy quarterfinals bounced next year's Olympic hosts from next year's competition.
This year's series served as a qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The top four teams -- Fiji, the United States, New Zealand and South Africa -- have ensured their spots next summer in Tokyo.
Only the 15 core teams are guaranteed a place in all 10 stops on the elite sevens circuit.
