Rugby-Japan's Hiwasa wins Asian 'emerging' player award

TOKYO, July 7 (Reuters) - Japan scrumhalf Atsushi Hiwasa has been voted Asian Five Nations rugby's emerging player of the year, event organisers said on
 Thursday in awarding the honour for the first time.
The title comes after Hiwasa was named Japanese professional rugby's rookie of the year with champions Suntory and also boosts his chances for this year's World Cup in New Zealand.
Hiwasa earned his first two caps for Japan at the Asian Five Nations tournament earlier this year when the Brave Blossoms secured the title for the fourth consecutive time.
"I'm strongly determined to maintain good performances and to contribute to the development of Japanese rugby and rugby in Asia," said the 24-year-old Hiwasa.
"I will continue to do my best to be selected to the Japan squad for the 2011 World Cup."
Japan coach John Kirwan told Reuters: "I'm please he's won the award. He's been under (former Wallabies captain) George Gregan's eye (at Suntory) and he continues to improve.
"Hiwasa is one of the most outstanding and promising young players in the national team squad," added the New Zealand All Black great.
"In the recent Asian Five Nations tour and domestic training camps, he has dramatically improved his performance level.
"I look forward to his continued hard work and higher performance to be selected for the Rugby World Cup squad."
Japan have targeted wins against Tonga and Canada at the World Cup after drawing one and losing three games at the last finals in 2007.
Kirwan's side are also drawn against hosts New Zealand and France in Pool A, while Japan have won the rights to stage the 2019 World Cup.