The 2004 tournament was played as the Asian qualifier for the 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens, and was once again limited to the Asian rugby playing nations. The winner was Japan, with Chinese Taipei and South Korea (second and third respectively) also qualifying for the Rugby World Cup Sevens. The tournament was subsequently recognised by the International Rugby Board as an IRB satellite event. In 2005 Japan won the cup. South Korea and Hong Kong won in 2006 and 2007, respectively, however the Japanese team was conspicuous by its absence.