Hong Kong will miss the once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch Welsh flier Shane Williams in action after the world's third-highest try-scorer was forced to pull out of today's Chartis Cup.
Williams, the World Player of the Year in 2008, failed to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered in his last game as a professional, playing for the Barbarians against Wales in Cardiff last weekend.
It's a big blow as the 35-year-old winger was one of the biggest names in a star-studded line-up to take on the Saracens at Hong Kong Stadium. The BGC APBs (formerly known as the Asia-Pacific Barbarians) include former All Blacks Mils Muliaina - 100 caps for New Zealand and a World Cup winner last year - plus Jerry Collins, Rico Gear and Troy Flavell. Other big names include Wales flanker Martyn Williams (100 caps) England No 8 Nick Easter, Samoa centre Seilala Mapusua and former Japan captain Takuro Miuchi.
'It is unfortunate he won't be able to play, but at least he has turned up in Hong Kong, thus honouring his commitment,' said a spokesman for the organisers.
Williams scored 58 tries in 87 appearances for Wales. Physically slight - he joked yesterday that everyone in the APBs towered over him - he ended an illustrious career against Australia last December, scoring with his last touch of the ball. He finished behind Japan's Daisuke Ohata (69) and Wallaby David Campese (64) on the world's top try-scorers' list.
'But the one which will always stand out is my first try [against Italy]. That will always be special, your first international try,' said Williams.
'It looks like I'm lying when I say size doesn't matter, especially to these guys who are dwarfing me. I like to think I can inspire the smaller man, or the smaller boy really, to compete against bigger guys and get the better of them.'