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Sevens haka a tribute to great heritage

I refer to the letter from Dawn Irvin headlined 'Event's haka demeans Maori tradition' (South China Morning Post, March 2).

She was referring to a group of Chinese scholarship rugby players who performed a haka prior to the draw for the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens.

The young Chinese lad who led the haka has spent the last two years in New Zealand for tertiary education. A significant factor in his personal development while there was the time he spent with the kapa haka cultural exchange.

He is a fine young man and wanted to show others in Hong Kong a part of the heritage that he has shared with the Maoris. We at the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union permitted and encouraged this, as we all share his great esteem for the Maori tradition.

I can assure your readers that no lack of respect was intended for this tradition but in future we will be mindful of Ms Irvin's views.

I do hope that your correspondent will go to the Sevens this year and that the New Zealand team will inspire us all with their haka challenge to the opposition.

JARRAD GALLAGHER

Coaching and Player

Development Manager

Hong Kong Rugby Football Union

I read Dawn Irvin's letter to these columns on March 2.

As a very proud New Zealander, also living in Hong Kong, who loves rugby, I did not feel culturally ravaged by the report of a Chinese team, whether rugby players, scholarship winners or both, performing a haka.

Two thoughts that Ms Irvin's letter provoked were 'No offence intended, none taken' and 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.'

I do hope she goes to the Sevens, taking a sense of humour with her.

WARWICK HALDANE

Causeway Bay

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