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Cameron cleared to take on Japan

Battered and bruised Tom Cameron has been cleared to play in Hong Kong's opener against Japan at the Asian Championship on Thursday. The Hong Kong vice-captain was suspected of having broken his nose, but yesterday doctors cleared him of any serious injury.

'It is excellent news for Hong Kong that Tom is clear to play. His experience is something we cannot replace,' said SAR coach Ivan Torpey. Hooker Cameron spent a couple of painful nights in hospital when his face swelled up after Hong Kong's match against Football Club 10 days ago.

'He looked like the Elephant Man. His face was all swollen and it looked terrible,' related Allan Payne, Hong Kong Rugby Football Union director, referring to the character played by John Hurt in the Hollywood film.

Torpey added: 'Yes, he looked like a pit-bull terrier. We thought he had fractured his nose badly and that it had resulted in the swelling.'

But thankfully the swelling has gone down and Cameron has regained his looks and his place back in the team - the starting lineup which will be named today. A second opinion was sought yesterday and X-rays revealed Cameron has just picked up an infection.

'I'm alright now. And yes, I did look like the Elephant Man. I had to keep away from school for I didn't want to scare the children,' laughed a relieved Cameron. The former South African provincial player is a schoolteacher at the French International School.

'I had this bump on my nose before the game against Football Club and it got infected. During the game I picked up another knock and I helped spread the infection faster. It is now under control.'

Hong Kong received more good news yesterday when the International Rugby Board gave the all-clear to centre Nigel D'Acre. There had been doubts that the Club midfielder might not qualify under the IRB's three-year residency rule.

The 12-team tournament will be played at the Hong Kong Football Club and King's Park starting tomorrow. Hong Kong are pooled in the top tier with holders South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. The second tier comprises Thailand, Arabian Gulf, Kazakhstan and Singapore while the third tier holds Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and China.

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