Max Denmark eager to impress for Overseas Lions as New Year’s Day Youth Rugby Tournament turns 50
Featuring the most talented local boys and girls aged from under-12 to under-19, the competition is a vital tool in the Hong Kong Rugby Union’s bid to stop the talent drain
Like many involved in the Hong Kong rugby fraternity, the annual New Year’s Day Youth Rugby Tournament at Hong Kong Football Club holds special meaning for Max Denmark.
This Sunday’s 50th-anniversary edition is set to be even more significant for the 17-year-old – who has been playing in the tournament since he was 13 – as he prepares to captain the Overseas Lions against the Hong Kong Dragons in the under-19 boy’s match.
“I didn’t really think that I was going to be captain but I’m happy that I am, it does mean quite a lot to me,” Denmark said.
“It’s a big thing because rugby in Hong Kong has gotten so much bigger recently. To be playing in the 50th iteration of this tournament is crazy, to think it has been going on that long.”
Denmark is currently studying at Millfield School in England and, back for the holidays, he is looking forward to playing with and against friends he has made throughout his rugby journey here in Hong Kong.