Forward Mark Wright returns as Hong Kong target World Series

In a bid to boost forward power, Hong Kong have welcomed back prodigal son and former sevens captain Mark Wright, who was a surprise pick in the 12-man squad gunning to win a permanent place on the HSBC Sevens World Series next season.

Wright, who last played in the Hong Kong Sevens five years ago, has left Japan, where he played in the Top League, and made himself available for selection after returning during Lunar New Year.

He was picked for next weekend's Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens after young forward Jack Capon failed to recover from an injury sustained at the Borneo Sevens late last month.

"I feel bad for Jack, but this is an opportunity I want to grab with both hands. I'm finished with Japan and it is great to be back playing for Hong Kong again," said the 30-year-old Wright.

A bruising forward, Wright last played at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2010 when the hosts won the Shield competition.

But this time the goal is much higher - to win the 12-team qualifying campaign and grab the solitary core spot available in the World Series.

While Wright has been at the centre of the cauldron in a sold-out Hong Kong Stadium, it will be a first appearance for Chris Maize - the only debutant in the squad captained by Jamie Hood and featuring Rowan Varty, who will make his 10th appearance.

It will be the fourth time Hong Kong are bidding to qualify in the World Series and top Hong Kong Rugby Football Union official Pieter Schats rated this as the best chance for Hood and his men.

"It is a magnificent feeling playing in front of 40,000 fans and that is worth an extra few points for Hong Kong," said Schats, who is also a former captain. "And I think this squad has an excellent chance of qualifying and we are in the best position to be able to make it."