How prestigious California university Berkeley put Hong Kong Sevens hopeful on track for his ‘everything’
After five years in the United States, Russ Webb is within reach of his dream after being named in Paul John’s extended squad for the World Series qualifier
The United States are running rampant on the Sevens World Series and Russ Webb hopes his five years in American rugby heartland has laid the foundation for his Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens debut.
The 24-year-old returned to Hong Kong in 2017 after studying at the University of California, Berkeley and was on Saturday named in Paul John’s squad for the World Series qualifying tournament in two weeks.
“California is the main feeder into the national team, I was lucky enough to play a year with [USA sevens enforcer] Danny Barrett and he’s doing all right, isn’t he?” Webb said.
“It’s the oldest sport in the school and they take their rugby quite seriously, they love their collegiate sports.
“The standard may not be there but from when I arrived to when I left, the difference in the standard was just ridiculous. Especially with how the States are doing with their sevens, it’s just going to take off I reckon.”
