All-star Max Woodward takes charge of Hong Kong sevens squad
Stand-out replaces Jamie Hood as Hong Kong kick off defence of senior Asian sevens crown and set sights on Rio Olympics qualifier
Woodward, 24, takes over as captain from Jamie Hood as Hong Kong look to defend their Asian crown after sweeping all three events in last year's series.
Head coach Gareth Baber once again faces a fine balancing act with multiple goals – and squads – in action over this season's series.
Max has the personality and character to lead this team. He has shown strong consistency ... and has huge respect within the group
First priority is staying number one in Asia – an important component for rugby sevens to maintain elite status long-term at the Hong Kong Sports Institute.
A top-two finish will also ensure a spot in international qualifiers for the 2016-17 World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series early next year.
But the biggest challenge comes in November when Hong Kong will attempt to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Asian qualifier. Twelve regional teams will do battle at Hong Kong Stadium on November 7-8.
Hong Kong-born Woodward has quickly established himself in the sevens and fifteens set-ups over the past few seasons, winning the all-important national team players' player of the year award last season while also claiming the player of the year award in both the short-form and full version of the game.