Dream becomes reality for Hong Kong men’s sevens captain Max Woodward
Forward has gone from Hong Kong Sevens debut to relishing the test of leading Bauhinia side in their bid to qualify for Rio Olympics
Max Woodward shakes his head at the thought because, let's face it, it wasn't really that long ago that he was out at King's Park on a Saturday morning scrambling around with his mini rugby mates, sharing their dreams.
"When I was younger the big one was playing the Hong Kong Sevens," says Woodward. "Back in the day that was the pinnacle, the dream, but now there are all these opportunities past that. It's just superb for us all."
From dream to reality. That pretty much sums up Woodward's life over the past year or so as he has gone from making his debut at the Hong Kong Sevens to now preparing to lead Hong Kong into the Asia Rugby Sevens Qualifier next weekend.
We’re lucky to have this Asian tournament. In Europe and Oceania, there are limited spots, so this is a really good opportunity for us
Win that and Rio awaits as sevens makes its debut at the Olympics next year. Sporting dreams don't loom much larger than that and Woodward - who only took over the Hong Kong captaincy in September - says he is ready to grab the opportunity with both hands.
"It's enormous," says the 24-year-old after a hit-out with the national squad. "I played domestic senior rugby here when I was younger and just to see how far it has come, to have it now as a job and a career here in Hong Kong is fantastic. To have sevens as an Olympic sport is incredible.
WATCH: Max Woodward in training and hear his thoughts on what lies ahead for Hong Kong
"We're lucky to have this Asian tournament. In Europe and Oceania, there are limited spots, so this is a really good opportunity for us and I hope we can deliver next weekend."