Pressure is building in New Zealand to send a representative side to the Hong Kong Invitation Women's Rugby Sevens according to Monique Hirovanaa, captain of the New Zealand Wild Ducks.
The Wild Ducks are the defending champions of this fledgling tournament, now in its second year. Although they are not officially recognised by the New Zealand Rugby Union, there is behind-the-scenes support says Hirovanaa.
'It is just a matter of time before New Zealand sends a representative team. The Union will definitely jump on the bandwagon as there is pressure to do so,' said Hirovanaa, who was in town to officiate at yesterday's draw for the March 26 tournament to be held at the Hong Kong Football Club. The Cup final will be played at 8.30 pm at the Hong Kong Stadium - following the first day's action at the Hong Kong Sevens.
'At the moment all the emphasis in New Zealand is being placed on women's 15-a-side rugby. But that will change,' said Hirovanaa. Her words will assure the organisers of the Women's Sevens as they bid to follow in the footsteps of their more illustrious male counterpart - the Hong Kong Sevens.
'You must remember that the Hong Kong Sevens also started out like this with invitation teams. It took quite a long time before unions started sending national teams. But we have been pushing unions to send us their best,' said Dick Airth, tournament chairman.
Last year the event was cancelled due to the lack of sponsors. But this year's tournament will be backed by two Bermuda-based companies, the Bank of Bermuda and Centre Solutions.
New Zealand will have five players, including half-back Hirovanaa, who played in last year's 15-a-side Rugby World Cup-winning team and will be the outright favourites to win here again.