Hong Kong's campaign to qualify for the 2007 Rugby World Cup will be missing Paul Dingley. The inspirational forward has decided to call it a day from all aspects of the game - and hang up his boots permanently.
'This is it. I have retired from everything, even local club rugby,' said Dingley yesterday.
'Last weekend's Singapore Sevens will go down as the last time I played for Hong Kong. I've had a good run but it is time to step aside and move on.'
Dingley, 35, has captained the sevens squad for the past few seasons but stepped down from the XVs job a couple of seasons ago even though he continued to play a vital role as number eight.
He will continue to be involved with the national set-up as a forwards coach in XVs.
After a decade of honest service for Hong Kong, his departure will leave a huge hole in the back row - and has left head coach Ivan Torpey with a big headache - as the SAR prepare to take on Asian giants Japan and South Korea in the preliminary stages of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
'Whoever who comes in will have huge shoes to fill. Paul has been a driving force for us. His commitment on the field has always been 100 per cent, and as if it was his first game for Hong Kong. We will miss him badly,' Torpey said, grappling with the prospect of life after Dingley.