HK team to face tough challenge in Suva Sevens tournament

Hong Kong will step into the hotbed of sevens in January after accepting an invitation by the Fiji Rugby Union to take part in the ultra-competitive Suva Sevens.

The annual tournament is played over 10 days and features almost 200 teams, ranging from women's and primary schools to club and provincial levels. Hong Kong will feature in the 16-team international section from January 21-23 at the National Stadium.

'This allows us to go outside of our comfort zone and fits well into our strategic development plan and our build-up for the Hong Kong Sevens,' Hong Kong head coach Dai Rees said. 'It sounds as if it will be a quality competition with invitations going out to IRB Sevens teams. But no matter what happens, there will be quite a few Fijian sevens teams involved, so we know that it will be tough and good preparation for us.'

The Suva Sevens is traditionally used by top teams like New Zealand to pick their squads for the Hong Kong Sevens. This year they will also be using it as a build-up to the Wellington Sevens and the Las Vegas Sevens, the third and fourth legs of the IRB Sevens. Vilikesa Rauca, chairman of the Suva Rugby Union, said: 'The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union has made an enormous contribution over the past three decades to help Fiji sevens to get where it is today. We are pleased and we'll reciprocate by hosting Hong Kong in January.'

Rees will also send teams from Hong Kong's extended squad for the Borneo Sevens on October 31 and November 1, as well as a Hong Kong 'A' team for the Singapore Cricket Club Sevens the following weekend.