Women's Sevens co-captain Christy Cheng
The Hong Kong Women’s Sevens is hogging the limelight this year, with an extended two-day tournament that will culminate in a cup final on the Friday (March 27) in Hong Kong Stadium. Charley Mulliner speaks to Hong Kong squad co-captain Christy Cheng Ka-chi off the back of the team’s recent victory at the Margaret River Sevens in Perth.
HK Magazine: Are you excited for this year’s expanded tournament?
Christy Cheng: Of course! We have been trying to have it become a two-day tournament for a while so teams can get more rest and put in an even better performance each game.
HK: How is the team preparing?
CC: All of the players came back from the Christmas holiday very fresh and keen to get into this year’s campaign. As preparation, we just played a tournament in Perth, and we’ll also play another in Borneo at the end of February.
HK: What’s your favorite thing about competing in the Sevens?
CC: I’m always excited to see which teams are coming to compete. Most of our competition comes from within Asia but the Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens is a worldwide event. Every year we have lots of world-class teams traveling to Hong Kong for this. I’m excited for the challenge.
HK: Do you feel women’s rugby gets sidelined during the Sevens for the men’s tournament?
CC: Not at all. The women’s cup final will be showcased in the stadium on Friday night and it’s always the highlight of the opening day. Also women’s rugby is growing internationally. We are getting more exposure every year and with the expansion of the tournament this year it’s going to be really exciting.
HK: Do you have a costume lined up for the weekend matches?
CC: Hopefully my costume will be the HK team kit as we’d like to make to the women’s cup final. I have never been a big fan of fancy dress but I like face painting and will be sure to have a Hong Kong flag on my face to show support for our boys during the weekend.