https://www.scmp.com/rss/271914/feed The Asian Sevens Series was set up in 2011 by the Asian Rugby Football Union, now known as Asia Rugby, to raise the profile of the abbreviated game and help national teams prepare for the debut of rugby sevens at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Make no bones about it. If not for the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, the world's local bank - well, that is what it used to call itself - would not have got involved in Asian rugby. HSBC has close links with the union and is a co-title sponsor of the Hong Kong Sevens. Although headquartered in London, its origins were in Hong Kong and Shanghai, and it continues to have strong links with this city, especially with rugby. It would be far better for the Asian Rugby Football Union to start... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1503475/find-new-rugby-sponsor-quick?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1503475/find-new-rugby-sponsor-quick?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 May 2014 12:45:15 +0000 Watch the finale of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series 2013 in Singapore, the fourth straight Cup final to feature arch-rivals Hong Kong and Japan. It was another close match between the pair and another thrilling finish as Japan won 24-19 to lift the Cup and claim the Series. https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1362827/video-singapore-sevens-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1362827/video-singapore-sevens-final?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Nov 2013 07:17:55 +0000 As we come to the end of another HSBC Asian Sevens Series and as I prepare to step back from coaching and settle into a new overarching role at the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union as head of technical development and performance, it seems the right time to pause and reflect on the recent success of our international programmes. I am pleased to report that the game in Hong Kong has reached new heights both at domestic and international levels. On the international front, the comprehensive national... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1362717/hong-kongs-game-all-steps-push-more-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1362717/hong-kongs-game-all-steps-push-more-success?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Nov 2013 04:15:15 +0000 The future might be bright, but yesterday everything was gloom for Jamie Hood and his men as Hong Kong failed to defend their Asian title. It was powerfully wrested back by Japan, who lifted the fourth and final leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series in Singapore, winning 24-19. A sizzling second-half comeback from Japan robbed the silverware as well as the smiles off Hong Kong faces, but Dai Rees, leading the team as head coach for the last time, insisted things were brighter than they... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1353243/hong-kong-surrender-asian-crown-after-another-japanese-comeback?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1353243/hong-kong-surrender-asian-crown-after-another-japanese-comeback?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Nov 2013 04:00:15 +0000 The signs are good for Hong Kong as they close in on their second successive Asian title after finishing the first day at the Singapore Sevens unbeaten, but more importantly with their try line uncrossed. A slow start in soggy Singapore against China – their toughest pool opponent – failed to dampen the spirits of Hong Kong who are in line for yet another clash with Japan in the Cup final of the fourth and final leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series on Sunday, with winner taking all. Hong Kong won... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1352169/hong-kong-course-retain-sevens-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1352169/hong-kong-course-retain-sevens-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Nov 2013 15:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong will go all out to give head coach Dai Rees a farewell to remember as they attempt to defend their Asian crown by winning the final leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series in Singapore this weekend. Rees will soon take a back seat as far as coaching is concerned with the appointment of former Wales sevens player and coach Gareth Baber as head coach of the rugby sevens programme at the Hong Kong Sports Institute. The Singapore fling will be the last tournament with Rees in charge and hopes... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1351112/hong-kong-sevens-side-ready-give-rees-fitting-farewell?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1351112/hong-kong-sevens-side-ready-give-rees-fitting-farewell?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Nov 2013 15:30:00 +0000 Livewire forward Anthony Haynes could not have timed his return from injury better with Hong Kong travelling to Singapore this weekend for the fourth and final leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series with the crown hanging precariously in the balance. Haynes, who injured his knee during the National Games in September, will turn out for the first time in the regional championship, which reaches its climax at the Singapore Sevens with Japan dangerously positioned to knock Hong Kong off their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1348519/haynes-return-injury-boost-hong-kong-sevens-squad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1348519/haynes-return-injury-boost-hong-kong-sevens-squad?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Nov 2013 15:00:00 +0000 Fears that Hong Kong would lose lethal weapon Tom McQueen for the final leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series in Singapore in November abated after a troubling shoulder injury cleared up sufficiently for the winger to put off indefinitely an operation that was scheduled for late October. McQueen, who has scored 18 tries in the first three legs of the series, was due to leave for Australia on Friday to undergo an operation, which might have meant Hong Kong playing the fourth and final leg without... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1333154/hong-kongs-tom-mcqueen-passed-fit-singapore-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1333154/hong-kongs-tom-mcqueen-passed-fit-singapore-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Oct 2013 13:49:52 +0000 Jamie Hood’s decision to take a penalty drop goal in the final against Japan at the India Sevens might be more crucial than initially thought. Asian Rugby Football Union officials said the head-to-head points differential between the arch-rivals will decide the title if Hong Kong manages to win the last leg and thus finish the HSBC Asian Sevens Series level on two tournament wins with Japan. Hong Kong, who returned home yesterday triumphant from Mumbai after defeating Japan 24-14 to win the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1331653/hong-kong-hold-points-differential-edge-asian-sevens-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1331653/hong-kong-hold-points-differential-edge-asian-sevens-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Oct 2013 12:58:57 +0000 It was at the historic 138-year-old Bombay Gymkhana that Hong Kong enjoyed their finest moment in sevens rugby last year when they were crowned Asian champions after beating Japan in the Cup final. Hong Kong will be hoping that’s a good omen as they try to hang on to their crown at the same venue on Sunday. “We hope this is our lucky ground. We have fond memories of it from last year and it would be great if we can repeat by reaching the final and winning it,” said Hong Kong head coach Dai Rees... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1330470/hong-kong-target-win-sevens-tournament-india?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1330470/hong-kong-target-win-sevens-tournament-india?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Oct 2013 14:29:40 +0000 A hurting Hong Kong will need to create their own luck if they are to keep their title hopes alive at the HSBC Asian Sevens Series, said head coach Dai Rees on the eve of the India Sevens in Mumbai. "The guys are hurt, and even angry, after losing narrowly to Japan [in the last two Cup finals] and they are eager to make amends. But at the end of the day, you need a bit of luck as well, and we know we need to create our own luck," said Rees. Hong Kong need to win in Mumbai and then again in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1329719/hong-kong-have-engineer-own-luck-keep-asian-title-hopes-alive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1329719/hong-kong-have-engineer-own-luck-keep-asian-title-hopes-alive?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Oct 2013 16:00:00 +0000 The honeymoon has been put on hold for newly married Kwok Ka-chun as he gets ready for Hong Kong's push to protect their Asian crown this weekend at the India Sevens. Fireman Kwok missed the second leg a fortnight ago in Thailand as he was getting married, but he is focused on helping Hong Kong thwart Japan's bid to win back the Asia's number-one spot in Mumbai, the third leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series. "Kwok is looking sharp and is eager to get back into action. He is one of our most... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1327315/kwok-ka-chun-defers-honeymoon-help-hk-defend-asian-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1327315/kwok-ka-chun-defers-honeymoon-help-hk-defend-asian-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Oct 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong's shaky hold on its sevens crown will face a severe test at home on Saturday before the third leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series gets under way in Mumbai, India, next weekend. Having narrowly lost both the two opening legs in Malaysia and Thailand last month to Japan, Hong Kong know they have to win the remaining two legs if they are to keep their title. But Super Saturday - the start of the local league - at King's Park might present a formidable first-up challenge for head coach Dai... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1323022/super-saturday-action-may-sideline-players-ahead-sevens-series?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1323022/super-saturday-action-may-sideline-players-ahead-sevens-series?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Oct 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Japan's new sensation Lomano Lemeki broke Hong Kong hearts for the second successive time at the HSBC Asian Sevens Series when he scored in sudden-death extra-time to give the Brave Blossoms a spine-tingling, 17-12 victory in the Cup final in Thailand yesterday. Lemeki, who was player of the tournament on his debut in the opening leg in Malaysia earlier this month, once again haunted Hong Kong as he scored the match-winning try, capitalising on a turnover to make it two wins out of two for Japan... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1315419/another-final-another-agonising-defeat-hong-kong-asian-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1315419/another-final-another-agonising-defeat-hong-kong-asian-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Sep 2013 16:00:00 +0000 The heat is on Jamie Hood and his side at the second leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series in Thailand this weekend with the International Rugby Board declaring that only the top two teams at the end of the four-leg series will qualify to play in the Hong Kong Sevens next March. Hong Kong are second in the standings, behind Japan, but with South Korea, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Malaysia all breathing down their necks. "Only the top two teams in the Asian Sevens Series will qualify for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1314077/heat-jamie-hoods-squad-leave-asian-series-rivals-dust?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1314077/heat-jamie-hoods-squad-leave-asian-series-rivals-dust?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Sep 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong will be back to full strength for the second leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series in Thailand this weekend but Rowan Varty will relinquish the captaincy to Jamie Hood as he focuses on earning his stripes as a lawyer. Varty is one of four players who missed the first leg in Malaysia earlier this month as he was on duty at the China National Games. But despite being back in the fray, it was felt that playmaker Hood, who led the team in Kuala Lumpur, should continue as captain. "We want to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1312454/rowan-varty-stood-down-hong-kong-sevens-team-captain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1312454/rowan-varty-stood-down-hong-kong-sevens-team-captain?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Sep 2013 16:00:00 +0000 If you are reading this, then obviously the Mayans got it wrong. The doomsayers will be left disappointed. Luckily the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union doesn't subscribe to the end-of-the-world theory. They have planned a hectic schedule for the sevens squad, which faces a crucial year as the game enters a new phase. According to Dai Rees, the HKRFU's head of performance, 2013 will be a landmark year for sevens with the national team facing a number of challenges. Top of the list would normally be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/1110887/why-next-year-huge-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/1110887/why-next-year-huge-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +0000 The hunt for a back three that could spark Hong Kong's 2015 World Cup chances begins in earnest next month in Dubai when the coaching brains' trust looks at a new pool of players at the Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations. With next year's London Sevens in the picture, the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union has decided the core of the team crowned Asian sevens champions at this season's HSBC Asian Sevens Series will not be included in the 28-man squad which will be named tomorrow for the four-nation... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1086865/young-hong-kong-players-be-blooded-dubai-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1086865/young-hong-kong-players-be-blooded-dubai-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Top International Rugby Board official Bernard Lapasset expressed dismay at China's failure to qualify for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow and promised to support the mainland as they look ahead to the 2016 Olympics, when sevens will be a medal sport for the first time. "It is disappointing that China's men's team failed to qualify. That is the bad news. The good news is that at least we will see the Chinese women's team in Moscow," the IRB chairman said. The China women's team qualified... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1075100/chinas-failure-qualify-worry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1075100/chinas-failure-qualify-worry?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 To Russia with love - that's where Hong Kong are heading after they qualified for next year's Rugby World Cup Sevens by finishing in the top three in the fourth and final leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series. The main mission was accomplished, but still Hong Kong can be forgiven for feeling let down yesterday at the Singapore Sevens after arch-rivals Japan pipped them 14-12 in a nail-biting Cup final, sending a reminder that despite losing their Asian crown, the Japanese are still a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1074974/hong-kong-reach-rugby-world-cup-sevens-despite-singapore-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1074974/hong-kong-reach-rugby-world-cup-sevens-despite-singapore-final?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong are one win away from booking their passage to Moscow for next year's Rugby World Cup Sevens after the Rowan Varty-led side swept aside all opponents to march into the semi-finals of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series in Singapore yesterday. "We are in a position where we want to be. It has been a very good day and now we want to finish it off," said Varty. "I have been to two World Cup Sevens already, the last one in Dubai and when Hong Kong hosted it previously. It will be nice to make it... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1074756/hong-kong-cusp-reaching-2013-world-cup-russia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1074756/hong-kong-cusp-reaching-2013-world-cup-russia?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Welshman Harry Morris is brimming with confidence that his adopted country, the Philippines, will knock Hong Kong off their high perch when the fourth and final leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series starts in Singapore today. If Morris and his teammates have their way, Hong Kong will be in an early dogfight as they bid to qualify for the World Cup in Moscow next year at the 12-team tournament which doubles as the Asian qualifiers. "We can match Hong Kong. They are a very physical side but we won't... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1074375/philippines-aiming-topple-hong-kong-lion-city-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1074375/philippines-aiming-topple-hong-kong-lion-city-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong have named an unchanged squad from that which were crowned Asian sevens champions a fortnight ago for their final, and biggest push this season: this week's Asian qualifiers in Singapore for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow in June. Despite intense domestic-league competition over the last two Saturdays, a relieved head coach Dai Rees was able to pick the same players who had played at the last two legs of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series in Shanghai and Mumbai - both won by Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1073448/hong-kong-coach-dai-rees-keeps-squad-unchanged-asian-qualifiers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1073448/hong-kong-coach-dai-rees-keeps-squad-unchanged-asian-qualifiers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Captain Rowan Varty has warned his high-flying teammates to be on guard after Hong Kong, the new Asian champions, were drawn in the preliminary round with the Philippines, who could field a side of their Japan-based professionals at next week's Singapore Sevens. The final leg of this season's HSBC Asian Sevens Series is doubling as the Asian qualifiers for the World Cup Sevens in Moscow next June, so all teams will be at full strength as they vie for just three berths. It is believed the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1068877/hong-kong-wary-philippines-rugby-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1068877/hong-kong-wary-philippines-rugby-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000 China's Olympic dream has suffered a huge setback with confirmation they will miss next year's Hong Kong Sevens after failing to finish in the top three in the overall rankings at the HSBC Asian Sevens Series. The Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens in March has been expanded to 28 teams and will serve as a pre-qualification tournament for core-team status in the HSBC Sevens World Series in 2013. But China's failure to make it to Hong Kong - they have been to every tournament since their debut... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1061903/chinas-rugby-team-fail-qualify-2013-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1061903/chinas-rugby-team-fail-qualify-2013-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000 The ghosts of many sevens finals past were laid to rest as Hong Kong exorcised their demons with a superb 28-7 victory over Japan in yesterday's final of the Mumbai Sevens to be crowned Asian champions for the first time in their history. An inspirational performance from Tom McQueen, whose three tries in a narrow quarter-final victory over Sri Lanka saved the blushes, allowed Hong Kong to finish the HSBC Asian Sevens Series as the No 1 team in the region. Hong Kong claimed two of the three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1061149/hong-kong-beat-japan-mumbai-become-top-side-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1061149/hong-kong-beat-japan-mumbai-become-top-side-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000 The maxim that attack is the best form of defence was turned on its head by Hong Kong who showed the best way to win at rugby sevens is to defend strongly. Rowan Varty and his men turned iron-clad defence into annihilating weapon as Hong Kong finished unbeaten with their goal-line intact on the opening day of the Mumbai Sevens at the Bombay Gymkhana Club. Three handsome wins over India (43-0), United Arab Emirates (42-0) and Thailand (66-0) have paved the way for a much-anticipated clash with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1060606/japan-await-flawless-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1060606/japan-await-flawless-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Rugby playmaker Jamie Hood will face one of the biggest moments in his fledgling career as he attempts to marshall Hong Kong to a second successive victory at the Mumbai Sevens, the third and final ranking leg at the HSBC Asian Sevens Series this weekend. Since stepping out of the shadow of flyhalf Keith Robertson, the former Cambridge Blue has carried the responsibility of steering Hong Kong, a job he has done with admirable resilience with the team leading the standings presently. But Japan... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1059778/hong-kong-chasing-second-successive-series-win-mumbai-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1059778/hong-kong-chasing-second-successive-series-win-mumbai-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Playmaker Jamie Hood stepped out of the slipstream of aspiring pilot Keith Robertson as he engineered Hong Kong's march to Cup glory at the Shanghai Sevens yesterday. It was Hong Kong's first ranking title in two years on the Asian circuit. Hong Kong, who had looked solid all weekend at the Yuanshen Stadium, capped a fine performance by crushing hosts China 40-10 in the Cup final to lift the second leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series and move into top spot in the rankings. The unbeaten run to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1045151/hong-kong-beat-china-clinch-shanghai-sevens-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1045151/hong-kong-beat-china-clinch-shanghai-sevens-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong are on track to win their first tournament in the HSBC Asian Sevens Series this season as they swept commandingly to a semi-final berth in the Shanghai Sevens yesterday. With Japan missing the event because the team's safety could not be guaranteed, Hong Kong looked composed as they stayed unbeaten on the opening day of the second leg of the series, which has been given a boost by the International Rugby Board's announcement last week that the champions would earn an automatic berth at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1043377/hong-kong-close-first-asian-sevens-series-title-shanghai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1043377/hong-kong-close-first-asian-sevens-series-title-shanghai?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Beijing is to invest more than a million HK dollars to send a group of players and coaches to New Zealand to learn the art of sevens from the world's finest exponents of the game, including mastermind Gordon Tietjens. Thirty-five emerging sevens players - 18 women and 17 men - and 11 coaches will spend a month in New Plymouth, Taranaki, in November. "The opportunity to train in New Zealand is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which every rugby player would die for," national sevens coach Johnny... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1042571/beijing-sport-bureau-spend-hk1m-training-tour-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1042571/beijing-sport-bureau-spend-hk1m-training-tour-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 This weekend's Shanghai Sevens is a must-win for Hong Kong if they are to keep alive hopes of being crowned Asian champions - and with it earn a ticket to the London Sevens. Japan pulled out of the tournament because the Asian Rugby Football Union were not able to guarantee their safety given the tension between Tokyo and Beijing at present. In place of Shanghai points, they will be awarded the average of the points they earned in Borneo and earn in the final leg in Mumbai next month. This means... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1042575/shanghai-sevens-must-win-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1042575/shanghai-sevens-must-win-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Japan have withdrawn from the Shanghai Sevens this weekend after the Asian Rugby Football Union could not ensure the safety of the players amid heightened political tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. The purchase of the Diaoyu Islands by Japan has led to a wave of nationalist protests across mainland cities. This has resulted in the Japan Rugby Football Union withdrawing its national team from the second leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series due to kick-off in Shanghai tomorrow. "Japan have... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1041760/japan-pull-out-shanghai-sevens-due-safety-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1041760/japan-pull-out-shanghai-sevens-due-safety-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Valley flyhalf Ben Rimene has been called up for national duty as coach Dai Rees tries to expand his player base while at the same time taking out an insurance policy in the run-up to the Rugby World Cup Sevens qualifiers in Singapore in November. The loss of playmaker Keith Robertson, who has dropped out of the picture as he tries to earn his pilot’s wings, has left Jamie Hood carrying the responsibilities in the pivot position. Rimene will earn his first cap at the Shanghai Sevens, the second... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1040200/valley-fly-half-ben-rimene-called-hong-kong-squad-cover?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1040200/valley-fly-half-ben-rimene-called-hong-kong-squad-cover?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:11:28 +0000 An "act of stupidity" by Tom McQueen has put Hong Kong under pressure today as they bid to make a claim for a ticket to the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow next year by winning the first leg of the three-legged HSBC Asian Sevens Series, in Kota Kinabalu. Hong Kong emerged unbeaten on day one at the Borneo Sevens, winning both their preliminary pool games against the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia comfortably. But all the good work was undone late in the day when a rash tackle from McQueen in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1027869/mcqueen-red-card-clouds-victories-hong-kong-borneo-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1027869/mcqueen-red-card-clouds-victories-hong-kong-borneo-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Japan will be a clear and present danger to Hong Kong's ambitions of winning the HSBC Asian Sevens Series crown for the first time. The three-legged series starts in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, today with the Borneo Sevens and is "the toughest ever", says Hong Kong coach Dai Rees, whose aim is to finish in the top two when the ranking events draw to an end in October. Rees would obviously prefer a top-dog finish to give Hong Kong the psychological high-ground before the all-important Rugby World... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1027229/japan-pose-main-threat-hong-kongs-series-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1027229/japan-pose-main-threat-hong-kongs-series-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +0000 FORMER Hong Kong captain Craig Pain is in line for a surprise recall to the national squad for the Asian tournament. Coach George Simpkin is to replace flanker Tony Hunt, who has been studying in New Zealand and missed the squad's final preparations, and put a player on standby in case the International Rugby Board (IRB) don't clear full back Neil Munn to play. Munn does not meet the 12-month residency rule in force for the tournament in Kuala Lumpur, which doubles as a World Cup qualifier,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/91953/pain-awaits-hong-kong-recall?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/91953/pain-awaits-hong-kong-recall?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Oct 1994 16:00:00 +0000