HK Rugby Sevens 2015 - South China Morning Post

Sevens shows what can be achieved when Hong Kong pulls together

Wed, 08 Apr 2015 11:45:00 +0000

The dust has started to settle on the 2015 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, and already feedback forms are being completed and wash-up reports compiled as we identify what went well and what we can improve for 2016. As this was the 40th year of the Sevens we hoped to pay due homage to those whose efforts on and off the pitch over the past four decades have contributed to the success of the event, and the centre piece of that was the gala dinner on the Wednesday before the tournament. More...

Missing out on World Series promotion could be blessing in disguise

Fri, 03 Apr 2015 02:15:30 +0000

Was it a groan of disappointment or a sigh of relief we heard from the union box when Russia trounced us 24-0 in the quarter-finals of the qualifying tournament for core team status in the Sevens World Series? The initial reaction would have been one of distress. The frustration of once again falling short of winning promotion was clearly etched on the faces of players and officials – from Rowan Varty to Pieter Schats. The Russians, who went on to qualify, were clearly too strong, too powerful,...

'I made out with 40 girls': Meet the Kim Jong-un impersonator who scored big at the Sevens

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:15:00 +0000

A Kim Jong-un impersonator at the Rugby Sevens has revealed he made out with "30 to 40" girls while dressed as North Korea's despised despot - but doesn't remember much of the day because he was "hammered". Jeremy — he prefers we don’t divulge his last name or where he works, other than “in finance in Hong Kong” — was photographed hundreds of times at the event, in images that have now gone viral around the world. A meme of him as the supreme leader even made it onto the front page of social...

Hugo Stiles to earn first senior Hong Kong cap at Japan Sevens

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:30:00 +0000

Hong Kong under-20 captain Hugo Stiles will be thrown in at the deep end after being called up for this weekend's Japan Sevens in Tokyo, where coach Gareth Baber's squad have been drawn into pool A with the mighty Fiji. Stiles is one of three changes made to the 12-man squad who played in the qualifying tournament at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens at the weekend – the others being Ben Rimene and Jack Capon. The trio replaces Mark Wright, Rowan Varty and Cado Lee Ka-to. It’s a belter....

Japan in constant battle with Top League clubs to release best players, says coach

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:45:45 +0000

After a tough season, Japan coach Tomohiro Segawa highlighted an inability to access the best players as a key reason behind his side's poor showing. Japan won their way into the elite competition with victory in last year's qualifying competition in Hong Kong, but, according to Segawa, have been handicapped in their bid to compete with the world's best. "We couldn't get our players consistently throughout the season," Segawa said. "We couldn't field the same players because domestic rugby clubs...

Aussies show signs of sevens rugby resurgence after winning Plate

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:45:30 +0000

The glory days of Australian sevens might be a distant memory for some and laughed off as pure myth by others but there were signs of life in the Green and Gold all weekend, and they lifted the Plate with a 21-17 victory over the United States. Both teams played their part in some of the most entertaining games seen at Hong Kong Stadium and the Plate final ran true to form as both sides mixed up plenty of action and attrition. The Americans led 12-7 at the half but a canny triple substitution by...

Scots finally celebrate as they dismantle France in Bowl

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:30:15 +0000

Battling to be the best of the beaten brigade, Scotland were more than happy to raise the Bowl on high after they dismantled France 26-5. "It's nice to take something home when you've put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into something," said Scotland coach Calum MacRae. "This season the boys have played in the Cup competition on a number of occasions and haven't come away with any silverware. The boys can now go away and enjoy themselves." Scotland saved their best for last - a storming 34-0 win...

Another stunner from fabulous Fiji at Hong Kong Sevens

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:15:30 +0000

Toughened by a fire and brimstone passage into the final, Fiji were untouchable as they swept to a popular 33-19 victory over New Zealand at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday night. The magical islanders showed plenty of their natural flair and combined with a solid defensive performance they extended their record Cup victories in Hong Kong to 15 before a sell-out crowd of nearly 40,000. Flair has been liberally mixed with discipline under the tutelage of English coach Ben Ryan...

South Africa maintain grip on World Series thanks to crucial third-place points

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 13:45:15 +0000

One seven-minute period of disjointed rugby ruined South Africa’s hopes of winning a maiden Hong Kong Sevens but the Blitzbokke still managed to cling to their lead atop the HSBC Sevens World Series standings after finishing third. The South Africans came apart in the first half of their Cup semi-final against eventual winners Fiji on Sunday. After powerful performances throughout the weekend, the South Africans were starved of possession and allowed Fiji to take a 21-0 half-time lead. They came...

Wales coach blasts young squad after six-try Scotland shaming

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 12:38:11 +0000

Wales coach Gareth Williams gave his team a strong ticking off after their 34-0 loss to Scotland in the semi-finals of the Bowl competition at the Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday. The Welsh were never in the contest as Scotland ran up six unanswered tries through a Lee Jones brace and one each from Chris Dean, Fraser Lyle, James Johnstone and Mark Robertson. “That performance was just not good enough and the players know that,” said Williams of the 2009 RWC Sevens champions who were 11th in the...

Russia rally at the death to snatch World Series spot from Zimbabwe

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 10:51:32 +0000

Vladimir Ostroushko thought he had thrown away Russia’s Sevens World Series hopes when he dropped the ball in front of his own posts and allowed Zimbabwe’s Kuda Chiwanza to score for a 19-17 lead seconds before the final hooter. But Ostroushko quickly made amends with a stunning run from well inside his own half in his team’s last possession to give Russia a 22-19 victory in the qualifier final and a place in next season’s elite 15-team global circuit. Zimbabwe were already celebrating when they...

Qualifier favourites Spain bundled out by on-fire Cheetahs

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 07:45:45 +0000

The dream of joining the Sevens World Series ended for two more teams on Sunday as Papua New Guinea and pre-tournament favourites Spain were bundled out at the semi-final stage. PNG lost 26-7 to Russia in the last four of the World Series qualifier at Hong Kong Stadium, while Spain were beaten 24-14 by surprise package Zimbabwe. They join hosts Hong Kong among the scrapheap of sides hoping and failing to become one of the 15 core teams for next season’s global tour. Hong Kong had lost out to...

England dumped into the Plate after testy Fiji clash reaches boiling point

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 05:57:08 +0000

They are more than plucky losers, they are equals who on any other day may have gotten the better of their favoured opponents in the Cup quarter-finals. England and Australia are heading to the Plate competition, separated from the match winners by a single conversion. England were beaten 14-12 by Fiji in a testy encounter that featured a number of off-the-ball incidents with players continuing to confront each other even after the final whistle. The tough-tackling Australians fell 7-5 to Sevens...

Series struggles continue for Brave Blossoms despite gutsy effort

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 04:30:15 +0000

Japan continued their struggles against the big boys of world rugby but put on a brave fight in losing 28-7 to Scotland in the quarter-finals of the Bowl competition on Sunday morning. The Japanese sevens team qualified as one of the elite 15 core teams last season and are in the midst of a steep learning curve, arriving in Hong Kong in 15th place at the bottom of the Sevens World Series standings. Kazuhiro Goya scored Japan’s sole try to briefly give his team parity with the Scots at 7-7 after...

Fiji win Hong Kong Sevens title with 33-19 win over New Zealand

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 01:51:10 +0000

Follow @JamesPorteous FULL FIXTURES AND RESULTS HERE History of the Sevens in pics All our coverage Fiji celebrate Fiji singing after their victory. A fitting finish to our 40th tournament, where legend @Waisale_Serevi was honoured. pic.twitter.com/GgWEtjvK8K — Hong Kong Sevens (@OfficialHK7s) March 29, 2015 Well that's it for another year ... how was your Hong Kong Sevens 2015? The final wasn't a classic, but that's just because Fiji completely outclassed New Zealand in a terrific display....

Flushed with success, Sevens a hard act to follow

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 17:30:45 +0000

Contrary to the seemingly hedonistic excesses on display, there are still a few virgins left in the stadium. This I know for a fact because my brother-in-law and his son are here for the first time. Greg is stupid for rugby and his son, Seb, has come along with him from Ireland to celebrate his 25th birthday. "Trip of his lifetime," says Greg, as Seb smiles on cue. Greg is full of it - Willie John McBride stories that is. McBride was the legendary Irish star and one-time captain of the British &...

It’s business as usual despite bumpy passage for All Blacks Sevens

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 16:45:15 +0000

Let the records forever show that New Zealand did what they always seem to do - top their qualifying group at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. But the fine print - and the memories for those inside Hong Kong Stadium - will forever reveal they did so only after the unthinkable almost happened as Portugal missed a chance after the buzzer that would have shaken up the sevens playing world, instead settling for a 24-24 tie that regardless sent a tremor through the game's very...

Fiji have revenge on their minds as England beckon

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 16:15:45 +0000

Fiji coach Ben Ryan brought an air of caution with him to the post-mortem, a surprise considering his side had just crushed the life out of Canada 45-0 to remain unbeaten after two days of play at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Saturday. It was soon crystal clear why. Last year the Fijians had similarly flown through the early stages at Hong Kong Stadium only to be stopped - dead - by England in the semi-finals in the one true shock of the tournament. England beat us here 12 months...

Hong Kong all at sea against big boys of Russia

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 16:15:00 +0000

Hong Kong are simply not good enough to rub shoulders with the big boys. That was the undeniable fact, however sad, as a devastated home team were left searching for answers after their campaign to win core status on the Sevens World Series ended in heartache on Saturday night. Russia knocked the living daylights out of Hong Kong in the quarter-finals with an emphatic 24-0 victory, which was built on power, pace and aggression. Hong Kong were like frightened salmon swimming upstream and trying...

Video: Saturday is party day at the Hong Kong Sevens

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 14:15:45 +0000

Rugby fans from all corners of the globe are in town for the 40th edition of the Hong Kong Sevens. And in this SCMP original video shot on Saturday at Hong Kong Stadium it is plain to see that most have fully immersed themselves in this monster of a party.

Burst pipe causes stink at Rugby Sevens as stadium's water supply is off for five hours

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 14:00:30 +0000

Conditions at the Hong Kong Stadium took a turn for the worse yesterday after the toilets broke down during the rugby Sevens revelry. For almost five hours from 10.30am, the stadium - catering to 40,000 boisterous rugby fans - was devoid of flushing water due to a burst pipe. The lack of flowing water caused the facilities to back up, and there were reports of revellers defecating on bathroom floors. Rugby officials said stadium management placed buckets of water at the toilet cubicles in an...

Brazil move into qualifier quarters with an Olympic weight on their shoulders

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 09:57:28 +0000

Brazil’s sevens squad are not burdened by qualifying for the 2016 Olympics Games with Rio de Janeiro being the host city, but captain Fernando Portugal said they are still feeling immense pressure. The Brazilians beat Mexico 33-10 in their final pool E match on Saturday morning to reach the Sevens World Series qualifier quarter-finals with two wins from three group games, including a stunning 17-21 victory over Hong Kong. “We are already guaranteed a spot in the Olympics in Rio so this [weekend]...

Hong Kong women stand up to be counted

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 05:00:15 +0000

Hong Kong's home-grown heroines are "no longer easy beats" after an historic fourth-place finish at the 2015 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Women's Rugby Sevens on Friday. It was beyond their wildest dreams, but if they'd dreamed a little bigger, what a day it could have been. "I told them, "You're not easy beats any more. You've stood up, you're being counted and people are noticing'," said coach Anna Richards. "They're challenging for the top spot in Asia and they're not far off." Continuing...

Alex McQueen brace lifts Hong Kong into qualifier quarter-finals

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 04:38:40 +0000

Two tries from Alex McQueen lifted Hong Kong to a 19-7 victory over Uruguay and into the quarter-finals against Russia in the HSBC Sevens World Series qualifier competition on Saturday. McQueen and Hong Kong bounced back from a below-par performance on opening day when they lost to Brazil 17-12, to beat Mexico 38-5 and secure a must-win game over the South Americans in their final pool match. “We are building momentum and we can go all the way,” said an ecstatic McQueen who scored once in each...

Australia coach Geraint John hopes to soothe memory of 1985 Cup final defeat

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 03:00:21 +0000

Australia coach Geraint John knows what it’s like to reach a Hong Kong Sevens final and lose. Now he wants to be on the winning side. Thirty years ago John was part of the Public Schools Wanderers team who were beaten in the final by a star-studded Australia team featuring the likes of David Campese. Back before New Zealand joined the party, Australia were Fiji’s main rivals in international sevens rugby. These days, however, they are trying to keep up with the Kiwis, Fiji and South Africa, but...

Hong Kong Sevens 2015 live blog - Day 2

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 01:54:18 +0000

Follow @JamesPorteous FULL FIXTURES AND RESULTS HERE History of the Sevens in pics All our coverage So .... that's it from Day 2. What have we learned? Bring sunscreen if you've...

DJ Forbes is the master … yet again

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:15:45 +0000

It was almost like he'd never left. DJ Forbes was the standout player as New Zealand bullocked their way to last year's title at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens and he led from the front again on Friday night as the All Blacks Sevens began their defence with a 26-7 victory over Scotland. The 33-year-old was on hand to pounce on a loose ball and score the Kiwis first try and was here, there and everywhere until being substituted midway through the second half. By that point the Scots had...

Sun shines on day one action, but Hong Kong fail to sparkle

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:00:30 +0000

Early Friday afternoon is for Zimbabwe and Tonga and Uruguay and Mexico and Spain and Guyana. But for all the things Friday afternoon is, the one thing it should not be is Brazil beating Hong Kong. The locals looked like they were slipping on Brazilian bikini wax and clearly underestimated their opponents. However, if you are going to take a colossal dump on the pitch, best to do it at 2:30 on a Friday afternoon in a stadium that is still less than a quarter full. The opening ceremony isn't even...

Pressure builds on England in chase for Rio Olympics place

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:00:30 +0000

Simon Amor has had a winning record in Hong Kong as a player when he was part of the England side who won four titles from 2002 to 2006 (the 2005 World Cup was won by Fiji). But he has still not tasted victory at Hong Kong Stadium as a coach. This year it will be doubly important being an Olympic-qualifying year and England are just outside the top four in the World Series standings. But after watching his team in their first outing – holding off a spirited challenge from Wales and winning 26-19...

Brutal first year on tour ‘worth it’ for Japan, says Lote Tuqiri

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:51:42 +0000

Lote Tuqiri is fully aware of Japan’s failings in their first year among the big boys but he firmly believes the end result - a possible place in the Olympics - will make it all worthwhile. After joining the HSBC Sevens World Series following their Hong Kong Sevens qualifier success 12 months ago, Japan are firmly stuck at the foot of the standings in 15th place overall. They opened their 2015 Hong Kong campaign on Friday with a 24-7 loss to France in pool C. “It’s been pretty tough in our first...

Waisale Serevi on a mission to spread the rugby gospel

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:30:45 +0000

What he lacked as a youngster, Waisale Serevi wants to give to the kids of today wherever they may be. The world's greatest-ever sevens player is on a mission to spread the rugby gospel via the HSBC Rugby Festival powered by Serevi - a community programme offering clinics to children with the Fijian maestro providing hands-on coaching. "Rugby has been good to me and I would like to give something back," said Serevi during a clinic in Hong Kong at the Chinese International School during Hong Kong...

More focus and fewer distractions, coach Ben Ryan tells Fiji

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:15:15 +0000

Fiji's magical players went back into "lockdown" on Friday night after beginning their campaign for a record 15th Cup title with a 38-12 win over Samoa. The team are off limits to outsiders as head coach Ben Ryan tries to minimise distractions, which he said torpedoed Fiji's bid to complete a hat-trick of titles last year. "In Hong Kong, everybody is very keen to try to help the team as much as possible and sometimes that over-enthusiasm means the team has had just too much interference and too...

Canada pile on pressure against Japan to take third straight women’s crown

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 13:14:03 +0000

A young Canada side made it look like child’s play as they won the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens for the third year in a row on Friday, beating Japan 24-12 in the final. “Our goal was to put pressure on Japan early, and you saw that they buckled,” coach Sandro Fiorino said of his young development team, adding that “90 per cent” of the squad are under 20. “Japan were relentless and took advantage of some of the mistakes we made, but in the end we still put them under...

Hong Kong caught napping by Brazil but rebound to keep World Series dream alive

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 11:00:45 +0000

Hong Kong recovered from their shock opening loss to Brazil by beating Mexico 38-5 Friday and must now overcome Uruguay in their final pool E encounter to keep their Sevens World Series dream alive. Captain Jamie Hood scored 18 points from two tries and four conversions while Rowan Varty, Alex McQueen, Tom McQueen and Salom Yiu Kam-shing also touched down for Hong Kong, who went into the break 17-5 in front. Mexico’s only try came from Christian Henning, who crossed over in the final minute of...

Hong Kong Sevens 2015 live blog - Day 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 04:30:33 +0000

Follow @JamesPorteous FULL FIXTURES AND RESULTS HERE Well, that's yer lot for day 1. Fiji, South Africa and New Zealand all looking impressive among the top four Olympic hopefuls -...

Unbeaten Hong Kong women charge into Cup quarter-finals

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 15:15:15 +0000

What a difference a year makes. Hong Kong were one of the top-three sides after pool play at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Women's Rugby Sevens on Thursday - a world away from last year's ninth-place finish. They warmed up with a 41-0 romp over Singapore, worked hard for a 17-5 win against arch-rivals Kazakhstan, before a convincing 31-14 victory over Asia's top-ranked side China. Hong Kong will face Samoa in the Cup quarter-finals on Friday. Other match-ups see Canada play China,...

Brian O’Driscoll laments Ireland’s absence from sevens scene

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 14:45:30 +0000

Ireland and Lions great Brian O'Driscoll says it's "a shame" his country are missing out on the sevens phenomenon sweeping the rugby world, especially with the code being part of the Rio Olympic Games next year. The Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens this weekend features the world's leading rugby teams except Ireland, who last week won their second Six Nations Championship on the trot. Of course, it will be great to see an Irish sevens team. We’d have to have a sevens [men’s] team first of...

Hong Kong ready to go ‘fourth’ and conquer the qualifier

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 07:15:45 +0000

Let’s put aside Chinese mythology’s somewhat negative outlook on the number four and instead focus on the interpretation by western numerologists who associate it with “endeavour”, “discipline”, “dependability” and, above all, “turning ideas into reality”. Jamie Hood and his merry band of Hong Kong men are trying to win core-team status on the Sevens World Series at their fourth attempt this weekend. And we’re all hoping to see tears of joy from the hosts on Sunday rather than tears of the...

Sevens: deals on meals at restaurants showing the action

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 02:03:45 +0000

Bars, restaurants and even salons are doing their bit for the Sevens with broadcasts, discounts and freebies. Saint-Germain in Happy Valley is just a short taxi ride from the Hong Kong Stadium. Though they're not broadcasting the games live, they'll have special offers over the weekend, with discounts on wine, beer, and bar snacks. 1A Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley Smokey Joe's in SoHo will be showing the games live on their many TVs and will be serving craft beer at HK$50. 38 Elgin Street,...

Hong Kong women’s sevens team aim to step up at their home tournament

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 16:30:30 +0000

Professional and more prepared, the Hong Kong side heads boldly into the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Women's Sevens tournament on Thursday. Spending the last year as full-time athletes, guided by rugby legend Anna Richards and with much-needed game time, their confidence has soared - and World Rugby Women's Sevens Series newbies China are set to feel the force of their conviction. We’re working together better and are more dedicated. The team now see the whole picture Hong Kong captain Royce...

England’s Jack Walsh makes sevens statement at Hong Kong Tens

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 16:30:00 +0000

England sevens scrum-half Jack Walsh hopes a strong showing for Samurai at the GFI HKFC Tens will hold him in good stead in his bid to return to the national sevens side. Walsh, who is part of the England squad but has yet to play a game this season, was impressive as Samurai turned in a solid performance on day one at Hong Kong Football Club. The 22-year-old, who is on the comeback from shoulder surgery, played in the Hong Kong Sevens last year. It’s hard sitting behind the likes of Tom...

South Africa playing ‘mind games’ for Hong Kong Sevens

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 16:00:00 +0000

Springbok sevens coach Neil Powell is hopeful his "shrink-wrapped" outfit can shake off South Africa's chokers' tag and win their first Hong Kong Sevens title on Sunday. In an unprecedented move to lift the Cup for the first time, the Blitzbokke have brought sports psychologist Dr Jannie Botha, who has helped boost their mental game as they lead the Sevens World Series and stay on course to win an automatic berth at the Rio Olympics next year. "He has been with us all season, but this is the...

The five best nights out during Hong Kong Sevens

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 06:30:53 +0000

If you’ve survived the South Stand and feel like your bloodstream could handle a bit more booze, plenty of parties will be taking place around town after the action winds down at Hong Kong Stadium. Here are five events that we recommend. Friday Bump presents Dave Seaman British DJ/producer Dave Seaman, an influential figure in dance music since the 1990s, will be performing in the sweaty basement of XXX in Sai Wan, and hosted by Bump, who recently brought DJ Sasha to town XXX Gallery B/F 353-363...

Hong Kong Sevens 2015 fixtures & results

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 05:45:30 +0000

Friday, 27 March 2015 Pool Time Team-1 Score Team-2 G 13:00 Zimbabwe 36-0 Guyana G 13:22 Spain 27-5 Tonga F 13:44 PNG 19-0 Tunisia F 14:06 Russia 14-7 South Korea E 14:28 Uruguay 21-0 Mexico E 14:50 Hong Kong 12-17 Brazil G 15:12 Zimbabwe 41-0 Tonga G 15:34 Spain 50-5 Guyana F 15:56 PNG 21-19 South Korea F 16:18 Russia 26-5 Tunisia E 16:40 Uruguay 14-7 Brazil E 17:02 Hong...

All Blacks Sevens fixated on fortunes of Black Caps

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 14:45:30 +0000

"What's the score?" asked coach Gordon Tietjens as he limped off the field at the end of another gruelling session with the defending Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens champions at So Kon Po on Tuesday. The cricket bug travelled with the All Blacks Sevens who were fixated on the fortunes of the Black Caps in their World Cup semi-final against South Africa. Everyone wants to be a cricketer back home these days. The whole country is on a high and it is good to see another sport doing...

Kung Fu Rugby designed to give Hong Kong Sevens fans a kick

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 17:45:45 +0000

The 1974 disco hit Kung Fu Fighting will spring to mind when Hong Kong Sevens fans are treated to a special show on Sunday. Organisers hope the Kung Fu Rugby show will entertain the crowds as part of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the annual rugby extravaganza. The 20-minute show will slot in between the qualifier semi-finals and world series semi-finals on the competition's final day. At a sneak peek for the media yesterday at Hong Kong Stadium, it was revealed that the show -...

England confident of qualifying for Rio with help of ‘home support’

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:45:45 +0000

England believe playing at “home” and the return of four key players from injury for the Hong Kong Sevens this weekend will boost British hopes of winning an automatic qualifying berth for the Rio Olympics next year. England have been nominated as the side from the Home Unions to carry Team Great Britain’s hopes of Olympic qualification. The top four finishers at the end of this season's HSBC Sevens World Series will win automatic berths, but so far England have been stop-start and they remain...

Former Fiji captain Pio Tuwai back in side as Ben Ryan makes four changes

Sun, 22 Mar 2015 13:45:15 +0000

Fiji have made four changes to the winning combination that won the last leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Las Vegas by including former captain Pio Tuwai, who was one of many players poached by the Sri Lanka Army last year. It will be an emotional return for Tuwai, 31, who played at last year's Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens after being urged to go by his ailing wife Irinieta Sadria. A few weeks after returning from Hong Kong, his wife passed away. I’m proud to be back playing for...

Jordan Bunce follows in father Frank’s footsteps in All Blacks Sevens squad

Sat, 21 Mar 2015 17:45:30 +0000

More than two decades after his dad, Frank Bunce, played for New Zealand at sevens, Jordan Bunce will turn out for the All Blacks Sevens at Hong Kong Stadium next weekend. And while most things might have changed there is one constant – Gordon Tietjens was already coaching the team in 1993. Jordan Bunce is one of two new faces picked by Tietjens for New Zealand’s title defence at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the other being former basketballer Lewis Ormond. Jordan is great on attack...

Domestic 15s game faces juggling act if Hong Kong earn World Series place

Sat, 21 Mar 2015 17:30:30 +0000

Hong Kong's national fifteens programme is likely to be scaled back if the sevens squad win the qualifying tournament at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens and become a core team in the World Series, says top official Pieter Schats. "Something's got to give. When and if we qualify we will have to relook at our 15-a-side programme. The two might not necessarily go hand in hand the way it goes now," said Schats, Hong Kong Rugby Football Union chairman. Schats pointed to the poor progress of...