Asian Games 2018: Hong Kong rugby sevens stars get passport boost with HK$1.6 million at stake in Jakarta
Hong Kong’s rugby sevens teams given huge financial incentive to bring home Asian Games gold, as more players commit to the cause by obtaining passports
Hong Kong will get a boost at the Asian Games after four players committed their personal and rugby futureby obtaining passports.
Star veteran Ben Rimene was the first to renounce his New Zealand passport in July, ensuring a ticket to Jakarta and the prospect of an Asian Games rugby sevens medal.
Max Denmark, Liam Herbert and Hugo Stiles have since followed suit, helping Hong Kong’s chances of going one better from their silver medal at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. The women’s team finished fourth.
“It gives us 18 to pick from, whereas we only had 12 before. For the boys to make that commitment is huge for us and it’s great to see them make the decision to do that,” men’s coach Paul John said, adding that there are “a couple more in process” who will not make it in time.
“We haven’t put any pressure on them because you can’t. It’s a life decision – a massive one – and they have showed good commitment to staying here and wanting to be part of it.”