Hong Kong sends strong teams to Asia Rugby Sevens with World Cup places at stake
- This weekend’s tournament in Dubai is doubling up as a qualifier for the Rugby Sevens World Cup in South Africa next year
- Men’s squad is one of strongest coach Paul John could have selected, while three debutants mark women’s team that has blend of youth and experience
With World Cup places at stake, Hong Kong have sent strong men’s and women’s squads to Dubai for the Asia Rugby Sevens Series this weekend.
Continuing Covid-19 travel restrictions mean the tournament will double up as the regional qualifier for the 2022 Sevens World Cup in South Africa, as well as determining seeding for next year’s Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Paul John, the men’s coach, has picked a squad that reflects the importance of the occasion, featuring 11 of the 13 players who travelled to Canada in September for the Edmonton and Vancouver legs of this season’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
“It’s difficult to know exactly what the other teams will bring, but we have to respect all opposition and be fully prepared with our own game,” John said.
“The squad has trained well over the last few weeks and we had some very competitive trial games in Hong Kong last week. It was good to see the boys play against one another and get some sevens specific games under their belts.”
