Advertisement
Sam Agars

Boots and all | Referee Matt Rodden leads the way for Hong Kong in intriguing World Rugby Sevens Series

The 27-year-old oversees four legs as the likes of New Zealand and Fiji look to continue their dominance with new coaches

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Matt Rodden is the first Hong Kong-based male to join the World Rugby Sevens Series refereeing panel. Photo: SCMP Pictures

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2016-17 kicks off in Dubai on Friday and will have a distinct Hong Kong flavour.

Advertisement

Firstly, Hong Kong have secured a spot in the main draw of the Singapore tournament through their efforts in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series.

On top of that, Matt Rodden becomes the first Hong Kong-based referee to officiate the series on a permanent basis.

The New Zealander has been chosen as one of 21 members on the refereeing panel and will take charge in four legs – Wellington, Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore.

He follows in the footsteps of fellow Hong Kong referee and one of his role models Gabriel Lee Wing-yi, who has refereed women’s rugby at the Olympics and on the women’s world series.

Advertisement
Hong Kong celebrate their victory in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in South Korea. Photo: SCMP Pictures
Hong Kong celebrate their victory in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in South Korea. Photo: SCMP Pictures
loading
Advertisement