‘I always went into a test thinking it would be my last’: Hong Kong’s thoroughbred rugby stalwart Nick Hewson calls time on his career
- The New Zealander came for six months in 2005 as a 21-year-old and leaves the game as Hong Kong’s most capped player
- Hewson gained a reputation for his ‘uncompromising Kiwi style of play’ on the pitch and his friendly demeanour off it
In one respect, Nick Hewson never thought his Hong Kong rugby career would last long.
“I always went into a test thinking it would be my last,” said the 35-year-old Hewson. “That was always my thinking, that I had to play well and prove myself.”
Fifty-eight matches later for the 15-a-side team, as well as a robust sevens career, and Hewson has the honour of calling himself Hong Kong’s most capped player. He has decided to call it a day after a recurring knee injury required surgery, and Hewson, who first came to Hong Kong from Taranaki in the North Island of New Zealand in 2005 as a spry 21-year-old, is now looking on an unexpected yet impressive legacy.
“I originally came out for six months,” he said. “And 14 years later I’m still here.”
Hewson, who stands 1.88 metres, is now the chief operating officer for the Societe Generale Valley Rugby Football Club, an outfit he helped to a staggering 10 grand championships and four league titles. Hewson is still also actively involved in horse breeding in Hong Kong, stating he has a few that should be competing in the city within the coming months.