Royce Chan ‘the backbone of Hong Kong women’s rugby’ as Jo Hull names World Cup squad
The 38-year-old forward is excited and relieved to be on the way to Ireland after battling shoulder injuries in recent years
Excitement was the order of the day as Hong Kong coach Jo Hull named her side for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland next month, but for veteran hooker Royce Chan Leong-sze there was also a touch of relief.
The 38-year-old has battled shoulder injuries in recent years and has had to work as hard as anyone to earn a trip to Ireland she wasn’t sure would ever come.
“I have dislocated my shoulder twice and after the second time I wasn’t sure if I would make it back,” she said. “I want to be on the pitch and I will look to provide an impact if I’m coming off the bench.”
Chan admits the World Cup could be her last international tournament but wants to give back to the game that provided her direction as a youngster, potentially through coaching.
“Before rugby I wasn’t sure what I was going to do and what I was good at,” she said. “Off the pitch I try to help the young girls believe in their ability to play at this level.”
