Meet the new kid on the block as 20-year-old Paul Altier makes Asia Rugby Championship case
- As the 15-a-side squad is forced to watch the 2019 Rugby World Cup from the sidelines, the focus now turns to preparing for 2023 in France
- New head coach Andrew Hall has turned the page and looks to offer some young guns some caps at the upcoming Asia Rugby Championship
The result: a blatant high-tackle the referees clearly missed. But Altier, young, spry and looking to make his name with the big boys, popped up off the ground in a split second and found his way back into the play none the worse for wear.
It’s this youthful exuberance that has Hong Kong’s rugby community hopeful looking into an immediate future that appears bleak for the 15 a-side programme. No appearance at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, a massive missed chance via a last gasp repechage in France and a team that has to switch to a long-term focus.
Now the sights turns to 2023 and a potentially expanded Rugby World Cup, again in France. New head coach Andrew Hall, who has informally assumed duties from Leigh Jones, said young players like Altier, who could make his national team debut in the Asia Rugby Championship, which kicks off on June 8 in South Korea, are exactly what the Hong Kong Rugby Union need going forward, but they may not be good for his personal health.
“It’s not good for the blood pressure that’s for sure,” said Hall. “But they bring that youthful exuberance and creativity, and that, ‘Well I’m just going to have a crack.’ And I think it’s good at times because we tend to beat that out of most of the older players.”
The youthful experiment did the trick on Saturday as Altier and winger Harry Sayers, 22, ran through tackles and into space on a number of occasions as the national squad downed the Tigers 32-17. Sayers also saw action for the Tigers in Global Rapid Rugby play.
Altier, who converted a penalty kick in the second half showcasing his other talent along with blazing speed, is currently one year into a three year degree at the University of Bath in England where he is also playing rugby, originally spent a gap year after high school with the sevens programme. Now he appears to be a potential 15-a-side stalwart moving forward.
Altier admitted he had some nerves before Saturday’s contest given he wouldn’t be suiting up in U20s competition, where he was a star, but against full grown physical specimens who are less than ready to surrender their positions to an unproven youngster.
“When you are a twenty year old guy like me playing against 30-year-old men, weight is obviously going to be an issue. They’re 30 to 40 kilos heavier than you, so I try to use my strengths: speed, agility, to make up for that.”
“I’m playing full back so it’s really nailing down those skills, and finding ways to use my speed and agility and my kick.”
The born and raised Hongkonger also said his rugby future, which looks bright, will most likely feature him playing for the Dragons here at home given the support he’s received.
“Hong Kong have committed a lot to me over the years. I just felt I had to go out, get a degree and play a different style of rugby. And I think my plan is to stay loyal and committing to Hong Kong rugby long term.”