World Cup berth on the line as Paul John takes new-look Hong Kong side into Asia Rugby Sevens Series
Max Woodward, Alex McQueen and Ryan Meacheam among those missing as the hosts take on China, Malaysia and the Philippines at King’s Park on Friday
He was thrust into the role only weeks before this year’s Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens and now Paul John has the chance to truly make his mark on his squad during the Asia Rugby Sevens Series.
John has seen a swag of his star players move on and is faced with the unenviable task of overseeing somewhat of a rebuild while also ensuring Hong Kong earn the top-two spot they need to secure their spot in next year’s World Series qualifier and the Rugby World Cup Sevens.
When round one of the three-round Asian series kicks off at King’s Park on Friday, John will be missing almost half the players who played in Hong Kong in April.
Former captain Max Woodward and Cado Lee Ka-to are playing in the Japan Top League, veterans Alex and Tom McQueen are in a pilot training programme in Australia, Ryan Meacheam has returned to New Zealand and Lee Jones is still working his way back from an Achilles injury.
On the flip side, the recent two-round domestic sevens competition and a training camp in Germany have allowed John to unearth some promising new talent.
