Hong Kong maintain Asia Under-20 Sevens dominance as host of youngsters impress senior coach Paul John
Mark Coebergh, Paul Altier and Jack Abbott among those to push for higher honours as hosts edge South Korea 5-0 in final
A host of youngsters put their hands up for higher honours as Hong Kong maintained their hold on the Asia Rugby Under-20 Sevens with victory over South Korea in Saturday’s final at King’s Park.
Hong Kong breezed through pool play and swatted off Singapore 19-0 in the semi-final but found themselves in a ding-dong battle in the decider, with a final-minute Liam Doherty try seeing the hosts home 5-0.
Hong Kong sevens coach Paul John was on the sidelines and said a number of the squad will “definitely” be considered for senior selection when his side return from the Asian Games and turn their attention to the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, which kicks off next month.
The likes of Mark Coebergh, Thaddeus Summers, Paul Altier and Jack Abbott have had plenty of exposure to the national set-up, with scrum half Coebergh one John was keeping a keen eye on.
“If that happens, I would be chuffed but for now we will enjoy this moment,” said Coebergh, who captained the side.