Hong Kong Sevens: Habana urges city duo to ‘express talent’ at tournament he regrets never playing in
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Rugby great Bryan Habana has told competition debutants James Sawyer and Fong Kit-fung to discard any nerves, and “express their talent” at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens this week.
The World Cup winner said he harboured a “taste of regret” over never playing in the city’s “beautiful tournament”, despite claiming every major honour available during a glittering 16-year playing career.
The former Toulon wing, who scored a joint-record eight tries in South Africa’s 2007 triumph, urged Hong Kong pair Sawyer and Fong to “not forget the reason you reached this position”.
“The hard work, sacrifice and dedication you invest in your career, allows you to enjoy the big stage … and express your talent,” Habana told the Post.
“I know from my international debut, it goes by so quickly, and with the nerves, you can forget to look up and enjoy the experience. You have to use the skill set that got you to this point to maximise your opportunity.”
Habana played two major sevens tournaments in 2003-04, before going all in with the 15s code, where he grew into one of the sport’s most successful and recognisable figures.