Key Hong Kong rugby sevens pair set to return after injury and childbirth
Seb Brien fit to play following serious knee injury, Melody Li back after 18 months away from rugby to have child
Two major Hong Kong sevens figures are set for long-awaited returns to action after they were included in squads for this weekend’s LIT Super Sevens Series climax in England.
Seb Brien has been sidelined since he tore an anterior cruciate ligament in Hong Kong’s 15s victory over Brazil in July last year. Melody Li Nim-yan, meanwhile, has been away since January 2024 to have a child.
Brien’s injury deprived him of the chance to play in Kai Tak Stadium’s debut Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens in March. He has also been forced out of the ongoing Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship, where Hong Kong are vying for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification.
But the wing, who would have been named sevens joint-captain alongside James Christie before he was laid low, is ready to end his injury agony in Bury St Edmund’s on Saturday.
“The time away from rugby has been very testing,” Brien said. “You spend a lot of time alone with the physio and away from the squad, so it’s really nice integrating back.
“I’m looking forward to channelling my hard work back into playing. I’ve been at that awkward stage of rejoining the squad while they’ve been away at tournaments, and only three or four players being at training.”
