Varty among 40 players to join elite sevens training programme
HKSI intake comprises a ‘Who’s Who’ of Hong Kong rugby in scheme designed to close gap on international rivals
Former Hong Kong sevens captain Rowan Varty has put his legal career on hold to pursue his dream of representing Hong Kong in the Olympics, after joining 40 players inducted into the Hong Kong Sports Institute yesterday.
"I had just finished my two-year training period at Tanner DeWitt. The expiry of my training period coincided with the establishment of the HKSI programme and the firm was very accommodating," said Varty.
"It could have been quite a difficult decision for me, but it was made very easy by the firm, who have allowed me to carry on part-time. It wasn't a tough decision at the end but I'm glad I made it."
Sevens became the first team sport inducted into the Sports Institute in April; since then the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union has been selecting the first inductees, while several players with jobs have been trying to obtain sabbaticals to go full-time.
The 40-member HKRFU squad comprises 22 men (14 full-time, eight part-time) and 18 women (11 full-time, seven part-time).
"I have spent the whole of my adult life playing for this team and I wasn't about to give up when we really made the push for full-time status," added Varty. "I think this is my 10th year with the team and this has been the first time we really committed as a team to going full-time.
