Christian Cullen joins ‘Magnificent Seven’ line-up

Former All Blacks fullback Christian Cullen has been named by the HKRFU as the third member of their “Magnificent Seven” team of great players from the first 39 editions of the Hong Kong Sevens.

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New Zealand great Christian Cullen has been named by the HKRFU as the third member of their ‘Magnificent Seven’ line-up picked from 40 years of the Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Sam Tsang/SCMP

Published: 6:00pm, 28 Feb 2015

Former All Blacks fullback Christian Cullen has been named by the HKRFU as the third member of their “Magnificent Seven” line-up of great players from the first 39 editions of the Hong Kong Sevens.

One of the most dangerous attacking players of the modern era, Cullen made his Hong Kong debut in 1995 when he played only one game, but it was the following year that he made everyone sit up and take notice.

Christian Cullen in action for New Zealand at the 1996 Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Robert Ng/SCMP

In New Zealand’s opening match at the 1996 Sevens, Cullen used his electric pace to score seven tries against Sri Lanka and he went on to finish the tournament with 18 tries in total. At the end of that weekend he was also presented with the Leslie Williams Trophy for best and fairest player.

“The 1996 tournament will always hold special memories for me,” said Cullen. “An epic Cup final against Fiji and winning the Leslie Williams Trophy. I always love coming back to Hong Kong, and I am looking forward to joining the celebrations at the end of March.”

The “Magnificent Seven” campaign is part of the HKRFU’s build-up to this year’s Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens – the 40th edition of the tournament – and each week a new team member will be added.