Role-model Rosie a passionate pioneer

When she hears the phrase 'mothers, love, food and career - the four major guilt groups', Rosie Fong can't help but smile. 'Yes, I can relate to that,' laughs the 22-year-old centre who made her debut for the Hong Kong women's sevens team this year. But, Rosie is not guilty about anything; she is just focused and upbeat.

Against myriad odds, Rosie carved her own path in rugby in the same way she carved up the field from the age of seven on her home turf, out in the New Territories at the Flying Kukris rugby club. A kukri is a Gurka knife and the club was started by the British Air Force.

'When I first joined the Flying Kukris at seven, I used to play in the boys' team, as there weren't enough girls,' she said. 'I was often the only girl in my team and I loved that I was treated like one of the boys. When I was too old to play with the boys at 13, I had to start my own all-girls team at the Kukris, because there was no way I was joining a rival club.'

This fierce loyalty to club, family and friends is part of Rosie's psyche, and is evident when she talks about her mother, Suki, who became involved with rugby to support her two daughters and son who were playing the game. 'My mother was definitely one of the pioneers for girls' rugby from minis to under-19s. She did so much for girls' rugby, always getting a foot in the door for us.'

After the severe acute respiratory syndrome scare in 2003, finances were tight and there were many worries. When Rosie took to the pitch she vented her emotions. 'I loved the physicality and intensity which rugby was all about. I participated in a number of sports, but from the first time I took to the rugby pitch I loved it. I felt some anger growing up, and rugby is the perfect way to channel anger. You can let go, it's a release.'

Circumstances improved, and with the help of the HKRFU's Charitable Trust Rosie attended Durham College in Britain to complete her A-levels at 16, and then later study for a degree at Leeds Metropolitan University on a full scholarship where she received a first class honours degree in sports performance.