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Hong Kong today announced both their men’s and women’s teams for the Rugby Sevens competition at the Asian Games in Guangzhou (November 21-23).

The men’s side has a familiar look to it with seasoned campaigners such as Rowan Verty, Keith Robertson, Mark Wright all included by coach Dai Rees.

The inclusion of Tsang Hing Hung is the one change to the side that won the Borneo Sevens recently that included a 31-28 over arch-rivals Japan at Asian Sevens Series event. 

Hong Kong will again meet the Japanese at the Asian Games, drawn with them in the same pool along with Malaysia, Mongolia and Thailand at the University Town Main Stadium. It means both sides will be on opposite sides of the draw for the knock out stages leading to a potential dream final for the two Asian sevens powerhouses.

“The high standards achieved by all players within the extended training squad over the past four months have been outstanding. We currently have more strength in depth than ever before,” said coach Dai Rees.

“The team performed well at the Borneo Sevens. We have made the one change in Tsang Hing Hung, which just goes to demonstrate the competition for places. Hing Hung brings a wealth of experience to the team and provides a balance in the final make up of the squad.

“We are very clear with what we want to achieve,” added Rees.

“Japan, Korea and China would appear to be the main threats, but our preparation has been good and we are going into the Games quietly confident.”

HK women confident

Women’s rugby will make its Asian Games debut in Guangzhou with Hong Kong one of the favourites along with China and Kazakhstan

The side have also just made one change from the team that won the plate competition in the Singapore Cricket Club Sevens. It was the team’s final preparation tournament before heading for Guangzhou, with Cheng Ka Chi coming into the final squad replacing Man Po Kei.

They meet Uzbekistan, Korea, Thailand and the gold medal favourites China in pool play and are confident that they can be involved at the business end of the tournament.

“We have enjoyed an excellent build up to the Asian Games, and the success at the Jonah Jones Sevens back in September has provided the squad with the self belief required to be pushing for a medal,” said Hong Kong coach Yong Chi Fung.

“All matches are important, but the key pool match for us looks to be against Thailand, a victory there could set us up for a chance of a medal,” added Yong.

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