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Robin Heymann

It’s exciting times for Asian Rugby Sevens with Olympic inclusion set to change the landscape of the sport in the region. With the inaugural Asian Sevens Series currently in full swing and the East Asian Games set for December, there's a growing buzz very much in evidence. Hong Kong are one of those sides desperate to improve standards and make a difference on the Sevens stage. UR7s caught up with captain Jeff Wong to see how they are progressing...

Jeff, it’s been quite an exciting few months for you personally?

Yes, I really enjoyed my first year of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations, which is the new regional 15s competition here. I can’t wait till next year’s competition.

And then being handed the 7s captain’s arm band?

As to captaining the 7s side came to me as a surprise. I was very excited and honored when I was asked to lead the boys. I am grateful of the opportunity.

What have been the major differences both on and off the pitch now you are captain?

Nothing changes for me. I don’t think there is a need to change just because now I am the captain. I am just going to continue doing what I did before. Train hard, play hard and enjoy the boys’ company on and off the pitch.

What’s your overall reaction to how the side faired in Shanghai at the first leg of the series?

Very pleased about how much we improved as a team since the World Games [July 2009 in Kaoshiung, Taiwan]. We now have a much better understanding of the new system, we are starting to read each other’s body language and we are learning to play what’s in front of us. Shanghai was a good weekend at the office.

What was the most pleasing aspect from the team’s point of view?

We have more depth than ever. There isn’t a position that is not competitive. After the two tournaments (World Games & Shanghai Sevens) we had, there were a couple of new players who showed good potential.

What do the team need to work on for the rest of series?

I think I will leave that question to coach Dai Rees!

So what kind of impact has new coach Dai Rees had on the side?

Dai is very passionate about his rugby, and the boys can feel that when working with him, that is something we lack at times in Hong Kong.

 Out of newcomers to the squad, who is showing the most potential to follow in footsteps of a Rowan Varty and Keith Robertson?

Mark Komar is the future of HK rugby. He’s a young lad, played overseas in Australia for a while and was involved in the Western Force setup. Unfortunately he’s injured for the coming season!

What are your overall thoughts on the Asia Sevens Series from a player’s perspective

I think we are heading in the right direction. This year’s Asian 7s series is a huge step forward.

What other teams most impressed you in Shanghai?

I really enjoyed watching the Koreans beating Japan in the final!

Which nations can benefit most from Rugby inclusion into the Olympic Games and why?

China, because now that rugby 7s is an Olympic Sport, China will start to look more in depth at rugby and really taking a view as to how they can help develop the sport.

How exciting will it to play host to the East Asian Games in a few months?

It is very exciting indeed. Hopefully after hosting the East Asian Games, rugby will get more attention in HK.

Will competitions like East Asian Games, Asian Sevens Series, Asian Games attract more locals to take up the sport in HK?

HKRFU have been putting in a lot of resources into promoting Rugby in HK and the number of players are definitely increasing. With more recognizable competitions like the Asian Sevens Series and the Asian 5 Nations, there is no doubt that more and more locals will get involved.