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At just 24,  many might consider Rowan Varty a relative youngster still. But Hong Kong's flying winger is  veteran around So Kon Poh and is gearing up to play in his sixth Hong Kong Sevens. 

We enjoyed his World Games Diary so much, we've invited him back to give UR7s readers an insight into the hosts as they prepare for the biggest weekend of the year...!

Rowan Varty

Thanks for having me back UR7s! I hope you are ready for a massive weekend here in Hong Kong!?

Despite the growing popularity of 15-a-side rugby in Hong Kong with the Asian 5 Nations in its third year now, the real pinnacle for local players is the IRB Sevens.

It's probably quite ironic that in a country where rugby is not part of its history, Hong Kong people grow up with the world's biggest and best Rugby Sevens tournament in their own backyard on a yearly basis.

The last few years has seen rugby expand greatly amongst Hong Kong locals, and we are beginning to emulate Japan's rugby playing population, which is predominantly local. Surely that is a good thing, as they fly the flag for Asian Rugby at the moment.

'Asian Heritage'

In my first year playing for Hong Kong (2005) I was one of four players who had attended school in Hong Kong, and only one of three who were deemed 'Asian Games Eligible'. That is, I was of 'Asian Heritage' or born in Hong Kong. This year’s squad is made up entirely of players who were born and bred and educated in Hong Kong.

Our pool at this year’s event is a strong one as always. In England, we have a team who command strong support in the Hong Kong Stadium, and hopefully Friday night’s game will be a massive draw for fans.

Revenge on Big Brother Japan

England are a young team but are always strong, with superb record in Hong Kong. They have earned a reputation amongst Hong Kong fans as a formidable opponent, and so to get a result against them would be even more special.

Our second opponents are Wales, who our own coach Dai Rees coached only a couple of years ago. Hopefully he will be able to help us out, as the World Champions have just come off the back of beating teams like Fiji in Adelaide!

Our final group stage opponents are Japan, who without doubt have become our biggest rivals recently.

The last time we faced them at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2008, we won by 2 points. However, our last two encounters (the Rugby World Cup Sevens Qualifiers Final and East Asian Games Gold Medal Match) have seen them snatch victory in the very last second of play.

We have a lot of respect for Japan as our 'Big Brother' in Asian rugby, however this goes out the window whenever we face them!

We play Japan on Saturday afternoon, which is when the crowd is usually at its loudest. Last year’s Saturday saw us beat Portugal and then Tonga, and the year before draw to France, so hopefully we can keep our strong tradition going!

Professional approach can bring silverware

My aim for this Sevens is to win some silverware. As a team, we want to get the results and recognition that might allow us to appear on more of the IRB Sevens Series events.

With the help of a very professional coaching set-up in Hong Kong, the players are following suit, and I believe that with the right environment to strive towards in the Series, Hong Kong's growing player base would flourish.

It wasn't long ago that USA were losing on a regular basis on the circuit, but now they are only one step from winning a cup, after making the finals in Adelaide!

We have had a much busier build-up to the tournament this year, with hit-outs against Canada, South Africa, USA and Scotland. The guys are tired, as we aren't used to the volume and intensity of these circuit teams, but I reckon we are much better for the experience. Having only one circuit tournament each year means we have to make the most of the opportunity to play these sides, even in controlled games.

We have time off until our game against England tomorrow night, and it would normally be hard not to be distracted by our friends playing in the Rugby Tens at the Football Club across the harbour. But as it is, everyone was in bed early and ready for our biggest weekend of the year!