Hong Kong, China, March 28, 2023: The Hong Kong Rugby Union has announced the men’s and women’s sevens squads for the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2023 from Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2 at the Hong Kong Stadium.
Experienced co-captains Natasha Olson-Thorne and Melody Li Nim-yan will take the women’s team into its first ever HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament this weekend when the Sevens hosts a full Series tournament for the first time in its history.
The women’s team is in Pool A with Series leaders New Zealand, Canada and Team Great Britain.
Hong Kong Sports Institute Head Sevens coach Paul John said: “This is the biggest test the girls have ever had. We have a difficult group but we have to embrace that, learn from it and take the experience of a lifetime out of this weekend. The biggest challenge is to respect, not fear, our opponents.”
Looking ahead to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China this September and October, John added: “Hong Kong is a great way to start our progression to the Asian Games. Every player wants to play in that stadium, but it is just the start of an exciting time for the squad. From Friday until the end of April there are three huge tournaments for us to play in, which is brilliant.”
The men’s side is also laden with experience with nine players returning from November’s Sevens including captain Max Woodward - marking his sixth tournament, with five as captain.
Hong Kong rugby’s most capped player, the evergreen Salom Yiu Kam-sing, will celebrate a 12th appearance at the Sevens. This weekend also marks Yiu’s 70th sevens appearance for Hong Kong, China.
“The squad is rugby ready,” said men’s coach Jevon Groves. “It has been a tough selection, and there are some very good players missing out.”
The men’s team is pooled with France, Team Great Britain and Uruguay in Pool B.
