Rowan Varty, a local rugby legend, is Hong Kong’s all-time leading try and points scorer at the Sevens. bc spoke to him as he prepares to compete in his 10th Sevens and amazingly to make his 30th visit to So Kon Po.
How can a 29 year old be attending his 30th HK Sevens?
By going every year of my life! I was born just before the Sevens, my parents took me as new born baby and I guess I enjoyed myself.
As a spectator, any memories that stand out?
The 1993 final between Western Samoa (as they were) and Fiji. W. Samoa won and it was pouring with rain. The atmosphere was electric, it’s the only time I can remember getting the same feeling off the pitch as on it!
As a player how have the Sevens changed for you over the last decade?
Our approach has become more professional. We used to go to the South Stand in between games to hang out with our mates. Now we go back to the hotel and rest! It is still the highlight of the year though.
Favourite HK Sevens team memory?
It has to be winning the shield in 2010. It was the first year of the new format, so it was equivalent to winning the old bowl. We were mobbed after collecting the trophy and only made it a quarter way round the stadium on the victory lap before Canada, who had won the next final, overtook us!
Worst team experience?
The 2011 Sevens. We lost every game and it was a rude awakening.
Sevens is very much a team game, but what’s your favourite personal moment as a player?
Each time we run out of the tunnel and the stadium erupts, it makes training hard all year worthwhile.
You’re the all time leading HK try scorer at the HK Sevens what’s your ‘best’/favourite try you’ve scored at the HK Sevens?
I scored an important try in the quarter finals against Chile last year. It may not have been the most glamorous but it got us to the semis.
What do you do between games?
If theres a big enough break we will go back to the hotel and rest up. Its good to have a mental switch off between the periods of focus around the games. Otherwise we hang out in the players area across the road.
Do you watch many of the other games over the weekend?
We try to. I enjoy watching Fiji and England, so any chance I get I’ll watch them play. Also if other Asian teams are playing I’ll make the effort. We will often watch upcoming opponents if they are playing each other to get a feel of their game.
Pulling on the national jersey and running out into a cauldron of noise as 40,000 fans roar in support, can you describe what that feels like?
It is a feeling worth living for! If we have had a couple of good results, the fans are usually extra vocal and it lifts you as a player.
Catch Rowan and the rest of the Hong Kong team this weekend as look to qualify for the Sevens World Series by winning in Hong Kong.
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