That must be the tune of the New Zealand team, because they will have a target on their back in this year’s Country of Origin Tournament, as a seven-nation army – Japan, Ireland, France, Scotland, Hong Kong (ok, so we’re not really a nation, but close enough), and the usual powerhouses, Australia and England, attempt to knock the Kiwis off the throne. The tournament is now in its 13th year and plays out at the King’s Park Sports Ground from 12:00pm-6:00pm on March 24.

Started in 1994, the Country of Origin Tournament is now widely popular among both fans and players. “It’s a unique social event on the Hong Kong Rugby calendar,” says Sean Moore, Chairman of the HKCC Rugby Section and former participant in the tournament. That players compete for their country instead of their usual club makes for an interesting teammates-against-teammates, rival-club-members-on-the-same-team kind of scenario. “Week in and week out we bash each other for the glory of our clubs so it is good to have the chance to lay down arms and play alongside guys from other outfits. I think this is what most players respond to about the Country of Origin, the chance to play with guys from other clubs,” says Moore.

We had a chat with Ken Carnduff, Captain and Organiser of the Scotland team, about his role in the Country of Origin…

Where in Scotland are you from?
I am from Edinburgh.
When and why did you come to Hong Kong?
I came here in 1995, and as for why… haha I followed a girl here, it was a long story.
How many years have you participated in this event?
Let me think, I played in four, I believe, one year just sort of slips into the other *laughs* I captained two, and played in four, yes so this is my seventh year.
Are you playing this year?
No, I hyper-extended my knee two weeks ago during a match, so I doubt I’ll be playing.
Ouch.
Yes, that’s Rugby for you. I am organising the team though.
So how did you get into organising the team?
They basically just wanted someone that has contacts and knows people.
The interesting aspect of Country of Origin is that the players are playing for their national colors and not their club. Is it hard playing against club teammates, and with opposite club members?
Yes, it is. The main reason is that most of the time, we do not meet our Count of Origin teammates until the day of the event. So you have to learn how they play and adjust quicker than normal. And with going against club teammates, that’s tough because we’re so familiar with each other’s style and how each other plays. It’s definitely an interesting scenario.
Which is more satisfying, playing for national pride or for the pride of your club?
Some of us will never get a chance to play for our country on the national level, so it is a good thing the Country of Origin gives everyone the chance to represent our country. So I must say, playing for national pride is slightly better, but you definitely make more friends playing for the clubs.

What: Country of Origin When: March 24
Where: Kings Park Sports Ground
How much: Free Enquiries: 2559 2945