 Rugby 7’s
Ahead of Hong Kong’s attempt to qualify for the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, bc spoke to some of the prominent players in the Hong Kong squad.
Both men’s and women’s contests in the Rugby World Cup Sevens Asian Qualifier will be held on October 4 and 5 at the HK Football Club. Teams from Japan, Kazahstan, Thailand, Korea, Chinese Taipei, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, China, Malaysia and Guam will join the HK men’s team playing elimination matches in four pools: The HK team will be playing against Sri Lanka and India in Pool C. Preparation is already in full swing – the squad has recently returned from a triangular tournament in Dubai and on the evening of the interview were heading to an intensive training camp.
The HK Rugby Football Union has, for the first time in its history, contracted players as full-time professionals: Keith Robertson, Rowan Varty and Mark Wright have all signed on with the union and are optimistic about the qualifier. The HK team beat Sri Lanka last summer in an away game and Varty looks forward to a repeat of the result – although he is careful not to underestimate the Sri Lankans. “We won last summer but we had to wait until the last minute to win the game,” says the full back. “They are a very fast side and not a team that anyone can beat easily. We have to play pretty well to beat them, but I am confident we can do it because we have a bigger team and we are quite strong.”
To control the game Hong Kong will have to score first, according to Robertson. “If they score first they will keep playing better, but if we smash them hard early they can’t come back, really,” he says. India may be less daunting. “We have to play well in every game and treat it as our last game otherwise we will be knocked out,” Mark Wright comments. “Sri Lanka will create some difficulties but I don’t think they play that much rugby in India, so I would say it will be easier.”
Varty recently finished his law studies at the University of Hong Kong and was offered a job at a law firm but chose to test the waters as a full-time rugby player instead.
“I want to play the national game for one or two years to see if I enjoy it,” he says. “If I enjoy it I will continue, if not, I am going to be a lawyer, I guess.” Also freshly graduated is Keith Robertson who considers being a rugby pro a good way to avoid a 9-to-6 job. But for him professionalism and a positive attitude are paramount. “There are no excuses to miss a training or be late because it’s my job and I cannot take it for granted,” says the financial, economic and accounting graduate. Mark Wright is even more direct. “I have to be switched on all the time,” he says.
What: Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009
Asian Qualifier
When: October 4-5, 10:30am
Where: HK Football Club
How Much: Free
Enquiries: info@hkrugby.com
Eco Action
 The main purpose of the Asia Miles Eco Action Asia is, of course, to promote environmental awareness but it is also a fun day out for the family and a test for those who like a bit of adventure. The event is divided into a family-friendly 4km walk starting from the Aberdeen Sports Stadium and finishing in Repulse Bay, and an Eco Adventure Race, a 10km run along trails and the coastline followed by a 2km kayak across Deep Water Bay and finishing in Repulse Bay. The race may be strenuous, but that is right up the alley of Police Officer Tom Tsang who has always been something of an adventurer. “I think the most interesting thing is that the course covers a variety of areas,” she says. “You go through the country park, the hills as well as canoeing. A lot of people go to the Aberdeen country park, but not everyone will go into the heart of the park. So I think the event offers participants a chance to see Hong Kong wildlife from a new angle.” The policewoman and her boyfriend – who also works in the police force – won the first runner-up in another adventure race in Thailand in 2006 and Tsang favours participating with a partner. “It can serve as a motivation, and you can share the pain and the joy together throughout the race,” she says.
That opinion is shared by Mrs Kam who, with her husband and six-year-old, will be taking part for the first time in the Eco Family Walk, at which face-painting, an environmental dress-up competition and environmentally themed characters (think along the line of shark, tree or panda perhaps) will be part of the fun. Eco-related booths will also operate at the destination. Mrs Kam is impressed. “I think it is great for a family day out. My son is six and he has never tried anything like this,” says the mum. “And it is a good way to teach him something about environmental protection. Also it is good to have some exercises together!” But they won’t be wearing any unusual outfits. “Sadly my boy has just got into primary school,” says Mrs Kam, “and we are too busy to prepare some special wardrobe for the Best Environment Costumes Awards!”
What: Asia Miles Eco Action
Asia Adventure
When: October 5, 8:45am
Where: Start at the Aberdeen Sports Stadium opposite Ocean Park
Enquiries: 3158 0251, aae@actionasia.com
Fast Five
It is the last call for those who wish to take part in the 2008 AVOHK 5km Series: the event, which used to be known as the Ladies And Vets Series, will hold its final race in October. Compared to the previous two races of the series, this has the flattest course although all three are run over the same distance. The race will start and finish at Bowen Road, participants running 2.5km out then turn and run back to finish. The race is open for those 16 and above and a pre-event sign up is required.
What: 2008 AVOHK 5km Series
When: October 11, 4pm
Where: Bowen Road at junction with Bowen Drive
Enquiries: 9038 5460, catherineavohk@gmail.com
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