Category: 2018

Women’s 7s Olympic Final Will Be Played On Iconic ‘Super Saturday’!

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are just two years away and the dates for the Olympic 7s tournament have been confirmed by World Rugby.

Sevens made an impressive Olympic Games debut at Rio 2016 with Australia’s women claiming the first rugby gold medal since the 1924 Games and Fiji’s men claiming their nation’s first-ever Olympic medal, with an historic gold.

The International Olympic Committee has approved the competition schedule for all 33 sports at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and rugby sevens will again feature in the first week of competition with matches being played across six days of two sessions per day from 27 July to 1 August, 2020.

In a reverse of the Rio 2016 format, the men’s competition will be played over the first three days, while the women’s competition will take place over the final three days, with the medals day being played on the iconic ‘Super Saturday’.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “This is the moment that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games comes alive for our players and fans around the world. With two years to go, the competition dates are set, excitement is building, and I am anticipating an outstanding sevens and Games.

“By alternating the schedule, the world’s top women’s teams have the opportunity to shine on ‘Super Saturday’, the biggest moment of the Games, which is extremely exciting for the advancement and popularity of women’s sevens.”

Additional reporting and images: World Rugby

Hong Kong Lose World Cup 7s Opener

Hong Kong lost its opening match of the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens, losing 21-7 to Russia.

Debutant Liam Herbert scored in the dying minutes to put Hong Kong on the board late in the game, but the damage had been done in the first half after Russia ran out to a 21-0 lead before halftime after an early brace from Sergei Ianiushkin and a third try late in the half from German Davydov.

Hong Kong put in a much-improved performance in the second half but it was too little too late, and captain Ben Rimene rued his side’s slow start and lack of execution after the match.

“It was a slow start for us. They were up 21-0 at halftime and we had hardly touched the ball in the first half. When we did get the ball we gave it up too easily. With teams like Russia that play at this level all of the time, if you give them the ball they are going to score points and they did,” Rimene added.

The tournament’s knock out format means that Hong Kong will now be contesting the Bowl in San Francisco and will face off against Jamaica who were beaten 50-0 by France in their opening match.

“We are in the bottom half of the tournament now and we have to focus on Jamaica. Our objective now is to get into the top part of the draw come Sunday,” said Rimene.

Tonga will play Chile in the first Bowl quarter final, followed by an all-African affair between Zimbabwe and Uganda, while Papua New Guinea and Uruguay will contest the last Bowl quarter final.

“We need to tighten up our structures for tomorrow,” Rimene added. “We knew what we need to do out there, it was our execution more than anything else that was off.”

Despite being one of six players in the squad that competed in the Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification match against Cook Islands two weeks ago, Rimene didn’t chalk up his sides’ slow start to any off-season rustiness.

“We are professionals and we know what we need to do. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to go from fifteens to sevens, but it’s part of the job and we have to do it.”

Coach Paul John stressed that his team’s ultimate objectives from San Francisco were still valid; possibly even more so, given that Hong Kong may be competing against most of their fellow Bowl competitors in next seasons’ HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series qualifier tournament in Hong Kong.

“Our objective now is to win a few games and try to reach the higher end of the competition.

“We cross over with Jamaica now and they have a lot of good athletes, so we are still playing countries that we want to test ourselves against. Sevens is getting more and more difficult, so it is good to test ourselves against as many teams as possible, especially those we may meet in the World Series qualification tournament in Hong Kong next year,” John said.

Additional reporting and images: HKRU

Hong Kong Head to Rugby 7s World Cup

Hong Kong heads to the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens this weekend. The San Francisco tournament has a slightly different format in that it’s a straight knockout – there are no pool games. Lose and you go home!

Ok that’s not strictly true as in the early games lose and you drop from the Cup to the Bowl/Challenge… It puts teams in a ‘must win’ mode from the first kick-off on Friday when Hong Kong face off against Russia in their first match.

Captain Ben Rimene, fullback Jamie Hood, scrumhalf Cado Lee Ka-to, flanker Toby Fenn and wings Salom Yiu Kam-shing and Max Denmark all return to action after shutting out the Cook Islands in the fifteen-a-side Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification series decider thirteen days ago.

To ease the transition back into sevens, head coach Paul John, who coached Wales to the world title in Dubai in 2009, arranged a training match with Wales earlier this week.  Hong Kong also played in the Amsterdam Sevens and Algarve Sevens earlier this summer as a build up for the world championships.

“It was always going to be a full year for a lot of the players; what with World Cup qualification, the Sevens World Cup, the Asian Games, the Asian Sevens series, and now the final stage of the World Cup repechage upcoming. We knew this was going to be the case,” said John.

“There’s a lot going on, which is exciting for Hong Kong Rugby, but a bit tricky at times. We’ve worked closely with Leigh Jones and the fifteens programme in looking at what takes priority at which times, while trying to maintain our own processes.”

“The boys have done well to get here and it is a great opportunity for us to be in the World Cup. We want to do ourselves justice,” added John.

Three of Hong Kong’s younger elite sevens programme members, Eric Kwok Pak-na, Liam Herbert and Alessandro Nardoni, are in the squad for the World Cup where Nardoni and Herbert will win their first senior sevens caps.

“This is an incredible tournament to be a part of and gives our newer boys an opportunity to play on the big stage. I think if we can relax a bit out there this weekend, they can show a bit of what they have to offer,” John said.

Herbert, Kwok and Nardoni impressed the selectors in Europe earlier this summer according to John. “Liam went away with us to Shandong earlier this year and performed well there. He backed that up in the two tournaments in Europe. He has really impressed in training and has worked really hard,” John continued.

“Alessandro also had two good tournaments in Europe. He has been in the programme for a while but hasn’t had the opportunity to play. He has it this week. Eric’s another player, like Ali, who has just missed out on selection over the last 12 months. He played well when given the opportunity in Europe and he deserves to have a go.”

Two players, former U20s captain Hugo Stiles and experienced campaigner Lee Jones, make welcome returns from injury in the time for the World Cup.

“Hugo is looking like his old self, he is a bit of a livewire as usual. He is really looking forward to it and I’m sure it is nice for him to be back playing at full fitness. He has looked good at training and we are excited to see how he performs.”

“Lee has worked really hard to come back from an Achilles injury in Singapore in 2017. He’s trained well and played well in Shandong and Europe and it is going to be good to have him back,” John added.

Jones and fellow forwards Fenn and Michael Coverdale will be essential in what is expected to be a physical challenge from Russia.

“Russia are a settled team and a World Series team and that makes them a hard prospect. They have threats all over the park from an aggressive running point of view. They are powerful and they will be direct against us, I’m sure,” said John.

“We need to use possession wisely and take our opportunities. We need to finish every possession with as many positives as possible. If we take care of the ball, we will be in with a fighting chance, but it won’t be easy.”

“Hopefully the newer guys can relax and learn from being on this stage, it will be a great development for tournaments that we have coming up,” John added.

The squad is targeting a finish in the upper bracket, which means that they must overcome Russia.

“Before we came we discussed our main objective – to win that first game. That will put us through to the top half or two-thirds of the tournament where we will be playing against the World Series teams, which will be a great preparation for us for the Asian Games.

“If we route to the bottom eight, then our objective is to win a few games and try to reach the higher end of the competition. If we lose, we cross over with Jamaica or France I think; Jamaica have a lot of athletes here and France are on the Series, so it is still playing countries that we need to and want to test ourselves against.

“Sevens is getting more and more difficult, so no matter where we are in the tournament, it will be good to test ourselves against as many teams as possible, especially those we may meet in the World Series qualification tournament in Hong Kong next year,” John said.

Hong Kong Men’s Sevens Squad (Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018)
Ben Rimene (Captain), Salom Yiu Kam-shing, Cado Lee Ka-to, Lee Jones, Toby Fenn, Hugo Stiles, Liam Herbert, Eric Kwok Pak-na, Jamie Hood, Alessandro Nardoni, Michael Coverdale, Max Denmark.

Additional reporting and images: HKRU

Zero Waste Cook Off @ Pizza Express – 19 July, 2018

The theme of Pizza Express’s Cook Off 4 was Zero Waste and taking up the challenge were guest Chef Neil Tomes and Pizza Express’s Development Chef Dan Segall.

The cook-off took place on 19 July at Pizza Express’s new Sheung Wan outlet infront of invited guests and friends. First up was Tomes to talk about his Indian inspired creation – a Spiced Spinach and Ricotta Pizza.

Segall in contrast sort to ‘interpret’ the classic Hawaiian – his Beach Picnic Pizza replacing the ham with salami, jalapeños and buffalo mozzarella for a more spicy flavour.

You can try both pizzas at all Pizza Express restaurants from 23 July to 3 September and cast your vote online.

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Hong Kong Book Fair 2018

The 29th Hong Kong Book Fair runs from the 18-24 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. 680 exhibitors from 39 countries and regions will offer books on a wide range of topics and in a multitude of languages.

Among them is local graphic illustrator Felix Ip 葉偉青 who is showcasing his book Hong Kong Machines where the various forms of Hong Kong transportation are turned into robot illustrations! Think transformers featuring the MTR, taxis, Star Ferry, green mini bus… You can find him in Hall 1, 1A-E16

“Love Between the Lines” is a thematic exhibition showcasing famous Hong Kong romance writers. Other exhibitions include a “Photo Gallery of Silk Road”, “A Journey to Zhejiang” and “A Gem of Chinese Culture – Cantonese Opera”.

Authors from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, France, Latvia, Spain and the United Kingdom will attend the festival and take part in a range of events and seminars.

Hong Kong Book Fair
Date: 18-24 July, 2018
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Tickets: $25
More info: www.hkbookfair.com

Handover Protest March, 1 July 2018

As Hong Kong turns 21 it’s unique identity is being choked to death as Beijing ramps up the Chinafication of the SAR. What should be a ‘coming of age’ party feels more like a wake.

Xi’s oppressive clampdown on free speech, extensive intrusion into and monitoring of personal lives and the rewarding of his cronies north of the border has been mirrored locally over the last twelve months. Dissenting voices have been jailed, opposing viewpoints hidden, expanding corruption goes unchecked and the pillaging of the HK governments coffers to reward supporters with generous contracts increases yet further.

The annual 1 July pro democracy march has become diluted and unfocused as hundreds of different groups look to raise cash and promote their individual messages and agendas.

With Hong Kong’s economy still fairly robust and Lam’s leadership anonymous and bland, democracy advocates lack the focal point of the easily vilified 689. Stamping on Lam’s face stuck to the road, lacks the visceral feel and satisfaction of stamping on 689.

Sadly at 21 Hong Kong is dead, like a fish out of water it struggles and flaps around unaware of it’s demise. What does the future hold for Hong Kong China? Sadly the portents are not good.

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Cook Islands 3-26 Hong Kong @ Rarotonga

In the first ever test match between the two teams, Hong Kong claimed the upper hand in their Rugby world Cup 2019 qualification battle with the Cook Islands after a comprehensive 26-3 win in the home and away play-off.

Hong Kong ranked 21st in the world held the 54th ranked Cook Islands try-less in Rarotonga, allowing the hosts just a single first-half penalty as they took a big step towards November’s repechage tournament in France.

“It was a tough game and that was a hell of a win,” said a delighted Hong Kong coach Leigh Jones after the match. “I don’t get overly excited about things, but I think it was a historic day for Hong Kong. Cook Islands brought everyone back and they have some top quality players in that side but our performance was just outstanding.”

“Ahead of the game, we talked about every point being precious, whether we are giving them away or getting them; so that [holding Cook Islands to a single penalty] was a great credit to the boys. They wanted to keep the clean sheet and they did.” Jones added.

Canada have booked their place in the final four repechage already while Samoa have opened a big lead on Germany in another bracket. The winner of Hong Kong versus Cook Islands will join them and the winners of the Africa qualification campaign next November.

Hong Kong shrugged off the 25-hour travel to the islands as they stormed deep into Cook Islands territory from the kick-off to set up their first try. No. 8 Thomas Lamboley crossed the line in the third minute after a series of well-executed attacking phases on the hosts try line.

Flyhalf Matt Rosslee missed the conversion attempt, he missed all four of Hong Kong’s conversions, but was more accurate on his penalty attempts, slotting tough chances on either side of half time.

Hong Kong extended their lead in the 12th minute when Jack Neville took a sneaky reverse pass from centre Lex Kalecka. Cutting against the defence Neville’s run and pass put scrumhalf Liam Slatem clear in the corner, 10-0.

The Cook Islands scored their only points of the game with a penalty after Nick Hewson was penalised for sealing off the tackler on the ground. Centre Greg Mullany’s kick putting the hosts on the board, 10-3 after 23 minutes.

Moments later winger Conor Hartley served a perfect pass by Slatem allowing him to stroll across the tramlines for Hong Kong’s third try and a 15-3 lead.

Rosslee closed out the first half with a successful penalty to send Hong Kong into the break up 18-3.

Throughout the first period Hong Kong regularly exploited overlaps in the Cook Islands defence, with all of their tries coming out wide, as the forwards penetrated the hosts midfield defence, luring defenders in from the flanks to create space for the backs.

The Cook Islands put in an improved showing in the second half, aided by a swirling wind that hampered Hong Kong in the final stages.

“You couldn’t see it on TV, but there was a really strong wind and that was why it looked like it was a game of two halves,” said Jones. “It was very difficult for us to get out of our half in the second half, largely because of the wind.”

Rosslee scored Hong Kong’s first points of the second half with a second penalty to push the lead to 21-3.

The visitors added a fourth try late in the game when Max Woodward, who moments earlier had accounted for a try-saving tackle, finished off some great interplay with winger Salom Yiu Kam-shing by crossing over in the left corner.

“It was a very physical game, we were expecting that. They are a big, big side and it was a very physical out there. We have a few battered and bruised, but so have they,” said Jones.

“If we are going to get to where we want to get, we have to cope with opposition and teams like that. Today’s result shows that we are progressing and are able to cope at that next level,” said Jones.

Both sides will now journey back to Hong Kong and Jones is curious to see what the opposition’s selection will look like. “It will be interesting to see what their travel party will look like and whether some of their big names travel, but it will be a similar approach for us. It’s cup rugby and we don’t need to be too flamboyant. We just need to do what it says on the tin and play good solid, percentage rugby.”

Hong Kong v Cook Islands:
James Cunningham (Captain), Daniel Barlow, Dylan Rogers, Jack Delaforce, Nicholas Hewson, Toy Fenn, Thomas Lamboley, Liam Slatem, Matthew Rosslee, Yiu Kam-shing, Max Woodward, Jack Neville, Conor Hartley, Jamie Hood, Alexander Post, Adam Fullgrabe, Jack Parfitt, Michael Parfitt, Kane Boucaut, Cris Pierrepont, Jamie Lauder, Max Denmark, Benjamin Roberts, Lex Kaleca.

Additional reporting and images: HKRU

RWC Japan Qualification Attempt Continues Against Cook Islands

Hong Kong take on the Cook Islands in the second of three possible qualification phases for the Rugby World Cup with a home and away series on 30 June (away) and 7 July (Hong Kong Football Club). The winner advances to a four-team repechage tournament later this year to decide the 20th spot at Japan 2019.

The Cook Islands are ranked 54th in the world, 33 spots behind Hong Kong at 21 and national coach Leigh Jones was perhaps a touch overly dramatic when he said “Not to overplay it, but it’s probably one of the most important games in Hong Kong rugby history,” ahead of the team’s departure on Wednesday night.

Hong Kong’s undefeated run in the Asia Rugby Championship earlier this month marked a successful first step on the Road to 2019, but the second is shaping up to be more sizeable, starting with a 25-hour away trip to Raratonga, Cook Islands that includes a forced 10-hour stopover in Auckland.

“It’s an horrendous trip in many ways, but we are preparing well for it. The larger problem is the time. The Cook Islands are 18 hours behind us, so it throws our body clock off significantly,” said Jones

“You can go down early and acclimatize and get your body on Cook Islands time, but then you have to travel back to Hong Kong and play here seven days later, so there is a potential that we could be kind of undercooked on both ends in terms of our body clock.”

“Luke [Davey, Head of Performance at the HKRU’s Elite Rugby Programme] and our team have been planning meticulously for this for awhile. We will do our best to stay on Hong Kong time to make the home leg adjustment much easier, which throws up a lot of logistical issues for us, but we have overcome many of them,” Jones added.

During the 10-hour stopover in Auckland the team will have a training session at the Chiefs Super Rugby franchise.

“We must thank the Chiefs High Performance Manager Chris Tindall and Dave Galbraith, their Mental Skills and Leadership Coach, for their support. The Chiefs have been magnificent in arranging things on that end to make that 10 hours as palatable as possible,” Jones added.

The match kick-offs at 3pm local time, which is 9am Hong Kong time.

“We have changed our programme over the last three weeks. We have been getting up progressively earlier, so the guys were at Football Club at 7am yesterday going flat out to ensure their bodies are okay and adjusted for what is effectively a 9am kick-off,” Jones noted.

Jones is pleased with the squad’s preparations so far. “The players are ready to go. I am glad the game is this weekend, another week and the frustration may have started building, but the timing has been pretty good for us. We had a week to rest after the ARC and then two to three weeks to train and maintain intensity. We are in a good space.”

With some players under slight injury clouds and considering the lengthy travel, Jones has opted to be safe rather than sorry in taking 25 players in the travel squad with 23 set for the final selection.

The squad includes former Under 20s star hooker Alexander Post, who was capped for Hong Kong in last year’s tour to Kenya.  Post will add cover for Ben Roberts, who picked up a niggling rib injury against Korea in the final match of the Asian championship.

“We’ve probably got eight to 10 injuries, but the guys really stepped up during the ARC and proved that they’re of the quality we need. That speaks well for the programme and our approach.”

Cook Islands had a circuitous route of their own to reach this stage. They lost to Tahiti in the Oceania qualifier, but that result was later overturned after Tahiti were found to have fielded ineligible players. The turnover in teams has left Hong Kong in the dark somewhat about what they will face on Saturday.

“We are going into the unknown to a large extent,” admitted Jones. “We’ve done our research on their players and they have some quality. Guys playing Top 14 in France, Mitre Cup in New Zealand, guys who’ve played against the British Lions in Super Rugby, so it will be challenging, particularly at forward, but we are very aware of how tough it’s going to be.”

“It’s cup rugby and we’re away from home, so we need to be smart, our discipline needs to be really good, our set piece needs to function, and we need to be playing in the right areas.

“The series will be decided on aggregate points across the two games, so we need to be really smart in how we manage the game and manage the crowd on Saturday,” Jones emphasized.

Hong Kong Squad Against Cook Islands:
James Cunningham (Captain), Daniel Barlow, Jamie Tsang, Dylan Rogers, Jack Delaforce, Nicholas Hewson, Toy Fenn, Thomas Lamboley, Liam Slatem, Matthew Rosslee, Yiu Kam-shing, Max Woodward, Jack Neville, Conor Hartley, Jamie Hood, Alexander Post, Adam Fullgrabe, Jack Parfitt, Michael Parfitt, Kane Boucaut, Cris Pierrepont, Jamie Lauder, Max Denmark, Benjamin Roberts, Lex Kaleca.

Additional reporting and images: HKRU