Hardworking Hong Kong face more new challenges
Rees’ side aim to finish as top Asians in Moscow before heading to Colombia for World Games
Jamie Hood returns to a Hong Kong team which will face the pressure of finishing as the top Asian side at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow, their final challenge in a long and gruelling season - but the break will be shortlived.
The World Cup Sevens from June 28-30 at the Luzhniki Stadium in downtown Moscow will bring the curtain down on an eventful season. But relief for the tired bodies - the 12 players who have formed the core of the side this season - will be short, with the World Games in Cali, Colombia, kicking off on August 1-2.
The top Asian team at the World Cup will earn the right to send an Under-18 side to the Youth Olympic Games in China next year when sevens makes its debut.
"There will be no let-up on the weight of expectations," said head coach Dai Rees. "We have accomplished a number of goals this season, many firsts, but this team will have to go out and do it all over again in Moscow."
Rees yesterday named the 12-strong squad for the Moscow challenge.
Hong Kong were invited to the six-team World Games by the International Rugby Board on account of being the Asian champions.