Shortened build-up to Belgium tests will have players ‘fizzing’
Quality of coaching and performances in domestic game bodes well for Hong Kong’s international future
As we approach the midway point of the domestic season I can only be impressed by the year-on-year development of club rugby in Hong Kong and by the level of competition in both the men’s and women’s game.
Of course, my capacity as coach for the Hong Kong men’s 15 focuses my attention towards the performance end of the competition and during this, my fourth season in town, I continue to witness a positive and somewhat remarkable transition in the approach and attitude of players, administrators and coaches in keeping abreast of the professional game beyond our borders.
On reflection, my time in Hong Kong has proved something of a déjà vu experience in invoking similar memories of my time in Wales, particularly the transitional phase of the game from “shamateurism” to open professionalism in 1995.
Games to date have produced good levels of intensity with no shortage of skill, but what has impressed me more than anything this season is the individual “footprint” each coach and team are attempting to make on the game. By this I mean the adopted tactics and style the teams are attempting to master so as to bring their own level of individuality to the game, while maximising the playing resources they have at their disposal.