Hong Kong stepping up bid to attract overseas talent, hunting Asian tournament clean sweep
Hong Kong aiming for hat-trick of Asia Rugby Sevens Series titles when they contest closing 2024 leg in Bangkok this weekend
Men’s sevens head coach Jevon Groves says the substantial diet of elite rugby on offer for players in Hong Kong should make relocating to the city a “no-brainer” for those playing overseas.
The door has opened to Rugby World Cup qualification for Hong Kong’s 15s team after it was confirmed next year’s Asia Rugby Championship winners would play in the 2027 global tournament.
This season, meanwhile, Groves’ sevens side will pursue much-coveted qualification for the HSBC SVNS Series, where the coach said one year’s involvement would be “worth five years of competition” in Asia.
Groves will also lead his team in the Melrose Claymores event when the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens makes its Kai Tak Sports Park debut next March.
“A few players in the UK and Australia could be tempted to come back to Hong Kong,” Groves said. “With what’s on offer here, in sevens and 15s, if you are qualified, it would be a no-brainer to come and play.
“I know a lot of very good players who have been regular internationals and not played in those tournaments. The opportunities in Hong Kong would be attractive for anyone who has ambitions to play high-level rugby.”
