Domestic League Newsletter - Issue 10

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

ROBBIE MCROBBIE MBE

CEO | HONG KONG RUGBY UNION We live in interesting times. There have been times over the past few months when I wondered if we’d ever get the 2020/21 season started, and I’d like to pay tribute to all those who have worked so hard to overcome the Covid challenge and get us back on the pitch.

It seems an age since we watched Natixis HKFC and Societe Generale Valley lift the Men’s and Women’s Premiership Grand Championship trophies behind closed doors at King’s Park. They’ll be starting their respective title defences both with crowds and on the live stream to ensure that all the fans of Hong Kong rugby around the world can enjoy what I’m sure is going to be a cracking competition.

Whilst the pandemic brought the work of our Community Foundation to a temporary halt over the summer, we’re now getting started again, and you’ll be able to read about an exciting new initiative, Rugby United, sponsored by our great friends at the HKJC. Finally, whilst it was a rather different look to this year’s “Pink Rugby Month”, it was great to see the creative ways the rugby community still showed their support for the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, raising awareness and funds for this important cause.

Enjoy the read, and enjoy the season!

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ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

THE RETURN OF RUGBY!

THE RETURN OF RUGBY! MEN’S AND WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP STRUCTURE FOR 2020/21 SEASON

All three Men’s Premiership games each week will be live streamed on HKRU Facebook & Website

It’s been nine long months of hibernation; of lonely runs, solitary online workouts in front of laptops and sweaty roof exercises with makeshift water bottle dumbbells, but the day has finally come! The 2020/2021 domestic league kicked off on November 7th 2020 and players were chomping at the bit to get their feet back on hallowed [astro] ground.

In the Men’s league, it was HKFC who finished victorious in February after winning the treble: Premiership League, Grand Champs and the Premiership Challenge Trophy, plus retaining the Broony Quaich. The boys in blue and

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white will be hungry for another taste of success but with rivals Valley looking for vengeance and the other teams hot on their heels, they will have everything to prove and the pressure will be high. In the women’s league, it was Valley who sealed the league and Grand Champs win with their almighty power in attack and clever game play. But with some close games last season against fierce competitors Tigers and solid technical team Gai Wu, and with a few new x-factor players sprinkled in the league, everything is left to be decided for this season.

ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

THE RETURN OF RUGBY!

Nov 7th marked the first official games of the Saxo Markets Men’s Premiership league.

There was excitement and cheer- but not too much cheer, as games were closed to the public, open to players, team members and invited guests only.

With Covid-19 restrictions and government policies shaving off a few crucial months of pre-season and game fixtures this year, there was worry that we might not have a season at all. But players and supporters rejoice!

Exciting weekends of fast paced action, ferocious tackles and millions of those tiny black rubber beads from KP pitch on your bathroom floor are back! Here is an overview of how the men and women’s Premiership league structures will look for 2020/2021.

The men will go through two rounds of games (10 games in total) with a two week break for Christmas before a league winner is announced and the Grand Championships begin. After diving straight into the semis and finals, the champion of the Grand Champs will be crowned on the 6th February. As with last season, the men will also take part in a Challenge Trophy to be held after the Grand Champs finals, giving a third opportunity for teams to get their name on a piece of silverware before the season is through.

SAXO MARKETS MEN’S PREMIERSHIP The Teams: • Bloomberg Hong Kong Scottish • DAC Kowloon • Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers • Natixis Hong Kong Football Club • Herbert Smith Freehills HKU Sandy Bay • Societe Generale Valley League games - Two Rounds (10 games) • Games: November 7th – 19 December 2020 • [2 week Christmas break] • Games: 9th – 23rd January 2021 Grand Championships • Semi finals: 30th January 2021 • Finals: 6th February Challenge Trophy • Games: 27 February 2021 • [Break for Hong Kong 7s: Weekend of 2-4 April 2021] • Games: 10th - 17th April 2021

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THE RETURN OF RUGBY!

ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

The Challenge Trophy will run from the 27th February to 17th April 2021.

The ladies were first into the rugby action this year with the inaugural Societe Generale Womens Fast Fifteens tournament held at King’s Park on Saturday 31st October. The competition showcased some new talent amongst the teams and provided an opportunity for players to dust off the cobwebs and practice some new moves for the season ahead. Teams played 3 matches of just 20 minutes with unlimited substitutions resulting in some exhilarating play as players came out with all guns blazing! The tournament was broadcast on Facebook with live commentary.

Official KPMG Women’s Premiership league games kicked off on the 7th November 2020 with teams to play two rounds (10 games in total) before a league winner is announced. Mirroring the same time frame as the men’s league, the ladies will start their Grand Championships campaign on the 30th January 2021 with finals to be held at Kings Park on the 6th of February 2021.

“Given the circumstances this year, just having the season starting is exciting! Not just for the players but for the community to see some sort of normality around sports.”

– Bella Milo, Player - Coach of Valley Black Ladies

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ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

THE RETURN OF RUGBY! KPMG WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP The Teams: • Societe Generale Valley Black Ladies • DAC Kowloon Ladies • Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers • Natixis Hong Kong Football Club Ice • Gai Wu Falcons • SCAA First Pacific Causeway Bay Phoenix Societe Generale Women’s Fast Fifteens (one day tournament) • 31st October 2020 League games - Two Rounds (10 games) • Games: November 7th 2020 – 19 December 2020 • [2 week Christmas break] • Games: 9th January 2021 – 23rd January 2021 Grand Championships • Semi finals: 30th January 2021 • Finals: 6th February

The Women’s Premiership Game of the Week, plus potentially other games will be live streamed on HKRU Facebook each week

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ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

MEET THE UNSTOPPABLES

MEET THE UNSTOPPABLES We all have amazing and strong women in our lives, whether it’s our mums, sisters, teachers or role models, and it’s about time we started celebrating them! Last year, World Rugby launched the global #TryandStopUs campaign, aimed at rebranding Women in Rugby and driving increased participation and engagement among fans, audiences, players and investors in the Women’s game. The campaign featured 15 inspirational ladies from around the globe and demonstrated how rugby had helped them to overcome obstacles in their lives to achieve their current ‘Unstoppable’ status.

Here in Hong Kong, we are no strangers to Women’s rugby, with the city hosting its first International Women’s 7s Competition way back in 1997.

Since then, the game has continued to grow and support for Women’s rugby has been immense; the government supports our full time professional Women’s 7s team, our national 15s squad attended the 2017 Rugby World Cup, there are 6 Women’s teams in the domestic Premiership league and thousands of female mini rugby players can be found tearing it up on the city’s pitches every weekend. It’s certainly impressive, but as ever, awareness for the game can still be improved and we can continue to build a greater level of respect and admiration for the players and participants who have dedicated themselves to the sport.

This month, Asia Rugby are set to announce their ‘Asia Rugby Top 15’ which will feature and celebrate Asian representatives of the game. Hong Kong’s nominations were rugby-mad referee Mui Thomas who has battled a rare congenital skin disorder her whole life, Cathy Wong a young girl from the Po Leung Kuk organisation who has blossomed into one of Hong Kong’s most promising athletes, and Melody Li, powerhouse forward and captain of the Hong Kong 7s team. Each of these courageous women has found their confidence and empowerment through rugby.

With no shortage of ‘Unstoppable Women’ in Hong Kong, we wanted to turn the spotlight away from the pitch and showcase some of the fantastic ladies that embody the spirit of rugby through their work with the Hong Kong Rugby Union Community Foundation.

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Each of these ladies has worked tirelessly to put Women’s rugby and Sport for Development on the map, showcase the incredible players, and boost participation and support across Hong Kong. Their efforts are crucial in promoting gender equality, female empowerment and providing all children in Hong Kong with the opportunity to learn through rugby. These all too often unsung heroes deserve lots of celebration.

LORETTA LAM

PRINCIPAL EDUCATION SECRETARY AT PO LEUNG KUK Played an instrumental role in encouraging primary school students to give Rugby a go.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: •

The HKRUCF Tackling Life & Tackling English Programmes are now present in all 23 PLK Primary Schools.

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Creation of the PLK ‘All Stars’ teams, comprising of the best players from the PLK Primary School Tournament, peaking in a tour to Beijing.

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Nurturing the ‘Buddy Rugby’ programme, bringing together students from PLK Special Education Needs schools and mainstream schools fostering an opportunity to play touch rugby together, breaking down prejudice and building understanding and friendships.

ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

MEET THE UNSTOPPABLES

CHEUNG CHOK FONG, JESSIE Played a key role in the launch and curriculum development for the Community Foundation ‘Hong Kong Rugby Spirit’ programme.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: •

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2016 Launch of the Hong Kong Rugby Spirit programme, which has now reached over 120 Primary Schools Participation of St. Patrick’s School in the HKRU Primary School programmes & competitions and active promotion of the programme to other schools within the territory

WINNIE CHEUNG

INCLUSIVE AND PARTICIPATION OFFICER (DEAF RUGBY) Was initially introduced to rugby through the ‘Learning English through Rugby’ programme at her school, before getting involved in the wider rugby community.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: •

Winnie was born deaf and relies on hearing aids and lip reading to communicate

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After enjoying her first experience of rugby at school, at age 15 she joined a rugby team and then went on to play both 7s & 15s rugby at Lingnan University

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Winnie is now a full time member of staff at the HKRU, focused on implementing and growing the Deaf Rugby programme amongst the Hong Kong Deaf Community

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Winnie’s highlights include the Hong Kong Deaf teams tour to Cambodia, and competing in the World Deaf Rugby Sevens tournament in Sydney

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Winnie now plays for the Kowloon Ladies Prem team, and looks forward to continuing her rugby in the future.

Use of St. Patrick’s School as a demonstration programme during Laureus Sport for Good ambassador visit.

EMMY CHAN

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ACCOUNTS MANAGER Mum of two, Emmy first participated in rugby in a Summer Course back in 2000, and hasn’t stopped since!

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: •

Emmy was one of the first full time rugby players at the HKSI, competing for both the Women’s National 15s and 7s teams from U19s to Senior Level

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Emmy was also selected as a Committee Member of Gai Wu Rugby Club and was instrumental in developing the Ladies Rugby team there – during her 10 years on the committee, the ladies team grew from eight to over 100 players!

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Emmy has also been instrumental in the growth of the Women’s Game at the HKRU, working alongside Sam Feausi to grow the awareness and participation in the Women and Girls game

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Emmy has now transitioned to the HKRU Community Foundation as an Account Manager, ensuring all 22 programmes are delivered and developed to bring positive change to the community

#TRYANDSTOPUS #WOMENINRUGBY #THEUNSTOPPABLES

PRINCIPAL OF ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL

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JOCKEY CLUB RUGBY UNITED PROJECT

ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

JOCKEY CLUB RUGBY UNITED PROJECT Jockey Club Rugby United Project is a project that uses the sport of rugby as a vehicle to deliver important life skills to children in Hong Kong. The project brings together children from a range of academic and socioeconomic backgrounds to teach important skills including teamwork, respect, positive thinking, determination, leadership and embracing diversity.

In April, the Hong Kong Rugby Union received support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for a three-year partnership programme with global sports development charity PeacePlayers that uses rugby as a vehicle to integrate Hong Kong’s Chinese and non-ethnic Chinese communities. The programme, which is set to kick off in November, will bring together two schools with different student demographic backgrounds, and one local rugby club with the main aim of uniting these diverse communities and fostering a greater understanding of people from different cultural, family, and academic backgrounds.

Key themes: Teamwork, respect, positive attitude, determination, openmindedness, curiosity, leadership, modesty, accepting diversity and bridging divides.

The new programme was established following the positive feedback of the pilot programme launched in 2018, which successfully engaged 120 children from six different Hong Kong schools. The initial programme used a specially designed curriculum provided by international NGO PeacePlayers International and fostered a deeper understanding and friendship between youngsters from Chinese and ethnic minority backgrounds, and also between Hong Kong and Mainland students. It proved to be a huge success.

“During the Hong Kong school visit, we took part in lots of activities together.

We learnt passing and cooperation skills whilst cheering for each other during matches. We learnt values of teamwork, and gained lots of happiness from the programme, it felt very collaborative.”

– Liang Hao, Student from Songgang Experimental School

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ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

JOCKEY CLUB RUGBY UNITED PROJECT

Who can join Rugby United? Rugby United is for anyone, boys and girls, in schools or clubs between 13-15 years old! Even if youths have not participated in any sporting activities before, that isn’t a problem - they are free to join a team to participate in sessions and learn important life skills.

The new Jockey Club Rugby United Project targets 13-15 year old boys and girls from a range of academic and socioeconomic backgrounds and focuses on themes like teamwork, respect, positive attitude, determination, leadership and diversity.

MAIN GOALS: 1. To break down barriers between the more than 1,440 participants from 20 secondary schools and ten local rugby clubs through a series of interactive training and teambuilding sessions 2. Create a harmonious learning environment through multiple non-contact rugby training sessions 3. Foster an understanding and respect for people from different cultural, family, and academic backgrounds 4. Teach rugby skills through a series of interactive tasks, team building activities and fitness training

Given pandemic protocol restrictions on group gatherings, the programme will implement an initial online element starting with the virtual recruitment of coaches from the six HKRU Premiership clubs. Staff from PeacePlayers International will provide training and advice to all coaches and HKRU staff to ensure programme quality. They will also conduct a ‘train-the-trainers’ programme in Year 2 so as to ensure the sustainability of the programme.

Dependent on developments with Covid-19, there will also be two Fun Days to be held at King’s Park as Opening and Closing ceremonies for the programme.

James Owens, Jockey Club Rugby United Project Manager, believes the project will prove to be restorative after a tough year.

“2020 has been a challenging year across our community, with COVID-19 resulting in significant social disruption and having a significant impact on the wellbeing of our population. By bringing children together from different backgrounds and developing social cohesion, projects such as Jockey Club Rugby United can support to build positive social relationships and in turn support our communities’ collective healing process.”

For more information and details on how to get involved, please contact Leo.Ko@hkrugby.com (Cantonese enquiries) or James.

Owens@hkrugby.com (English enquiries).

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THE ROAD TO THE OLYMPICS

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ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

THE ROAD TO THE OLYMPICS

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MEN’S PREMIERSHIP: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Harrison Dobbs

Sal M’boge

Tom Concu

Age: 22

Age: 23

Age: 26

Nationality: Welsh

Nationality: British/NZ

Nationality: English/Italian

Position: Prop

Position: Fullback/Wing

Position: Prop

Current club: USRC Tigers

Current club: Hong Kong Scottish

Current club: Kowloon

Former teams: St Peters RFC, Cardiff Met, Cardiff Blues Age Grade, Wales U18

Former teams: Old Elthamians, Exeter University, Exeter Chiefs

Former teams: Sandbach, Cardiff Met, Caldy, Cornish Pirates, Old Elthamians

Job: Marketing officer for a wealth management company

Job: Rugby Tots, rugby coaching

Job: PE Teacher

How you started rugby: I’ve played on and off since I was 7 or 8 mainly because all of my friends were playing.

How you started rugby: When I was in year 7, I was too chubby to play football so tried rugby instead.

How you started rugby: I started at St Peters RFC U10s. My mum used to take me down to watch my brother play and I decided that it was something I would enjoy too.

Best thing about rugby: The physical contact and being part of a team. Making lifelong friends and sharing the field with them, for me it doesn’t get much better.

Most inspirational player: Gethin Jenkins, second most capped Welsh international – he was an inspiration to me growing up.

Rugby dream: To become a full time pro.

Personal rugby highlight so far: Playing at Twickenham with Cardiff Met or being part of Wales U20s squad competing in the junior World Cup in Georgia.

Favourite thing to do on your day off: Sight seeing.

I went to see the Big Buddha which was impressive.

Thoughts on HK so far: I’m really enjoying it! It’s nice to be able to train and play in some nice weather! I’ve enjoyed meeting so many new people at Tigers and exploring Hong Kong.

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Best thing about rugby: I like that fact that it’s very active and social.

Most inspirational player: Dan Carter, the best ever to play.

Rugby dream: To win the HK Premiership league and Grand Champs.

Personal rugby highlight so far: Making my debut for Exeter Chiefs Favourite thing to do on your day off: Explore the city.

Life motto: Sometimes you’ve just got to smile.

Thoughts on HK so far: It’s beautiful. I’m loving adventuring around and enjoying the change in scenery.

Best thing about rugby: Game day and post match with the boys.

Most inspirational player: Martin Castrogiovanni – he’s an Italian legend.

Rugby dream: To play for Italy.

Personal rugby highlight so far: Winning Nat 2 North with Caldy.

Favourite thing to do on your day off: Try and relax and get a good feed in.

Life motto: Live to eat not eat to live Thoughts on HK so far: It’s a cool place. I’m much preferring the less humid winter months.

ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

MEN’S PREMIERSHIP: PLAYERS TO WATCH

It’s been a long old wait for our rugby players to lace up their boots again and get back onto the pitch. Longer still for those that have just touched down on Hong Kong soil and had to spend two lonely weeks in quarantine!

But now that we’ve got the green light on the upcoming league, it’s time we got to know the new faces and talents in each of our Premiership teams.

These promising individuals have been hand picked by coaches and senior players and are sure to bring a healthy dose of excitement and flair to the 2020/2021 season. Remember their names, you may well be chanting them from the bleachers before long!

MEN’S PREMIERSHIP: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Callum Hardie Age: 25 Nationality: New Zealand Position: Prop Current club: HKFC Former teams: Havelock North Rugby Club, Otago University Rugby Football Club (OURFC), Otago B Job: Physiotherapist and personal trainer How you started rugby: Saturday morning footy (rugby) is ingrained in the national psyche of being a kiwi, I started playing when I was 5 years old.

Best thing about rugby: Enjoying some fellowship and a beer with your mates post game.

Most inspirational player: My Dad, for the same rugby stories I’d hear year upon year growing up, for his love of the game, and his unconditional support of my rugby development.

Rugby dream: Travel the world playing rugby.

Personal rugby highlight so far: Winning back to back Premier titles with OURFC in 2018/2019.

Favourite thing to do on your day off: Experience something new.

Life motto: You don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing.

Thoughts on HK so far: Full of family friendly fun.

Pete Laverick Age: 25

Tertius Kruger

Nationality: English

Age: 27

Position: Centre

Nationality: South African

Current club: Société Générale Valley

Position: 12/13

Former teams: Exeter Chiefs

Current club: Sandy Bay

Job: Client management

Former teams: Cheetahs, Griquas, Isuzu Southern Kings

How you started rugby: When I was 5 years old. My club was just a stone’s throw away and my old man loved it.

Job: Professional rugby player

Best thing about rugby: The post match beers.

HKU Sandy Bay RFC

How you started rugby: Rugby has always been in my family since as far back as I can remember. My two brothers helped me get into it too.

Most inspirational player: Henry Slade, because he never stops working to get better.

Best thing about rugby: I enjoy rugby and the friends and people you meet.

Rugby dream: To win the Championship with Valley this season.

Rugby dream: To play for an international side

Personal rugby highlight so far: My debut match for the Exeter Chiefs.

Personal rugby highlight so far: Playing with my brother is my highlight.

Favourite thing to do on your day off: Go surfing.

Favourite thing to do on your day off: I love to play golf.

Life motto: You never remember a good nights sleep.

Life motto: One step at a time.

Thoughts on HK so far: Hectic. It’s a pretty mad place. I’ve loving getting to experience an entirely different culture to what I’m used to.

Thoughts on HK so far: I’m not there yet but I’ve only heard great stuff about HK and looking forward to it!

Most inspirational player: Ma’a Nonu: Most complete Centre

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ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP: PLAYERS TO WATCH

WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP: PLAYERS TO WATCH Emily Underwood

Claudia McMeekin

Sabay Lynam

Age: 22

Age: 25

Age: 17

Nationality: English

Nationality: New Zealand

Nationality: Australian

Position: Loosehead Prop

Position: 10/15

Position: Flyhalf or centre

Club: USRC Tigers

Club: Valley RFC

Current club: Kowloon (Senior) DB Pirates (U19s)

Former teams: Northland, North Harbour, East Cost Bays, Dendermonde Belgium

Former teams: Flying Kukris

Former teams: Gloucester-Hartpury Cardiff Met WRFC, Bristol Ladies RFC

Women’s,

Job: Kindergarten NET Teacher

Job: International Mortgage Manager at HSBC Expat

How did you start rugby: I was 14. My Dad was playing for a vets team and coaching my brother and I really wanted to play too! My dad helped start a girls team at our local club and it all went from there.

How you started rugby: I switched from soccer to rugby at age 10 to follow my brother across and never looked back.

Best thing about rugby: Being part of a team! Making friends and playing with different types of people you may never usually meet.

Most inspirational player: No specific player but I’ve been lucky enough to play alongside and against some amazing female athletes who have inspired me in different ways!

Rugby dream: To win Grand Champs this year with Tigers! (And play internationally should the opportunity arise!)

Personal rugby highlight so far: Captaining Cardiff Met to win BUCs Gold at Twickenham in 2016 or playing for England U20s in France.

Favourite thing to do on your day off: Hike or explore!

Life motto: Say yes to new opportunities.

Thoughts on HK so far: I love it! There’s SO much cool stuff to do here. It’s hard being far from home but I’ve made some friends here that I know I will keep for life.

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Best thing about rugby: I love the physicality of rugby and being able to express yourself on the field.

I’m a bit of a code head so could watch rugby all day.

Most inspirational player: Tana Umaga because of his leadership.

Rugby dream: To play for the Northland Taniwha again when I go back to NZ. Personal rugby highlight so far: Winning 2 Grand Champs in two different countries in one year. First in Belgium, then in Hong Kong.

Favourite thing to do on your day off: Get outside in nature and go for a walk/train.

Life motto: Enjoy the little things!

Thoughts on HK so far: I love it here so far! We arrived at a bit of a rocky time but it’s been amazing so far considering everything. Coming from NZ, we love the outdoors so it’s pretty cool to have so many different hikes and beaches here in HK. Hopefully we can stay for a few more years!

School: I go to YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College, How you started rugby: When I was 5, my family moved from Australia to Hong Kong. They wanted my brother and I to participate in sport from a young age. I refused to play rugby at first because I was too nervous, but a year later I joined!

Best thing about rugby: The collaboration. Being united as a team really expresses what I think rugby is all about. The unity and supportiveness in a team outshines the outcome of a match.

Most inspirational player: Charlotte Caslick. She’s an Australian rugby 7s player who led her team to win the Olympics in 2016. Her work rate and determination really inspires me to do the same in my life, whether it be on the pitch or off.

Rugby dream: To play alongside Charlotte Caslick or to see her in action.

Personal rugby highlight so far: Leading my school team to win the Championships in the All Hong Kong competition for 3 consecutive years.

Favourite thing to do on your day off: Spend time with my family and friends.

Life motto: Just do it :)

ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Caitlin Morrell Age: 23 Nationality: British Position: Scrum half Current club: HKFC Former teams: Northumbria University, Newcastle Falcons, Novocastrians and Scotland U20’s Job: PE/English teacher How you started rugby: I started rugby when I was 15 so I was quite late to the party. I watched both my brothers play religiously as I grew up and finally decided that I wanted to try it as well and have never looked back!

Best thing about rugby: Playing 80 minutes with your best friends, week in week out.

Most inspirational player: Charlotte Caslick - she is such a huge role model in the women’s game not only because of her insane athletic ability but also her passion to promote female sport.

Rugby dream: To play 7’s at the Olympics Personal rugby highlight so far: Getting my 1st Scotland U20’s cap v Belgium.

Favourite thing to do on your day off: Any sort of water sports by the beach Life motto: Work so hard that your inspirations become your rivals Thoughts on HK so far: HK is amazing, it’s the perfect mix of city life and beautiful nature with all the hikes and beaches! It’s filled with so many amazing people, restaurants and fun things to do I can’t see myself leaving at the end of the year!

Ho Hau Yan Tina Age: 23 Nationality: Hong Kong Position: Prop Current club: SCAA CWB Former clubs/teams: None University: HKBU How you started rugby: When I was in Form 6, my PE teacher brought me to watch the HK7s and I found it fascinating. I signed up for the summer course right away.

Best thing about rugby: The contact part is my favourite! Also the friendships I have made in the past five years of playing rugby.

Most inspirational player: My summer course coach, Kwok Yuk Lin, Dora. She never shows she’s tired and always keeps her head up even when we are losing. I respect this attitude very much. Even when she’s not playing rugby, she still participates in other roles in the community as a coach. She taught me how to play rugby and gave me a lot of support. I wouldn’t be who I am without Lin. Rugby dream: To represent Hong Kong.

Personal rugby highlight so far: I don’t think of myself as having any highlights but I do think assisting a try gives me a big sense of achievement.

Favourite thing to do on your day off: Go to the beach or go hiking with friends.

Life motto: The best is yet to come.

Lee Tsz Tung , Vis Age: 24 Nationality: Hong Kong Position: 12/14 Current club: Gai Wu Former teams: None Job: Sports Therapist How you started rugby: I started playing rugby at 19 years old because it seemed more exciting than volleyball.

Best thing about rugby: I love the team spirit, the excitement of the game, and I think it always looks cool when you play rugby.

Rugby dream: To win the league and the Grand Champs this season.

Personal rugby highlight so far: Winning the Grand Champs of NL1.

Favourite thing to do on your day off: Enjoy the sunshine on the beach and watch the waves all day long.

Life motto: Always be yourself and have faith in yourself. Do not go out and look for a successful personality and try to duplicate it.

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ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

KEEPING FIT DURING COVID-19

KEEPING FIT DURING COVID-19

Pandemic protocols and restrictions have meant that many of us have spent months cooped up in our homes watching endless amounts of Netflix, ordering a dangerous amount of Deliveroo and bickering with our families, but perhaps the hardest thing for all rugby fans was the lack of games to watch or play. With no pitches to practice on nor gyms to train in, our summer bodies slipped slowly into a dark abyss. The choice was simple: become super fit, or a super slob? We spoke to four stalwarts of the Hong Kong rugby community and found out how they took control of the situation and kept fit during Covid-19 lockdowns.

Matt Rodden Beloved Hong Kong Rugby Referee Super fit to super slob ratio: 70:30 Reason: I think I’ve been more active this year than ever but still enjoyed a few too many pizzas and beers.

How did you stay fit over the last 8 months since the league ended? Myself and some other referees bought road bikes so we’ve ended up doing a lot of cycling over the last 7 months. I cycle to work most days too which has been a great way to keep fit and look after the legs.

Have you missed being involved in rugby? What I missed most was training with the referee team at KP and having a good laugh while we pretend we are good at playing touch.

What have you found most difficult about not being able to referee over this period? Same as players and coaches, we love rugby so we miss it when we are not out there. Watching all the referees on tv and not being able to get out there ourselves has been hard recently.

How did you handle it when gyms were shut? Look at the size of me, I didn’t miss the gym at all…

What do you think is the best way to keep fit? Doing what you enjoy and mixing it up, not doing the same thing over and over.

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ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2020

KEEPING FIT DURING COVID-19

Erin Tohill 11 years old, mini rugby winger for Sai Kung Stingrays

Emily Cheung (Cheung Wing Man) Rugby Participation Manager at HKRU

Super fit to super slob ratio: 60:40

Reason: Could have done more but was working a lot.

Reason: I could have done more. When we first started I didn’t really have the space to do it as we live in an apartment.

How did you stay fit over the last 8 months? I have been doing lots of hikes with my parents, some biking, and me and my next door neighbour always run up and down the hill near our house with our scooters. It’s a pretty steep hill! I’ve also been playing tag quite a bit.

Have you missed being involved in rugby? I miss being in a team and hanging out with my friends. I just love rugby. I love the adrenaline!

I kept asking my dad when we could go back.

Have you tried online workouts? Our PE teacher keeps making us run laps - we had to do 3 laps today! We also have to run weights to the half way line and back or hold them above our heads. We do bouncing with hard balls. And moving tyres! Like, big car tyres.

Super fit to super slob ratio: 60:40

How did you stay fit over the last 8 months since the league ended?

I did a simple workout and stretching programme twice a week after work in a tiny area of my flat on my yoga mat. I also sometimes went jogging, cycling or pole dancing at the weekends.

Has your work helped or hindered your exercise efforts?

During the WFH period, I saved a lot of travelling time (about three hours a day). The extra time boosted my willingness to exercise at some point during the day.

What have you found most difficult about not being able to play rugby over this period?

I think it’s been really hard to miss out on the team bonding that we usually have during the pre-season period.

Do you think you have gained fitness? I think I lost some fitness to be honest. Everyone has been saying we feel a bit sloppy.

Have you seen any improvements in your fitness over this period?

What do you think is the best way to keep fit? You need to have a balanced healthy diet and exercise because that’s what all athletes do. And you need to find a way that is fun.

How did you handle it when gyms were shut?

No, not at all!

I haven’t been to gyms for ages so I didn’t really care. But pole dancing studios were also shut so I just did some abs and core workouts at home.

What do you think is the best way to keep fit?

Follow a healthy diet and keep exercising.

Ryan Spriggs Premiership player for USRC Tigers Super fit to super slob ratio: 70:30 Reason: I found it easy to exercise as it is something that has been part of my normal routine for over 10 years. However, the nutrition side was more difficult as down time allowed me to eat out more and not track my macros.

How did you stay fit over the last 8 months since the league ended?

I did a gym programme 3 days per week and took up road running.

I set a running challenge to complete 100km in 40 days. I also tried my hand at some morning yoga but noticed I am not the most flexible person.

What have you found most difficult about not being able to play rugby over this period?

I’ve missed the routine of rugby training, playing games with teammates and socialising. Knowing we were not able to get together started to take its toll on me and others who I have spoken to.

Have you seen any improvements in your fitness over this period?

My strength and power reduced but my cardiovascular fitness improved quite a bit from running.

How did you handle it when gyms were shut?

It was hard to take. I set myself home workouts to complete which I felt did not give me the same release as gym training.

What do you think is the best way to keep fit?

My body type is more of a mesomorph. I tend to put fat on as quick as muscle. So keeping control of what I eat is important. For me, short bouts of HIIT training in the morning and a regular weight training programme in the afternoon is best.

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