The women’s sevens team of Hong Kong has gone to great lengths – quite literally – in their efforts to improve ahead of their upcoming home tournament at the World Rugby Challenger Series leg in Uruguay. Led by head coach Andy Vilk, the team embarked on a marathon 30-hour journey involving three flights via Qatar and Brazil to reach Uruguay for the event. Despite the challenging travel, the team maintained high spirits and remained focused on their goal of performing well in Montevideo before returning to Hong Kong for their home tournament.
With their sights set on the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens next month, the team is determined to put on a strong showing in Uruguay. The women’s squad, which consists of young and promising talent, aims to build momentum and confidence as they prepare for their home tournament. Anticipation is high, especially with 34,000 three-day passes already sold for the Hong Kong Sevens event.
Head coach Andy Vilk has been implementing new strategies to develop the team’s young players, including in-squad mentoring where experienced players such as Nam Ka-man provide guidance and support to the emerging talents. This approach aims to foster a sense of belief and camaraderie within the team, focusing on both on-field performance and off-field support.
Reflecting on their performance in January’s Dubai stop, the team is emphasizing a ‘back to basics’ approach in their preparation for the upcoming Challenger Series leg. The focus is on refining core skills such as passing, tackling, and ball protection, with an emphasis on improving overall accuracy and possession retention. The team is working tirelessly to address their shortcomings and build on their strengths as they look ahead to the challenges in Uruguay.
Following a successful campaign at the 2023 Asia Rugby Sevens Series, Hong Kong’s women’s sevens team earned their spot in the second-tier Challenger Series. The upcoming event in Uruguay presents an opportunity for Hong Kong to not only secure favourable results but also to provide exposure to new talent amidst high-level competition. With fresh faces in the squad, including promising talents like Julia Mba Oyana, the focus is on testing the depth and resilience of the team against formidable opponents.
Anticipating a tough competition in Uruguay, Nam Ka-man, a stalwart in the squad, highlighted the varying strengths of the teams they are set to face. Belgium brings a physical style of play, Kenya possesses size and speed, and Papua New Guinea is a familiar adversary. Despite the formidable competition, Nam expressed her optimism, setting a minimum target of reaching the quarter-finals and remaining open to the possibilities beyond that stage.
While the journey to Uruguay may have been physically taxing, the Hong Kong women’s sevens team remains unwavering in their determination to make their mark in the upcoming Challenger Series leg. As they take on formidable opponents in Uruguay, the team is focused on honing their skills, building camaraderie, and embracing the challenges that lie ahead.
In conclusion, the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of the Hong Kong women’s sevens team reinforce their formidable spirit as they prepare for the next stage of their rugby journey. The upcoming Challenger Series leg in Uruguay serves as a crucial opportunity for the team to showcase their talent and resilience on the global stage. Amidst the trials and tribulations of travel and competition, the women’s sevens team exemplifies the true spirit of sportsmanship and dedication, inspiring fellow athletes and fans alike.