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Domestic League
Mid Season 2016/17
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Domestic league updates...............................................................................................04 - 05 Ones to watch................................................................................................................06 - 07 The latest on the ladies’ league.....................................................................................08 Natixis rugby cup............................................................................................................10 - 11 Hong Kong’s next generation referees..........................................................................12 - 13 Upcoming events............................................................................................................14
The Old Mutual International
Men’s Domestic Leagues
The 2017/18 Old Mutual International Men’s Domestic leagues have been full of progression and tight competition as well as some great upsets. In the Premiership, the Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers have clawed their way back to the top of the league alongside rivals Natixis Hong Kong Football Club who also sit in the top spot, while Societe Generale Valley follow closely behind in third place. Bloomberg HK Scottish and Kowloon sit in fourth and fifth position respectively and a downhearted Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC trail far behind with only one win all season. For USRC Tigers Coach and former player, Sam Hocking, the effort and determination of his team have been the driving force in their success. “It feels really good to be joint top. It’s down to the hard work the boys put in during pre-season which they’ve carried on through to now. It’s been a long time coming really, we have a few lads who are into their 4th year in the club and our 7s boys have really added a great deal this year. Our strength in depth is really good this season and although it makes it difficult to pick a team, it’s good problem to have.” Tigers and HKFC, will come head to head in a 6pm clash this weekend that will likely determine the champions of the league.
“Rewind to 2014 and HKCC were the out and out favourites to dislodge the dominance of Valley on the Premiership League titles and ultimately the Grand Championship. It was a side that peaked under mentor Andrew Hall, complete with names like Rowan Varty, the brothers McQueen, Cook, Delaforce, Dwyer and Tauti. It was an ensemble that packed a serious wallop… but fast forward to 2017/18 and certainly for HKCC the weekends cannot go by fast enough, the only bright lights of the season is the remaining commitment of Coach Brett Wilkinson and the form of youngster Seb Brien, which seems to be boundless. 04
By contrast, the USRC Tigers completed a citywide sweep in the opening bracket of the Premiership, beating all sides. It’s a long way from the 38-0 streak that saw them ridiculed on Australian Television. The side is now capable of direct, hard nosed Rugby, but it still expresses that Tiger mentality of ruck and run rugby; while by no means the finished article, the USRC Tigers are a side that can collectively recall the dark days all too quickly, balanced with players like Joe Ellyat, Alex Woodbury, Braam Gerber, Dan Barlow, Jamie Chipman and Josh Walden who know that nothing other than winning is good for morale.”
Jed Thian
In the Premiership A league, the Natixis HKFC Dragons sit comfortably in the lead with a 17 point headstart over everyone else. The HK Scottish Nomads who only just came into the Prem A league this season, have seen a drastic improvement in performance which has landed them in 2nd place. Their emergence and hard work has not gone unnoticed, especially by rivals Societe Generale Valley Knights, who were defeated 27-21 by the Nomads in last week’s fixture and find themselves in the 3rd spot. The Knights are followed by Tigers in 4th place, Kowloon in 5th place and a tired HKCC Exiles team in last place. After lending numerous players to their depleted firsts team all season, it’s no wonder the Exiles have been found wanting in the Prem A league. 2017/18 has proved a highly successful season for the Championship with a closely fought battle for the top spot between the Vistra Typhoons and the Natixis HKFC Scorpions. However, continuing their undefeated season, the Typhoons retain the top spot with some hefty wins under their belt.
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Ones to watch Hong Kong young guns Thaddeus Summers and Lara Schats lit up the stage at the New Year’s Day tournament 2018 with their impressive performances, landing them both with some silverware; Schats and Summers were both presented with the U19s Best and Fairest Player trophy, and Summers also received the prestigious Larry Abel Player of the Tournament award. Both players show a passion and commitment to rugby that has seen them excel in their age grades and compete at some of the biggest youth tournaments. Destined for great things, be sure to keep an eye on these two…
When and why did you first start playing rugby? When I was about 9. I had a lways loved playing beach rugby with my friends in Shek O and they managed to convince me to join Valley and start playing proper rugby.
Personal rugby highlight so far? Going to the U20 Junior World Rugby Trophy in Uruguay last year. I was the youngest player there so it was an incredible experience making my U20 debut alongside and against some quality players and learning from players who’d been to multiple World Trophies before.
Why do you love rugby? Because of the bond you create with your teammates and sharing experiences with them on and off the field. I also take a lot of pride in representing my country which drives me and makes me love playing the sport.
Thaddeus Summers
Inspirational players?
Club: Valley Age: 17 Position: Flyhalf
When I was younger I always liked watching Jamie Hood play; I play the same position as him and he used to be one of my school teachers before he started playing rugby full time so I found it really cool watching him play at the Hong Kong Sevens. It’s also very exciting for me to now be able to occasionally train alongside him at the HKSI.
Ultimate Rugby goal? My ultimate rugby goal is to play at the 2020 Japan Olympics and to play at the Hong Kong Sevens. It’s every young Hong Kong rugby player’s dream to play in such an amazing atmosphere.
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“Being awarded the Larry Abel award was quite surreal. I’ve been playing in the tournament since I was about 13 and to win the award has always been one of my goals growing up. A lot of the past winners of the award are players that I look up to and have gone on to represent Hong Kong at even bigger stages so it’s very exciting to have won the same award as them.”
When and why did you first start playing rugby? I started playing rugby when I was around 7 because my brothers always did it and I kind of was just copying them. My dad used to play too so rugby has always been a big deal in our family.
Personal rugby highlight so far? Winning the u18 7s tournament in Dubai in 2016. It was the first time for me properly representing Hong Kong and my first time going on tour. Plus we won which was also amazing as it was the first time this type of tournament was held.
Why do you love rugby? I love rugby because it’s my passion and I love working hard as well as in a team environment as it’s really cool to meet new people through playing a sport you love.
Lara Schats Club: USRC Tigers/ Sai Kung Stingrays Age: 17 Position: Flyhalf
Inspirational players? Emma Tonegato because she has insane pace and always finds a way to break the line, especially when there seems like there is no way through, and Charlotte Caslick because she is really good at manipulating the defence and putting her teammates in good positions to score, as well as scoring herself. They are both great to
Ultimate Rugby goal? To play for Hong Kong at a Women’s World Cup.
06
Girl Power
The latest on the ladies’ leagues With just one game remaining in the round robin stages of the women’s KPMG Premiership league, this year’s league split have proved to be a huge success, making the games far more competitive and exciting to watch. The usual rivalries remain; Societe Generale Valley and ECO Gai Wu Falcons top the league with the stage set for another nail-biting showdown. Third placed USRC Tigers have secured convincing wins over all but the top two teams as well as clinching a draw against Gai Wu. Football Club successfully made it into the top four teams and have vastly improved their physicality and direction. Tai Po Dragons have shown huge progression over the season and after qualifying for the Premiership last year, they have proved themselves as strong contenders for the top four teams. Perhaps most notable this season, was the thrilling ECO Gai Wu vs Societe Generale Valley clash which saw the Falcons end Valley’s 51 game winning streak. The 22-15 win was a hugely satisfying victory for the Falcons who have only narrowly missed out on the top spot in recent years.
“It always feels good to be on the winning side but this victory really means something to us. They are a very good team and we had a few close games with them. This win proves our team’s hard work and resilience. This will definitely boost our confidence leading up to the Grand Final.” Christy Cheng, Captain of ECO Gai Wu Falcons
One of the significant changes we have seen this year in the women’s league is the introduction of imported players. The top four teams, Gai Wu, Valley, USRC Tigers and Football Club, have all contracted overseas players from New Zealand to boost the standard of the game and bring some new knowledge and skills to the home game to keep it moving up. At the National League 1 level, Revolution have shown significant improvement from last season and are now leading the NL1 table although the Gai Wu Fawkes and HK Scottish pose a serious threat with strong performances all round. At the National League 2 level, SCAA CWB strongly lead the way, with a team combination of ex HK internationals and young upcoming players working very well for them. With growing competition and soaring standards in the National League level of women’s rugby, the breeding grounds for the top teams are thick with talent and potential. Events such as the upcoming Club 7s tournament in April will also serve as an opportunity for players at all levels to showcase their skills and move up through the ranks.
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Saturday, February 3rd, 2018 Aberdeen Sports Club Kick off: 16:00 The Natixis Rugby Cup returns to Hong Kong this Feb 3rd for another almighty clash of North versus South. This year’s event will see French top 14 team, Racing 92, up against South African Super Rugby side, The Cell C Sharks. The high-profile fixture is the fourth edition of the Natixis Rugby Cup since its inauguration in 2013, and Racing 92’s fourth appearance on Hong Kong soil. The world-class event is a highlight on the Hong Kong rugby calendar and is sure to drum up the rugby spirit and excitement that the city has become known for. Kick off is at 4pm at the Aberdeen Sports ground. The star-studded line up include a host of huge names in world rugby; former All Blacks fly-half, Dan Carter, voted World Player of the Year in 2005, 2012 and 2015, will be playing for Racing 92, alongside Pat Lambie, ex-captain of the Sharks team. Among the list of famous players representing the South African squad are Springbok speed merchant Lwazi Mvovo, the 1.96m, 112kg frame of back rower, Daniel Du Preez, his brother Robert at flyhalf, and the sublimely skilled Curwin Bosch. The stage is set for an exciting game! Perhaps the most notable player on the French team sheet though, is our very own homegrown superstar, Matt Worley, who has represented Hong Kong at all age grade levels of his life, most recently at the Under-20 World Trophy in Uruguay in September. What started initially as a four-week stint at Racing 92’s academy team two years ago, soon developed into a full time professional contract. The former Hong Kong Football Club player’s hard work and fast learning soon earned him a spot training and playing with the first team. The up and coming player is very excited to play in front of a home crowd. “To be part of a such a big match like this in Hong Kong is incredible. I am very privileged and excited to represent my hometown in the Racing colours. It is an opportunity and experience l’ll never forget.”
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The Cell C Sharks are the first ever South African Super Rugby side to play in Hong Kong and will be using the upcoming fixture as a warm up for their 2018 Super Rugby campaign. Head Coach Robert du Preez will be looking to fine tune his squad against the impressive French club team who currently stand in 3rd position in the French league, and prove what the Sharks are made of. The Sharks have reached the Super Rugby final on four occasions and look set to battle their way to the top again this season. This year’s Natixis Rugby Cup will come with the addition of a mini rugby clinic before the match, where Hong kong’s ever growing rugby-mad community will have the opportunity to interact with the non-starting players of each team. The match will also be followed with more fun and festivities with a beer garden and live music.
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Hong Kong’s Next Generation Referees As the number of young rugby players in Hong Kong continues to thrive, there grows an increasing need for people to take up refereeing to keep the game running safely and smoothly. The much revered and powerful position of master of the pitch comes also with a huge amount of responsibility and scrutiny. So who are these brave souls that have chosen to put down their boots and pick up their whistles and battle the wrath of hundreds of angry rugby players? Meet two of the youngest and most promising rising stars of the Hong Kong refereeing world, destined to discipline and direct for years to come…
Jackie Ho Yuen Man
Age: 25
When and Why did you start refereeing? July 2016. I used to play rugby for Valley but I got a lot of injuries so I tried reffing and coaching as an alternative. Who do you referee for? I am part of the National Referee Development Programme in Hong Kong. I enjoy refereeing both 7s and 15s. This season I’m mostly refereeing the Men’s NL3-4, but I’m looking forward to having the chance to referee some women’s Prem games soon. Highlight of your career so far? World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series Qualifier 2017 on April 6-7th 2017. I was really happy to be able to take part in this tournament as an Assistant Referee. Why do you like refereeing? To me it’s like the other side of the game; I get to transform from a player to a ref and it’s quite different. Some people think all referees are the same because they follow the same law book, but referees are all different. We follow the same rules but have a different management of the game; how we build relationships with players, how we manage the game in order to let the players play the most under the law, how we sell our decision in games. Refereeing is more like an art to me.
Rory Crombie
Age: 15 (Student at Kellet School)
When and Why did you start refereeing? I got into refereeing in the summer of 2016 after NAG trials. I knew I wasn’t quite at the same standard and size of the NAG boys so I wanted to try refereeing to see if I could do better at that than I could at playing. Up until this season, I had played at HKU Sandy Bay for 10 years since under 6’s. Who do you referee for? I normally referee youth and senior rugby. This year I have been doing u16 games on Sunday and Men’s and Women’s games on a Saturday most weekends. Highlight of your career so far? I am part of the National Referee Development Programme in Hong Kong. I enjoy refereeing both 7s and 15s. This season I’m mostly refereeing the Men’s NL3-4, but I’m looking forward to having the chance to referee some women’s Prem games soon. Why do you like refereeing? I like being in control! Rory will represent Hong Kong in London later this year in the Rosslyn Park Sevens. 12
New Referees join the Women’s Premiership League Five new referees have graced the pitches of the Women’s Premiership games this season thanks to a rigorous training and education programme run by senior Hong Kong Referee Tim Baker. With the standard of women’s rugby reaching new heights and numbers of female players proliferating (close to 5000 across the city!), the women’s game provides the ideal competitive environment for these up and coming referees to develop their skills and experience the rush of a Premiership game. Tim Baker tells us about the new group of referees and his hopes for the future of women’s rugby referees. We have three young referees involved this season: Harry Parsons, 17, and Steven Yuen, 17, who are both in my High Performance Referee Group, and Owen Ford,16, that is coming through the ranks from the Junior Academy. They are joined by Jason Broderick and Jon Markowitz, two very experienced older referees that add valuable knowledge and experience to the squad.
framework to referee consistently week in and week out and to develop them as best as I can so that the game in Hong Kong continues to improve. Harry and Steven train with the current High Performance group on Mondays where we do high intensity running, followed by an education session. This is followed by a 6:30am Wednesday morning gym session with our referee trainer, Tom. Owen also attends the Wednesday gym session as part of the Junior academy programme and also the community fitness sessions on Wednesday nights. On top of that, the three young referees need to complete a total of four training sessions a week plus a game on Saturday. They also attend weekly meetings with the premiership women’s coaches. Coming through the junior ranks, we have some very exciting current and former players now starting to want to referee more. Jackie Ho is the brightest future we have at the moment; as a player and referee, she stands as proof that you can do both. Our ultimate goal is to get a women’s national team member that is coming to the end of their career to take up the whistle. The worldwide opportunities for women referees is far greater now that the women’s game is on the up all over the world.”
We see the Women’s Premiership as a new stepping-stone for development referees to get them to the next stage of their refereeing career, with the ultimate goal of refereeing the men’s premiership on a weekly basis. These guys have been identified as having a potential referee career both here in Hong Kong and around Asia. My focus is to give them the
Steven Yuen
Harry Parsons
Owen Ford 13
2018 HKRU
UPCOMING EVENTS
14
NATIXIS RUGBY CUP
OLD MUTUAL INTERNATIONAL GRAND FINAL
3 FEBRUARY 2018
10 MARCH 2018
CATHAY PACIFIC / HSBC HONG KONG SEVENS
ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIPS
6 / 7 / 8 APRIL 2018
MAY - JUNE 2018
MENS DOMESTIC SEVENS
CATHAY PACIFIC / HSBC HONG KONG SEVENS FESTIVAL
MARCH 2018
24 MARCH - 8 APRIL 2018