On September 22, 2024, the Hong Kong men's rugby team clinched the Asia Rugby Sevens Series leg in Hangzhou, overcoming a late scare from Japan to secure a thrilling 24-19 victory. Captain James Christie scored a last-minute try that sealed the win, despite Hong Kong trailing 19-17 earlier in the match. Head coach Jevon Groves praised the team's resilience and tactical execution throughout the tournament. Over five matches, the men's team scored a remarkable 163 points while conceding only 26. [f52b1b55]
In contrast, the Hong Kong women's team faced a challenging semi-final against China, suffering a heavy defeat with a score of 48-0. This loss came after a strong start in the tournament, where they had previously shown promise. Max Denmark notably scored a hat-trick against China, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide in the semi-final. The women's team had hoped to avenge their earlier loss to China in the first leg of the series but fell short in this encounter. [f52b1b55]
Looking ahead, both teams are set to compete in the final leg of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in Bangkok in November, where the men's team aims for a clean sweep of the series. The contrasting fortunes of the two teams highlight the competitive nature of rugby in the region and the ongoing development of sports in Hong Kong. [f52b1b55]