HONG KONG CHINA DEPART FOR FINAL LEG OF THE LIT SUPER 7s SERIES

The Hong Kong China Men’s and Women’s 7s teams headed to the UK last night to compete in the final leg of the LIT Super 7s Series at Bury St Edmunds RFC. 

This tournament will maintain the same one-day format seen in all three previous legs. Currently, both teams hold second place in the overall tournament standings, with the men just 3 points behind the British Army, and the women 10 points behind Shogun Rugby. 

There are several changes to the men’s squad following their runners-up finish at the National Pub 7s. Four new players have been added, notably Seb Brien, who makes his return to the pitch after recovering from a torn ACL sustained during a Men’s XVs match against Brazil on 20 July 2024. Seb reflected, “The time away from rugby has been very testing. You spend a lot of time alone with the physio and away from the squad, so it’s really nice integrating back with the squad.” 

“I’m looking forward to channel my hard work back into playing. I’ve been at that awkward stage rejoining the squad while they've been away at tournaments and there only being three or four players at training, so I look forward to being amongst the boys again.” 

Additional changes include Elliott Quinton, who impressed in leg 1, Murray Brechin transitioning from the Men’s XVs programme, and Jon Howells, who joins as an overseas player after playing with the Preseli Babas. James Kee remains in the squad and will follow the Boys Senior Age Grade Tour to New Zealand afterwards.

The women’s squad welcomes back Pun Wai Yan, Jessica Eden, and Shanna Forrest, who recently participated in the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship in Fukuoka, where the Women’s XVs finished as runners-up to Japan. We are also excited to see Julia Mibuy returning from an ACL injury and Gabriella Rivers back from multiple wrist injuries. Both players are key members of the Hong Kong China 7s squad and will be looking to make an immediate impact in this final leg. 

A significant highlight for this tournament is the return of Melody Li, who last played in January 2024 at leg 1 of the SVNS Challenger Series. After welcoming a baby, the former Hong Kong China 7s captain expressed her excitement: “I’m thrilled to be playing at this level again with my teammates.” She added, “This is my first tournament back, and I’m looking forward to feeling the game again and seeing where I stand as I build towards future competitions. I can't wait to get back on the rugby field.” 

For the latest updates on the LIT Super 7s Series, please visit supersevensseries.com and catch live action on the NextGenXV YouTube channel.

Men’s Team Management

Tomos HOWELLS – Coach

Callum Chia – Physiotherapist 

Paul JOHN – Team Manager

Men’s Squad

FONG Kit Fung (Kowloon)

Sebastian BRIEN (HKU Sandy Bay)

Murray BRECHIN (HKFC)

Elliott QUINTON (Kowloon)

Joseph KNIGHT (USRC Tigers)

Juan Esono MBA OYANA (USRC Tigers)

Julien BOURRON (HKFC)

Dylan MCCANN (HKFC)

James KEE (Cardiff University)

Matthew RICKARD (HKU Sandy Bay)

Brendon NELL (HKU Sandy Bay)

Oliver PYLE (HK Scottish)

Jonathan HOWELLS (Newport HSOB RFC)

Women’s Team Management 

Andy VILK – Team Manager/Coach 

Robbie FERGUSSON – Coach 

Mark KOMAR – Coach/Analyst 

Henry CHONG – S&C Coach

Callum CHIA – Physiotherapist 

Women’s Squad 

Julia Mibuy MBA OYANA (Kowloon) 

Gabriella RIVERS (HKFC) 

Abigail CHAN (Valley)

Grace HOOD (HKFC)

AU King To (Gai Wu)

PUN Wai Yan (Gai Wu)

LI Nim Yan Melody Blessing (Gai Wu)

Jessica EDEN (Valley)

CHAN Chor Ki Stephanie (Gai Wu) 

Shanna FORREST (Kowloon)

AU Yeung Sin Yi Maggie (USRC Tigers)

Etta KWONG (Valley)