PUBLISHED ON 10 MAR 2025
Previously, we heard from Sunny Lee discussing her start to World Rugby’s HSBC SVNS Series this season, which included involvement in two finals on the women's circuit to date. The HKCR match official explains the differences in performing at the peak of sevens rugby, how match officials prepare and socialise, and how much she is looking forward to the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens at the brand new Kai Tak Stadium.
What Is The Step Up Refereeing At The Highest Level in Sevens Rugby?
The step up in officiating sevens rugby on the HSBC SVNS Series means adjusting but also trusting the players with so much experience and who are the ultimate athletes.
“I think you have to be ready for so many weird things,” says Sunny with her usual disarming smile. “The teams are going to contest much more than at other levels, and they are very aggressive; they want to contest the ball, and they want to get the ball in hand. So you have to be there and then, and just so much more can happen.”
She explained, “We always say that we need to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Maybe you look at the ruck and it's so messy, but it doesn't mean that there are some illegal things or a penalty needs to be given – you need to hold your breath, let the game and players do what they need to do, and let them keep playing.”
Sunny said that when she first started as a referee, she felt obliged to do more and “tidy it up” but that at the top level, referees just need to let them play. “It might look messy, but they know what they're doing.”
From a fitness perspective, Sunny says that a new S&C Performance referee at HKCR has helped and that the referees have regular sessions including gym and training together.
“I can feel that my muscles are growing quite fast because I feel muscle pains, like almost every day after each session. Our weekly training and running program is also provided to us as well, and we have some technology to help track our performances. The help is very supportive from the union.”
Goals and Aspirations
Now with the three HSBC SVNS Series legs under her belt, Sunny says she has been reviewing her performance and feels like she can keep improving.
“There are situations that I can handle better. I'm looking for self-improvement, and I just want to feel that I can do better and make myself feel like I'm good enough and I deserve to be at this level. I can see that I'm working towards a good path and heading in the right direction.”
Of that, we have no doubt.
Kai Tak Stadium – The Hometown Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens
Sunny returned from Vancouver to prepare for her hometown event and the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, which will be hosted for the first time at the new Kai Tak Stadium.
“Kai Tak is special for me because my home in Hong Kong is just a 15-minute walk from the new stadium. I feel like it's more connected to the city than the old Hong Kong Stadium. It's obviously a great honour to be involved in the sevens there, as this will be the opening international event at Kai Tak Stadium.”
Sunny was a referee for the Melrose Claymore matches at the 2024 event. “Last year, refereeing in front of a Hong Kong crowd was a real lifetime experience, even though the crowd would ‘booo’ me if I awarded a penalty to the opposite side and not to Hong Kong China. I am hoping this time they will be cheering for me, then I will be very happy,” she says, laughing.
She was also part of some preparation events at Kai Tak to walk through how the new stadium would operate in preparation for the event from 28-30 March 2025 and, like everyone, was impressed with the facilities.
“It's a great stadium, and I love the colour as I am a big red and orange fan. It's quite similar to the Singapore National Stadium in being new, and it has air conditioning. The one side is see-through and is quite romantic when you sit there in the afternoon. The roof can also be closed and open – so everything is new and high-tech.”
With this being a hometown event, has she planned any advice for her fellow match officials flying in from around the world?
“Obviously, I have prepared some sightseeing for my fellow referees and have found some nice coffee shops near the stadium. I know that they really like playing golf too. Every time they go to different places, the referees like to have a round of golf, so I also prepared some activities for them to do in Hong Kong.
“I had my first golf experience in Dubai in December. I didn't hit the ball for the first few swings. Before I even tried, I was laughing at the others when they missed a shot, and then when it was my turn, I missed as well, so it wasn't as easy as it looked. It was quite a funny experience.”
And for the fans coming to Hong Kong – what would Sunny Lee’s best advice be?
“I do have one big recommendation. There is a touch tournament that happens a week before. The Hong Kong International Touch Championship 2025 (HKITC) takes place on Sunday 23 March, and there are so many teams involved coming from China, Singapore and Japan. I'm one of the organisers, so it's a good chance to shout out for the event.”
Sunny Lee is the Rugby Development Leader at Hong Kong China Touch and went to the Touch World Cup 2024 as a Team Manager.
This article was posted in collaboration with our good friends at RugbyAsia247 – check them out for all the latest Asian Rugby news!
