Chris Maize and Eric Kwok Pak-nga, two of Hong Kong’s senior sevens squad members who are currently gaining some invaluable international experience with the Samurai Sevens invitational side in the UK Sevens Series, have had an early taste of success after Samurai won the Maidenhead Sevens.

Maidenhead is the first of two tournaments that Maize and Kwok will play in for Samurai, after Hong Kong coach Paul John arranged for the players to join Samurai side for some summer sevens to gain seasoning. The second tournament will be this weekend’s Manchester Sevens (17 June).

Samurai coach John Brake, a former England Sevens player, was effusive about the two player’s performances at Maidenhead, singling out Maize for his contribution to the effort in the forwards.

Brake labeled Maize, “Mr Reliable”, after the forward played every minute of the tournament, bar the final four minutes of the Cup final, a 12-7 win over the Rambling Jesters.

He is a real “Kick off receipt specialist and pounces on every 50/50 ball. He really put his body on the line and gave us good momentum and go-forward when nothing else was on,” Brake said.

In a tribute to the professional ethos developing at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, Brake noted that Maize “went about his job in an understated but very effective manner. Class.”

While Maize was a key addition up front, Kwok was forced to battle it out for time with an a-list of backs playing with Samurai last weekend.

Despite using him sparingly on the opening weekend, Brake is convinced that Kwok has what it takes for success in the short code.

“Eric had limited game time, but he is a sheer athlete,” said Brake who noted that Kwok impressed when given opportunities.

“He made good inroads in the wide channels and has an ability to chuck some ridiculous offloads,” Brake added.

Unsurprisingly, the two Hong Kong players sought each other out when on the park.

“They had a good partnership in the kick-off game and Eric enjoyed playing out there with Chris on the kick-off receipt package,” Brake added.

With a final tournament ahead of him this weekend, Kwok will be hoping to hear his number called with more frequency.

“He is still a young lad and is keen to improve and please in equal measure but I told Paul [Hong Kong coach Paul John] that he is a great find, and one for the future, I hope.”