Two of Hong Kong’s up and coming Junior Referees are currently in London at the Rosslyn Park National School Sevens. The NSS is the largest rugby tournament in the world with over 2600 games played across 24 pitches and 5 days.

Harry Parsons and Steven Yuen, both 16, were selected from the HKRU Junior Referee Academy to attend the tournament. Hong Kong has previously sent referees to the NSS, however this is the first time in a number of years this exchange has taken place and the first time youth referees have been selected.

The tournament kicked off on Monday with the U13s. This turned out to be a big day for Harry and Steven with them refereeing 8 games each. The standard of rugby was unbelievably high for such young players and the boys enjoyed the speed and skill level to kick off the tournament.

Tuesday was the U16 boys which was another step up. The two referees did really well at this level and received some great feedback from referee coaches, players and supporters. Most of these players never have a referee who is the same age as them.

Aside from the rugby, the boys have had the chance to look around London and generally just try and stay warm in this chilly UK winter!

The Tournament continues Wednesday and Thursday. More updates to follow.

This is just one of the many fantastic opportunities available to young referees in Hong Kong. If you would like to learn more about getting involved as a referee, please contact Matthew Rodden on [email protected].