The Hong Kong, China women’s rugby team is preparing to make a strong impression at the upcoming Rugby Sevens tournament, set to take place at Kai Tak Sports Park for the first time this month.
Team captain Natasha Olson-Thorne expressed excitement about playing in front of a home crowd, emphasizing the team’s determination to perform well.
“You just have to take it in,” Olson-Thorne said during an open training session. “Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. Pressure is something we should embrace because we rarely get the chance to play in front of our home crowd, friends, and family. Knowing they are behind us is a special feeling.”
The team aims to build on its success from last year, when it finished as runners-up in the Melrose Claymores competition, an event featuring top Asian teams alongside the Rugby Sevens tournament.
Focused Training and Team Bonding
Olson-Thorne, who made her international Sevens debut in 2011, highlighted the team’s intense training sessions, which have improved both their physicality and trust in each other.
“We’ve been working on our contact game and learning to trust ourselves and our teammates more,” she explained. “It’s brought us closer together, and we are excited to showcase what we’ve learned.”
Co-captain Chloe Chan, who took on the leadership role last year, emphasized the importance of playing to the team’s strengths.
“The great thing about our team is our diversity,” Chan said. “We have speed, physicality, and strong players who help build our structure. That’s our advantage—knowing how to use each other’s strengths.”
She also reflected on her leadership style, saying, “I’m not a very vocal leader, but I like to lead by example. I hope to do my job well and help my teammates do the same.”
Coach Vilk: Embracing Pressure and Growth
Head coach Andy Vilk, who took over just weeks before the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, is eager to see the team perform under pressure.
“Last year’s experience was fantastic for the players’ growth,” Vilk said. “This year’s Sevens will be a unique experience, and we need to embrace the pressure and use it to our advantage.”
The Hong Kong squad will face tough competition in the Melrose Claymores, taking on powerhouses Thailand and Kazakhstan when the three-day event kicks off on March 28.
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