Opinion | How two girls have made it big thanks to Hong Kong’s inclusive rugby culture

OK, you are a hardcore rugby guy. Sevens is insignificant because 15-a-side is the only game and the Hong Kong Sevens has nothing to do with rugby and everything to do with partying.

Great, I got it. But good, bad or indifferent for many of us who did not grow up in a rugby culture, this event has been our first exposure to the sport. Where you take it from there is entirely up to the individual. Just ask local businessman Robert Esser.

A self-confessed sports guy, Esser grew up in California and Arizona and when he arrived in Asia almost 30 years ago admits he knew little about rugby. But he was intrigued by the sport and its camaraderie and eventually became a rugby referee.

When it came time for his daughter, Katherine, to get involved in sports, he said there was little question what it would be. “I believe in team sports for kids and rugby is the most organised and well-run community-based sport in Hong Kong bar none,” he said.

His daughter showed an early passion and proficiency for the sport and rose up through the ranks playing on Hong Kong national age grade teams.

“Her goal soon became to get a scholarship to play university in the States. Now she has achieved that and will start at Notre Dame college in the fall,” said Esser.