Hong Kong Sevens bosses starting Los Angeles Olympics planning, boosted by emerging talent
City’s men’s and women’s teams both set for 2025 Challenger Series, optimistic of imminent news about competition arrangement
The head of Hong Kong Sevens rugby, Paul John, said planning for the men’s team’s 2028 Olympic qualification quest was “starting now”.
Earlier in 2024, Hong Kong, China Rugby unveiled a 10-year strategic plan that set the men the target of reaching Los Angeles in four years. The women have been tasked with qualifying for Brisbane in 2032.
In the recent Asia Rugby Sevens Series (ARSS), both Hong Kong teams achieved their “ultimate aim” of securing spots in next year’s Challenger Series, although the dates and venues for that competition remain under wraps.
World Rugby confirmed arrangements for their marquee HSBC SVNS Series this week, however, leaving John optimistic that news about the second-tier series would emerge soon. It is unlikely that the opening leg will happen until February at the earliest, a boost for Hong Kong after they were caught cold by this year’s January start.
“We are used to dealing with logistics at relatively short notice and we will have a meeting on Friday to plan our build up,” said John, head of the elite sevens athlete programme.
“It’s not easy, because the sooner we know [dates and locations] the more planning we can do, but I’m sure World Rugby are working very hard to finalise details.
