Hong Kong coach Groves sticks with Shield winners for first leg of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series
- 12 of the side that won silverware at this month’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens picked for tournament in Stellenbosch
- Only change sees veteran front-rower Michael Coverdale come in for injured Callum McCullough
Hong Kong men’s coach Jevon Groves has made just one change to his squad for the first leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in South Africa.
Twelve of the side that won the Shield at this month’s Hong Kong Sevens keep their places, with veteran front-rower Michael Coverdale coming in for Callum McCullough, who picked up a slight injury this week.
Part of the qualification process for a sport on next year’s world series circuit, the tournament at the Markotter Stadium in Stellenbosch begins on Thursday, and will run until Saturday.
A second leg will take place between April 28 and 30, with the winner’s of the men’s series earning a sport in a final four-team tournament next month in London.
“It is a strong and exciting squad that draws mainly on players from the Hong Kong tournament,” Groves said. “Callum’s injury gives an opportunity for Mike to come back in; he played very well in Singapore [HSBC Rugby Singapore Sevens] and looks back to his best, so it is a great opportunity for him.”
Hong Kong have been drawn in Pool B, and will start their campaign on Thursday against Papua New Guinea at 4.06pm Hong Kong Time, followed by a clash with Italy at 7.10pm.
