#Hong Kong China Rugby

[asiarugby]

Japan overcome Hong Kong China challenge on road to England 2025

The Sakura 15s began their Asia Rugby Women’s Championship defence with a bonus-point victory against Hong Kong China, but they were made to work hard for the win. Continue reading Japan overcome Hong Kong China challenge on road to England 2025

[srilankanews]

Sri Lanka wins Asia Rugby Men’s Championship Division 1 title

The Sri Lankan rugby crew won their fourth Asia Rugby Men's Title Division 1 title after a 45-7 win over Kazakhstan in Colombo this Sunday (5). The group is presently the fifth-most elevated positioned group in the area behind Japan, Hong Kong China, Korea and the Philippines.

The competition saw a 20,000-limit swarm cheering at the Racecourse Ground.

The competition was given a shout out to by a 20,000-limit swarm at the Racecourse Ground and adapted to the situation by scoring 45 focuses for the second opportunity in seven days.

Sri Lanka opened the scoring with an attempt by Zubair Dore ten minutes into the primary half. They continued to add focus while Kazakhstan steadily went after. By halftime, the Tuskers had scored 31 focuses.

Tarinda Ratwatte then, at that point, changed over Nanayakkara's attempt and one of his own and furthermore added the additional items to Dial Ekanayake's score as the Tuskers went into the break with a 31-0 advantage.

Ratwatte contributed to the development to Heshan Jansen's attempt not long after the restart, Ratwatte again switching over completely to transform the five focuses into seven and increment their lead to 38-0.

They proceeded with their predominance into the final part, with Heshan Jansen scoring an attempt at 56 minutes. Chief Magamedrasul Magomedov rescued an encouragement pursue Kazakhstan, forestalling a shutout. The last score was 45-7

The speciality of the competition facilitated on Racecourse Ground in Colombo was that it was eco-cognizant and was assigned as a green occasion. Asia Rugby teamed up with Sri Lanka Rugby to present the 'Attempt A TREE' drive, focusing on establishing a tree for each attempt scored in Asia Rugby Competitions.

Astoundingly, after the primary day, a great 119 trees had previously tracked down new homes.

Proceeding with its obligation to supportability, Asia Rugby, in association with Sri Lanka Rugby, coordinated instructive meetings during the week. The neighborhood youngsters, alongside group supervisors from each of the four associations, took part in a showing featuring the crucial job of bumble bees in the environment. Sri Lanka will regard themselves as in 41st - their best situation since they were 40th in August 2018. Kazakhstan, in the mean time, will stay in 64th. The rugby World Cup has pretty much started off in France.

[dailyrugbytoday]

Fiji 7s Rugby Schedule & Stream | SVNS Singapore (3-5 May 2024)

New Post has been published on https://thedailyrugby.com/fiji-7s-rugby-schedule-stream-svns/

The Daily Rugby

https://thedailyrugby.com/fiji-7s-rugby-schedule-stream-svns/

Fiji 7s Rugby Schedule & Stream | SVNS Singapore (3-5 May 2024)

Singapore Sevens will be hosted on 5-7 May 2024 at Singapore National Stadium. Fiji 7s Rugby team play with Ireland, USA, Great Britain in POOL C.

Are you ready?

One of the most popular sporting events in Asia, the Singapore Sevens (SGP 7s), is set to take place from 3 to 5 May 2024at the iconic Singapore National Stadium for the last time!

Fiji 7s Rugby 2024 Schedule | HSBC SVNS Singapore 2024

Fiji 7s vs USA 7s

Fiji 7s vs Ireland 7s

Fiji 7s vs Great Britain 7s

Fiji 7s Singapore 2024

Bringing together the world’s top teams, the SGP 7s has created many memorable moments at the Stadium over the past 30 years. This year, in addition to the 12 men’s and 12 women’s international teams, the tournament will also feature the Melrose Shield competitions. In the men’s competition, China, Japan, and the host team, Hong Kong China, will participate, while in the women’s competition, China, Thailand, and Hong Kong China will compete.

Another highlight, of course, is the HK7s party and music performances. Various local and overseas performers will be present. Sports fans and music lovers should not miss it!

HONG KONG SEVENS 2024: WHERE TO WATCH WORLD COMES TO PLAY

[perth-rugby-sevens-live-2024]

Watch Live Here

𝕃𝕀𝕍𝔼 ▷ 🔴 DUBAI RUGBY 7s LIVE STREAM

Watch Live Here

World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai: Live schedule and how to watch top players The women's season begins, while Australia's men look to seal a second victory of their 2022/23 campaign. There is all to play for with Paris 2024 Olympic qualifying berths also up for grabs. The women’s World Rugby Sevens Series will begin with a bang in Dubai, on 2-3 December.

Watch Live Here

With sunshine and a party atmosphere guaranteed, the Emirate hosts one of the most popular stops on the circuit.

For the men, it’ll be the second event of the season after Australia’s victory in Hong Kong, China.

Watch Live Here

Every stop on this year's circuit is vital, with Paris 2024 Olympics qualification berths up for grabs.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at the schedule and how to watch the top rugby sevens players in action in the UAE.

World Rugby Sevens Series 2023: Preview, schedule, & how to watch

How to qualify for rugby at Paris 2024

Watch Live Here

Schedule Women

Friday, 2 November

06:00 - 15:20 CET - Group matches

Friday, 3 November

06:00 - 16:10 CET - Knockout and play-off matches

Men

Watch Live Here

07:06 - 17:50 CET - Group matches

Friday, 3 November

06:00 - 16:40 CET - Knockout and play-off matches

[dailynews9]

Protest song played for the HK rugby team in South Korea

Protest song played for the HK rugby team in South Korea

Seoul , South Korea: The South Korean organizers of a regional rugby tournament have apologized for mistakenly playing a song embraced by Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters as China’s national anthem, an incident that sparked a strong reaction from the city’s government. ” Glory to Hong -was played before the men’s finals between South Ko Kong ” rea and Hong Kong in the second leg of the Asian…

[insideusnet]

Hong Kong protest song plays instead of China anthem in rugby final mix-up | CNN : Inside US

Hong Kong protest song plays instead of China anthem in rugby final mix-up | CNN : Inside US

Hong Kong CNN  —  The Hong Kong government on Monday demanded an investigation after a song associated with the city’s pro-democracy movement was played instead of the Chinese national anthem before a rugby sevens match between Hong Kong and South Korea. Event organizers played an instrumental version of “Glory to Hong Kong” as the teams lined up for the men’s final of the Asia Rugby Sevens…

[keenywong]

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63619702 Hong Kong calls for probe after rugby match protest song By Yvette Tan BBC News 30 minutes ago Protester in Hong Kong 2019 protests IMAGE SOURCE, GETTY IMAGES Image caption, The song became the unofficial anthem of the 2019 pro-democracy protests Hong Kong officials have demanded an investigation after a rugby game where a protest song was played instead of China's national anthem. The city said it "strongly deplores... the playing of a song associated with 'violent protests'". The song, Glory to Hong Kong, is considered the unofficial anthem of the 2019 pro-democracy movement. And it has become increasingly controversial under Beijing's tight grip over the city. The song's lyrics refer to the "tears on our land", and mention "democracy and liberty". Although Hong Kong officials did not name the song, videos of the scene from Sunday's match have since been shared widely online. The song can be heard playing ahead of a match between Hong Kong and South Korea at the Asia Rugby Sevens, an annual regional tournament. The players don't appear to react to the song. The organisers said the mistake was caused "by human error of a junior staff", and that the Hong Kong team coach had submitted the correct song, according to a government statement. A government spokesperson said they had written to the Hong Kong Rugby Union on Sunday evening demanding that they "deal with this matter seriously [and to] launch a full and in-depth investigation". It added that the Hong Kong team noticed the mistake and China's national anthem, March of the Volunteers, was played during the prize ceremony after Hong Kong won the final. The Hong Kong Rugby Union on Monday expressed "extreme dissatisfaction" over the incident. It also said the organisers, Asia Rugby, have "expressed their sincere apologies and assured us it will not happen again". Booing and singing protests in Hong Kong Hong Kong man who attended Queen tribute detained Hong Kong's handover explained Hong Kong now has a law against disrespecting the Chinese national anthem. It was enacted in 2020 after years of the Chinese anthem being booed at duri https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck7zMf4P9a5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[williamchasterson]

Hong Kong calls for probe after rugby match protest song

Hong Kong calls for probe after rugby match protest song

It comes after a pro-democracy protest song was played instead of China’s national anthem. from BBC News – World https://ift.tt/f6VgIGk via IFTTT

[asiarugby]

Asian Sides on Showcase in New Melrose Competition at the Hong Kong Sevens

In its final staging in the iconic Hong Kong Stadium before a move to the new Kai Tak Sports Park stadium in 2025, the renowned Cathay / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens returns to its roots in welcoming teams from across Asia to the world’s biggest rugby party from 5-7 April 2024. Continue reading Asian Sides on Showcase in New Melrose Competition at the Hong Kong Sevens

[psitrend]

Interview with Les Bird, author of 'A Small Band of Men'

New Post has been published on https://china-underground.com/2020/01/29/interview-with-le-bird-author-of-a-small-band-of-men/

Interview with Les Bird, author of 'A Small Band of Men'

Les Bird, born in 1951 in Staffordshire, England, after leaving school, he traveled extensively in Africa and Australia before joining the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1976.

As a senior officer, he dealt with sensitive issues including refugees fleeing Vietnam and the smuggling of guns, drugs, and people to or from Communist China during the handover of the colony back to China in 1997. Bird is a founder member and chairman of Asia’s Rugby Football Club. He is married with two daughters. He still lives in Hong Kong.

‘A Small Band of Men’ by Les Bird, Earnshaw Books

Was it difficult to go over so many memories?

I was fortunate in that throughout my 20-plus year career I always carried a camera in my kitbag and, when out at sea, and if circumstances permitted, I would take photographs of our work.

I have a collection of about 500 shots, some of which show when I first began as a young inspector in rural Tai O in west Lantau, the decade I spent on the Southern Boundary as hundreds of thousands of refugees came in by boat following the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975.

And then there was my work in the Tolo Channel combating smugglers.

These photographs helped me remember many of the more important moments so that I was able to write in detail about them. But of course, with a memoir, the facts are all important.

Times, dates, places must be exact, so there were also many long hours of research in government archives before I began writing. From an emotional perspective, some memories are more positive than others, the camaraderie and the loyalty of your team and not being in a boring desk job!

But there were also the young mainlanders we picked up, who didn’t make it after being attacked by sharks or barracudas as they tried to swim from the mainland to Hong Kong. And my young officer Billy Lee who got killed outright when a smuggler’s armour-plated speedboat went straight into him. Those kinds of memories aren’t easy. 

How did you get to Asia and how did you join the Hong Kong Police?

After leaving school I traveled extensively in Africa and Australia, before returning to the UK at the age of 23, where I began looking for a career. I joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in London and came out to Hong Kong for the first time in 1976.

After joining the Royal Hong Kong Police I volunteered for the Marine District, so the Marine Police, and was accepted. I spent almost all of my 21-year career in the force out at sea working on board patrol launches.

How was your first impact with Hong Kong?

I fell in love with Hong Kong immediately. I found the city vibrant and exciting. I loved the hustle and bustle of the place. Upon arrival, together with my fellow recruits, I was sent to school to study Cantonese. I think being able to understand and speak the local language helped us integrate into society. Being able to communicate certainly helped us better appreciate our new home.

What was the purpose of your unit?

I was the commander of a specialist marine unit that was initially established to combat illegal immigration from mainland China into Hong Kong. But over time we expanded and developed into the Hong Kong Government’s maritime counter-terrorism unit. This unit was highly trained, and selection to serve in it was tough.

In addition to counter-terrorism work, the unit was also deployed as an anti-crime task force. Between 1989 and 1991, our main duty was combating the cross-border smuggling by high-powered speedboats, known locally as ‘daai feis’. This was an extraordinarily dangerous job in which high-speed chases would take place at sea and at night, in total darkness. There were many instances of collisions, injuries and, sadly, fatalities. 

How were the foreign agents received by the local population?

We were given a mixed reception. A mix of smiles and suspicious stares. But I always felt that as foreigners it was important for us to prove ourselves. Of course, in those days Hong Kong was a British colony, and I am British, so that might sound a bit odd.

But as government servants, it was our duty to serve a population that was 98% Cantonese. I always felt it was our job to integrate into Hong Kong. But, I think back then, in the 1970s and 1980s, most local people were pleased to see us, foreign officers.

The book is filled with fascinating and powerful stories spanning twenty years. What were the events that most struck you?

The stories involving people in distress never leave you. Early on in my career, I was deployed along the sea border with China in order to catch those attempting to enter Hong Kong illegally. Most were very young people, the same age as myself, who wanted to come to Hong Kong to start a new life, just as I had done a few years before. It was an odd sensation having to send them back to China. Also, for most of my career, there were the hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese boat-people coming to Hong Kong in the hope of starting a new life.

After the war in Vietnam ended in 1975, Hong Kong was flooded with refugees arriving by sea. Many were in very poor physical and mental state. Being the first people they saw after leaving Vietnam our duty, in effect, became more of that of welfare officers than police officers. There were lots of medical requirements. Many of those arriving in Hong Kong after months at sea in small wooden vessels were malnourished and dehydrated. And, in 1979, they were arriving in their thousands, every single day. 

How has Hong Kong changed over the years, what has changed on 1st July 1997?

For me, it has changed a great deal. During my first three-year tour of duty, I lived out at Tai O, the westernmost village on the Lantau coast, overlooking the Pearl River estuary. I lived at the old police station that, today, is a luxury boutique hotel. It was a very rural existence back then. There was also the isolation. There was no road between the police station and the village, and the road between Tai O and Mui Wo, in the west, was just a dirt track. We had just one telephone at the station, but that didn’t work if it was raining.

Apart from the Italian Catholic priest, I was the only gwailo living in the western half of Lantau. Of course, the 1980s were the boom years for Hong Kong in terms of finance. This was the decade when Hong Kong cemented its position in the world as a major financial hub.

Thinking back to my days in the 1970s walking through Tai O village, and then comparing it to walking through Central District today – it’s like a different world. But to answer your 1997 question. Life for me changed a great deal that year. I left the Royal Hong Kong Police, Marine District, on 30 June 1997 and moved into the private security business world. So, on the day of the handover, I became a civilian.

Did your former colleagues read the book?

Yes, in Hong Kong I have received a lot of comments and feedback from former colleagues who have read the book. I am happy to say that most of the feedback has been very good indeed, with many writing to thank me for reminding them of the days when they too served in the Marine District.

Also, as my book will be published in the UK at the end of February, I am hoping for more of the same comments from the former officers that retired to the UK after their service ended. But what is interesting for me, is that most comments have come from people who were not living in Hong Kong in those days. I guess my book also serves as something of a historical record of the final 20 years of British Hong Kong.

Photos courtesy of Les Bird Thanks to Earnshaw Books

#Autobiography, #HongKong, #HongKongOldImages

[dailyrugbytoday]

All blacks 7s Rugby Schedule & Stream | SVNS Hong Kong (5-7 April 2024)

New Post has been published on https://thedailyrugby.com/all-blacks-7s-rugby-svns-hong-kong/

The Daily Rugby

https://thedailyrugby.com/all-blacks-7s-rugby-svns-hong-kong/

All blacks 7s Rugby Schedule & Stream | SVNS Hong Kong (5-7 April 2024)

Hong Kong Sevens will be hosted on 5-7 April 2024 at Hong Kong Stadium. New Zealand All blacks 7s Rugby team play with Great Britain, Argentina, USA Eagles in POOL B.

Are you ready?

One of the most popular sporting events in Asia, the Hong Kong Sevens (HK7s), is set to take place from 5 to 7 April 2024at the iconic Hong Kong Stadium for the last time!

All blacks 7s Rugby 2024 Schedule | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2024

Great Britain 7s vs New Zealand 7s

Argentina 7s vs New Zealand 7s

USA 7s vs New Zealand 7s

Great Britain 7s vs Argentina 7s

Bringing together the world’s top teams, the HK7s has created many memorable moments at the Stadium over the past 30 years. This year, in addition to the 12 men’s and 12 women’s international teams, the tournament will also feature the Melrose Shield competitions. In the men’s competition, China, Japan, and the host team, Hong Kong China, will participate, while in the women’s competition, China, Thailand, and Hong Kong China will compete.

Another highlight, of course, is the HK7s party and music performances. Various local and overseas performers will be present. Sports fans and music lovers should not miss it!

HONG KONG SEVENS 2024: WHERE TO WATCH WORLD COMES TO PLAY

[optimizeodyssey]

Ways to Watch 2022 ALL BLACKS V IRELAND STEINLAGER SERIES

Global Rugby has started off with the Māori All Blacks overcoming Ireland in their initial round of their 2022 visit in Hamilton. The principal Test of the Steinlager Series at Eden Park starts off on Saturday night. This is the way you can tune in and watch the All Blacks and Māori All Blacks v Ireland from around the world.

New Zealand Sky Sport

Australia NEC (Nine and Stan) Africa and adjoining islands

SuperSport https://youtu.be/UfOGPUT9sAQ North/South America and Canada

ESPC (Flo Sports USA) - gushing on Flo Japan WOWOW

American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna and Western Samoa. The nations involving the Territory will be known as the Pacific Islands. Digicel

Italy, Vatican City, San Marino and Canton Ticino, Switzerland Sky Italia

France (French Overseas Departments and Territories included), Monaco, Luxembourg and French Speaking Switzerland Canal+

Joined Kingdom of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland, Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man SKY UK https://youtu.be/7C0H8fGboXs

Spain and Andorra, Portugal, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, West Bank, Gaza Strip and Palestine, Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey and Ukraine

https://youtu.be/pjFi-1F2yFk

Asia-Pacific, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Federated States of Micronesia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marianas, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Nepal, Northern Marianas, North Korea, Pakistan, Palau, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, Taiwan (Republic of China), Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam: Chief Sport

[emperornune]

[justhongkongthings]

once a year people head off to watch rugby and once again most locals don’t care

[insideusnet]

Protest Song Played for Hong Kong Rugby Team in South Korea : Inside US

Protest Song Played for Hong Kong Rugby Team in South Korea : Inside US

By HYUNG-JIN KIM and KANIS LEUNG, Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The South Korean organizers of a regional rugby tournament have apologized for mistakenly playing a song embraced by Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters as China’s national anthem, an incident that sparked strong reaction from the city’s government. “Glory to Hong Kong” — whose lyrics call for democracy and liberty —…

[arugbyfullbacksir]

Hong Kong Sevens World Series Qualifiers (Updated)

Qualifiers for the Womens Sevens World Series are currently underway in Hong Kong. The winner of the tournament will replace the bottom team from the current series in the next series. Coverage of all matches can be found on the World Rugby website, and all are also being streamed live on the World Rugby 7s Facebook page and are available for replay there as well.

12 teams are competing: South Africa, Kenya, Mexico, Kazakhstan, China, Hong Kong, Wales, Belgium, Poland, Papua New Guinea, Brazil, and Argentina

Below are links to each match on Facebook:

Day 1  Kenya vs. Papua New Guinea

South Africa vs. Mexico

China vs. Kazakhstan

Brazil vs. Hong Kong

Belgium vs. Argentina

Wales vs. Poland

Kenya vs. Mexico

South Africa vs. Papua New Guinea

China vs. Hong Kong

Brazil vs. Kazakhstan

Belgium vs. Poland

Wales vs. Argentina 

Papua New Guinea vs. Mexico (last 4 minutes only) 

South Africa vs. Kenya 

Kazakhstan vs. Hong Kong 

Brazil vs. China 

Argentina vs. Poland

Wales vs. Belgium

Day 2 (April 5-6 all times EST) (will post links when available) Quarterfinals China vs. Papua New Guinea

 Belgium vs. Brazil 

Wales vs. South Africa 

Kenya vs. Argentina 

Semifinal 1 (02:12) 

Semifinal 2 (02:34) 

Final (05:12)