Jevon Groves, the coach of Hong Kong’s rugby sevens team, is gearing up for a challenging yet exciting phase of rebuilding the squad after a narrow defeat to Japan in the Olympic qualifiers. The loss, which saw Hong Kong relinquish a 14-7 lead in the final moments, has virtually dashed their immediate hopes for a spot in the Paris Olympics next year, leaving the repechage tournament in June as their last chance. However, with twelve teams vying for a single spot, Groves admits the task ahead is formidable.
Reflecting on the recent heartbreak in Osaka, where Hong Kong lost 21-14, Groves acknowledged the emotional toll on his players. The disappointment was particularly acute for the team’s older members, for whom the Paris Olympics represented possibly the last opportunity to compete in the prestigious event. This sentiment echoed the team’s previous Olympic qualifying final loss to South Korea four years earlier.
Groves noted that the squad, which includes several players over thirty, would likely be considering their future in the sport. With the next Olympic cycle now in focus, the challenge lies in assembling and nurturing a new team capable of enduring the long journey to the next Olympics. This task, while daunting, also presents an exciting opportunity to usher in fresh talent and strategies.
Key players like Alex McQueen and Salom Yiu Kam-shing, both 35, and captain Max Woodward, 33, might ponder their continuation in the sport. Yet, younger players such as Max Denmark, 24, and try-scorers against Japan, Liam Doherty and Liam Herbert, 23 and 25 respectively, represent the new generation poised to take the team forward.
Groves emphasized the need for a strategic approach in the coming years, focusing on the development of these younger players with an eye on the 2026 Asian Games and subsequent Olympic qualifiers. Balancing the integration of new talent with the experience of veteran players will be crucial. For the older players who choose to stay, managing their workload and transitioning them appropriately will be key.
Despite the setback, Groves expressed immense pride in his team, pointing to their successful year, including a gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games and dominance in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series. These achievements, he believes, have put Hong Kong’s rugby program in a strong position.
As the team reflects on its narrow loss to Japan and the path ahead, Groves remains optimistic. He believes that only minor improvements are needed to extract more from the group. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Hong Kong’s rugby team is poised to embark on a new journey, aiming for greater heights in the international arena.
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