HK women aim to shine with speedy and flexible squad

Three players are set to receive their first caps when Hong Kong's women compete in the one-stop Asia Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai today and tomorrow.

Sabay Lynam and Gabriella Rivers of DAC Kowloon and Natixis Hong Kong Football Club's Rosie Wright, sister of Hong Kong stalwart Mark Wright, have been called up for the tournament, which serves as a qualifier for next year's Rugby World Cup Sevens and a seeding event for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Hong Kong are in a tough pool with China, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, but coach Iain Monaghan is relishing the opportunity to compete.

"It's a great chance to see how we go against the seventh best team at the Olympics in China," Monaghan said.

"If we advance, it looks like crossing over with Japan or Kazakhstan so it will be a great test and we have to be at our best."

Japan, Kazakhstan, Thailand and the Philippines are in the other bracket.

The top two teams will advance to the World Cup in South Africa.

Describing the 12-player squad as "the strongest group to represent Hong Kong" in the tournament, Monaghan said they have "ambitions to be the fastest team in Asia."

Co-captain Natasha Olson-Thorne is set to earn her 40th cap, while Jessica Eden returns to the squad after two seasons.

"We have more speed and size off the bench, which gives us more flexibility and allows for new tactical dimensions," Monaghan said. "That will be hugely important given the level of competition."

Squad: Natasha Olson-Thorne (co-capt), Melody Li Nim-yan (co-capt); Chong Ka-yan, Nam Ka-man, Maggie Au Yeung Sin-yi, Hui Man-ling, Jessica Eden, Chloe Chan, Agnes Chan Tsz-ching, Gabriella Rivers, Sabay Lynam, Rosie Wright