‘It’s a sign of weakness’: Ben Ryan questions coaches sending second-rate teams to Hong Kong Sevens
Former Fiji coach applauds incumbent Gareth Baber for bringing all his big guns and says they will be holding the trophy again on Sunday
Former Fiji and England sevens coach Ben Ryan called it a “sign of weakness” and a “lack of understanding” that some coaches have opted to bring weakened teams to this year’s Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.
South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia landed in Hong Kong with second-string members as their best players prepare for the following week’s Commonwealth Games, which they deem a higher priority.
“It’s really disappointing that some teams have taken that route, to come into the most celebrated Sevens tournament in the world under strength,” said Ryan, in town as a HSBC global ambassador for the Sevens, and supporting Community Day aimed at engaging young locals with rugby.
“We’re used to playing two tournaments in a row, but for some reason the teams think it’s too hard for them to do this time.
“I remember playing in Hong Kong having played in Adelaide the week before … everyone makes that journey of recalibrating and playing. I think it’s a real shame and the wrong decision by the coaches.”
