Hong Kong Sevens 2024: James Sawyer ready for heat of battle as he swaps South Stand costume for playing
- Sawyer set for Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens debut almost three years after switching full-time from the 15s code
- Home team will compete with China and Japan in Melrose Claymores competition
James Sawyer is confident of thriving amid the fanfare of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, after surviving a “brutal” transition from the 15s code to earn his tournament debut.
Sawyer’s first experience of the event came in 2017, around six months after moving to Hong Kong, when he “was floating around the South Stand, dressed as a Viking”.
His parents will have the bonus of seeing their son in action when they join the party this year, after booking to travel from the UK before Christmas, when Sawyer was not filled with confidence he would be involved.
The 30-year-old, who has played rugby 15s for Hong Kong, “jumped at the opportunity” to cross over to sevens, and remain on a full-time basis after the 15-a-side national set-up was axed in 2021 because of the financial stress applied by Covid.
“I feel like I am starting to find my feet,” Sawyer said.
“Sevens is a completely different sport, with very different cardiovascular demands. Initially, I was catching my breath at every break in play, but I am more consistent now. I think the coach [Jevon Groves] would say I am only just feeling comfortable.
“I never questioned my decision to cross over, but at times in the first six months we were training in 36-degree heat, and it was pretty brutal. You have to switch your mindset to look forward to those sessions, as much as they are going to hurt.
“My running load massively increased, and my body ached, but I have got used to it, and feel good.”
Sawyer travelled as squad reserve to this month’s Challenger Series leg in Uruguay, where Hong Kong were beaten by the hosts in the final.
Seb Brien, whom Sawyer sought out for advice as he considered the sevens switch, injured an ankle in the South American tournament, opening up a space in the 12-man party for Hong Kong.
“I knew I was there or thereabouts, and was hoping I did not train so badly that I lost the position,” Sawyer laughed.
“It is a bonus for my parents that they can watch me trot out in the Hong Kong Sevens. I could not wait to phone them, and my girlfriend, when Jevon told me I was selected.”
Sawyer’s only previous tournament involvement came at last year’s Singapore Sevens, where Hong Kong had a miserable time, but did get to play against top-tier nations New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.
In this year’s event, Hong Kong will face Japan and China in the secondary Melrose Claymores competition.
“You always want to compete against the best, but we will try to rip it up and put on a show,” Sawyer said. “There is no regret [about not playing elite nations] – we have to do well in the next Challenger Series and try to get back to the World Series, and then we will be back competing against those top teams.”
Sawyer and his Hong Kong teammates congregated before training to watch the recent Los Angeles Sevens final, when French crossover star Antoine Dupont inspired his team to victory over Great Britain.
“We try to watch as much as we can, and learn from the best,” Sawyer said. “We pick what works for us, and take it forward. There is a very good culture in our squad, and we are working towards a common goal. Dupont is bringing more visibility to sevens, and it is positive when big names want to move across.”
Sawyer’s aim this week is “to show the coaches I can repeat what I do in training on the big stage”.
“I would be lying if I said I will not be nervous running out for the first game, but it is going to be awesome,” he said.
Sawyer was melting in his Viking costume as temperatures climbed seven years ago.
“The kit was off pretty quickly,” he said. “I always enjoy watching, but I am champing at the bit to play.”
After the brutal sevens baptism, he is equipped to handle the heat this year.
