Hong Kong’s 15s rugby team get back to business in small training groups as 2023 World Cup comes into focus
- The men’s squad are back training in groups of six, rebuilding their bodies and camaraderie as Hong Kong emerges from unprecedented global pandemic
- Co-captain Liam Slatem says the players are elated to be mingling with each other again while adhering to extensive public health and safety protocols
As coronavirus restrictions begin to ease across the world, athletes find themselves inching towards the ultimate goal – a return to play and competition.
Hong Kong’s men’s 15s squad, who have their sights set on the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, have been training together for a few weeks since the Hong Kong government relaxed its social distancing measures. Liam Slatem, who co-captains the team with James Cunningham, said they are working out indoors in groups of six.
Slatem said some of the pictures taken during those first sessions tell a compelling story.
“As you can see by the smiles, we are very happy to be back training,” said the 31-year-old scrum half, who plays his club rugby for Sandy Bay. “The boys really missed the training and of course the social interaction and camaraderie, so being able to come in and train, albeit with smaller groups, is much more motivating.”
Slatem broke down the rules they are following, as the team is split into groups of six, coming in and out of the South China Athletic Association separately. He said outside the usual precautions such as temperature checks and wiping down equipment, the Hong Kong Rugby Union is helping the squad with additional measures in relation to Covid-19 recommendations.
