Hong Kong secured its third consecutive men’s rugby sevens gold at the Asian Games with a decisive 26-0 victory over China on Thursday, extending an unbeaten streak at the multisport event to 12 years. The final, held after a preliminary 22-0 pool win against the same opponent on Friday, underscored the city’s dominance in the sport.
Hong Kong quickly established control in the final, with Harry Sayers scoring twice in the first half to quell any hopes of a Chinese comeback. Bryn Phillips contributed a third try and successfully converted all three attempts, ensuring a comfortable lead. The only subsequent score came immediately after halftime when Juan Esono Mba Oyana crossed in the corner, sealing the one-sided outcome.
Reflecting on the victory, Phillips emphasized the significance of sustained effort behind the team’s success. “All the effort, all the dedication from everyone, the investment – it’s just amazing to go out there and put it together and come away with a performance that we can be proud of,” he said, noting that three years earlier he had watched the team’s gold medal run from the stands.
Looking ahead, Sayers and his teammates are preparing for the upcoming Asian Sevens Series in Sri Lanka in two weeks, alongside a shift in focus toward the 15-a-side game and the Rugby World Cup next year. Turning 30 last week prompted Sayers to consider the legacy he leaves for the children he coaches in Hong Kong, highlighting the importance of maintaining the sport’s profile. “I coach so many kids in Hong Kong, so them having that opportunity is about leaving the jersey in a better state than when I got it,” he said.
In women’s competition, Hong Kong’s team captured the bronze medal for the second consecutive Asian Games by narrowly defeating Thailand 7-5. The match mirrored their previous encounter in Hangzhou in 2023 with a similarly tight scoreline. Hong Kong gained an early advantage when Thailand’s Salinda Phaekhwamdee was temporarily sidelined, allowing Chloe Chan to score and Gabriella Rivers to add the conversion.
Thailand responded late in the first half through Dion Akwaja, but a missed conversion kept Hong Kong ahead at halftime. The second half saw Thailand pushing aggressively for a breakthrough, but Hong Kong’s defense remained resolute, repelling all attempts to overturn the deficit.
Team captain Natasha Olson-Thorne described the contest as closely fought. “We knew it was going to be a tight game with Thailand. They always challenge us, they’re always pretty physical,” she said, acknowledging the intensity of the matchup.
Overall, Hong Kong’s rugby sevens teams demonstrated consistency and resilience across both men’s and women’s competitions, cementing their status as regional powers in the sport.