Club Lunch – Hong Kong kick off: Rugby Sevens returns despite COVID restrictions

LUNCH TALK Hong Kong kick off: Rugby Sevens returns despite COVID restrictions

Tuesday, October 25, 2022 12:30pm for 12:45pm – Lunch 1:10pm – Address First Floor

The Rugby Sevens is returning to Hong Kong in November after a lengthy hiatus. Many questions remain as to the future of the event in the city, as Covid related restrictions are still in place. But with players from around the world poised to attend the first event in three years, many are hopeful for the future of the tournament and the sport in Hong Kong. A luncheon panel of rugby players will discuss the upcoming event and the survival of the sport in the city. Moderated by FCC Correspondent Member Governor Morgan M. Davis.

Speakers:

Sebastien Brien grew up in Hong Kong and his first experience playing rugby was being coached by his dad as a junior at Sandy Bay, his current club now. Some of his earliest memories are being involved in the “March around” at the sevens and he always had the ambition to one day play there. Seb moved to the UK for school and university and after graduating from Nottingham he moved back to Hong Kong. After a season with the cricket club he was offered a trial with the sevens programme and has been involved with them full time since. He’s been lucky enough to travel the world playing an eclectic mix of tournaments from swamped pitches in Sri Lanka to World Series events in Singapore, Canada and Hong Kong.

PJ ‘Harry’ Laidler was born in Hong Kong to a British Father and an American/Chinese mother. He started his youth rugby when he was about 6 years old at HKFC as his parents thought it would be a good way to meet friends and learn some life skills. He moved to the UK at about 13 years old to play rugby at the prestigious Sedbergh School. He then attended Northumbria University to study Physiotherapy and play in BUCS Super Rugby. After completing his degree, he got approached by HKU Sandy Bay to see if he was interested in returning to HK. After a season of playing/working in HK, he got invited to train with the 7s programme whilst he was on holiday. At the end of his holiday, he was asked to stay on and join on a full time basis.

Sibusiso Camagu Thokozani “S’bura” Sithole (born 14 June 1990) is a South African rugby union player. He represented Border at Craven Week in 2008 and also South African Schools the same year, thereafter he was contracted to Durban based team The Sharks and represented SA U/19 in 2009. In 2010 made his way into the Junior Springbok U/20 where the team was placed 3rd and Sithole scoring 4 tries in 3 games, and winning a Bronze medal in the Commonwealth games in India for Springbok Sevens Team. In 2010 Sbura also made his Currie Cup and Super Rugby debut for The Sharks and also represented the Springbok Sevens team. Sbura broke onto the scene when he scored one of the greatest tries in the history of South Africa Sevens against Australia.

Club Lunch Speakers: Sebastien Brien, PJ ‘Harry’ Laidler, Sibusiso Camagu Thokozani “S’bura” Sithole Tuesday, October 25, 2022 12:30pm for 12:45pm – lunch 1:10pm – address First Floor Menu Green Salad with Smoked Salmon and Vinaigrette Pumpkin Soup with Croutons Roasted Lamb Shank with Herbs and Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Vichy Carrots OR Pan-fried Sea Bass with Clam & Coriander Butter Sauce Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Vichy Carrots Chocolate Mud Cake Coffee or Tea Vegetarian Menu Baby Artichoke Salad with Vinaigrette Pumpkin Soup with Croutons Kadai Paneer with Garlic Naan Chocolate Mud Cake Coffee or Tea *Please inform us if you have any food allergies or intolerances