A rucking good time had by all, as sevens competition steps up a level

Besides cheering for the home team, spectators at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium have not held back in giving their full support to other teams during the men's and women's rugby sevens competitions at the 15th National Games.

With the special administrative region's established rugby pedigree as a key tournament host within the annual worldwide HSBC SVNS series, the passion for the game demonstrated by local players and fans can help boost the popularity of the sport in the Chinese mainland, athletes and coaches said.

Hearing the locals cheer so passionately for their team was incredible, Shandong player and silver medal winner Ma Chong said after his side lost to Hong Kong in the final match of the men's event on Nov 14. The host won 26-19 to claim gold.

"I feel that we've received equal support, which means everything. It helped me become completely locked in during the game," Ma said. "The Hong Kong team are formidable opponents. They put us under constant pressure."

For Hong Kong, the victory represented a redemption story 12 years in the making.

This year marks the Hong Kong rugby team's return to the National Games after a 12-year hiatus. The last time the side participated in the Games, in Liaoning in 2013, the men's team had to settle for the silver medal following a narrow 14-12 final defeat to none other than Shandong.

It was another tense, seesaw battle between the two sides this time around, too. The scoreline remained tight throughout, with both sides trading tries and the lead changing hands multiple times.

With the clock winding down, and the teams locked at 19 points apiece, Hong Kong's Cado Lee Ka-to broke through the Shandong defense to dive over for a decisive late try. Hong Kong converted and secured victory, clinching its first-ever gold medal in rugby at the National Games.

Hong Kong's Max Denmark was, naturally, thrilled with his historic gold medal.

"Proving that Hong Kong is the best at rugby sevens is important, as it inspires everyone in Hong Kong that they can play rugby and follow in our footsteps. And being at home, it feels like you have an extra player on the team. Whenever the crowd reacts to you, you get an extra bit of energy."

Chongqing men's team player Dai Zhendong said he has never felt an atmosphere quite like it.

"I can feel people's passion for rugby. I wish the sport could have such popularity in the mainland."

Zhu Siyuan of Sichuan women's team also lauded the enthusiastic support.

Her team claimed the bronze medal after defeating Anhui by a single, unconverted try on Nov 14, as Jiangsu claimed gold with a 35-12 win over the Shandong squad.

"It's unbelievable. The medal means so much to us — it's our best National Games result ever. We finished seventh last time, so this is a huge step forward," Zhu said.

It's Zhu's second time participating in the National Games, and she noted that her mindset was different this time around. "Previously, I was one of the younger players on the team, and my older teammates directed me during the matches. But this time, I've become one of the seniors, leading the younger players."

She believes that the National Games provide a great platform to promote the sport. "The National Games have directly boosted rugby's popularity. I see it already — my family and friends are now talking about the sport and want to watch more matches."

Jevon Groves, the coach of the Hong Kong men's team, is also keen to leverage the Games to further promote the sport.

"The ultimate goal for us is to promote and develop our game. That's why the team has given it our all. Hopefully, we put on performances that people sat up and took notice of, and were proud of."

Chong Ka-yan of Hong Kong's women's team said players from the mainland are improving fast. "I think the Games show a very high-level of competition," she said.

The provincial teams have excellent passing skills, which make them difficult for us to break down."

She added that ties among players from Hong Kong and those from the mainland have also been boosted — as well as competition.

"We have been training with, and competing against, many provincial teams, such as Jiangsu. They are very strong and fast, so we must continue to step up our own game."