Hong Kong's Rugby Sevens Heartbreak Amidst World Rugby Meddling

Hong Kong have suffered more rugby sevens heartbreak, surrendering a late lead to lose 24-19 to Canada in sudden-death extra time of their crunch HSBC SVNS 3 semi-final on Sunday. Head coach Jevon Groves’ side were 19-14 in front with 60 seconds remaining in Dubai, only for an Adam Doane try to draw Canada level. Thomas Isherwood missed the conversion, but gained almost immediate redemption when he crossed for the winning score two minutes into the additional period. As a result of World Rugby’s flawed sevens revamp, the defeat essentially spells the end of Hong Kong’s campaign after only 56 minutes of competitive rugby this year. The Asian Games in September will provide their next meaningful contests. Canada and fellow finalists Belgium, who trampled over Samoa 26-14 in their earlier last-four match, both qualify for the three-leg tournament over February and March that will determine qualification for this year’s newly launched HSBC SVNS World Championship Round. Hong Kong trailed 7-5 at the break, after Max Denmark added to his four tries from Saturday’s pool stage to reply to a converted score from Elias Hancock. A core world series team as recently as 2023-24, Canada looked set to take control when Lachlan Kratz converted his own try one minute after the restart.