Former New Zealand men’s 7s representative Rocky Khan has expressed his pride in the resilience and progress of the China Women’s Sevens development team after their surprising pool-stage victory over the New Zealand Women’s 7s development team at the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament. This win has secured them a place in the semifinals, marking a significant achievement for the China 2 squad, which is utilizing this tournament as a crucial developmental opportunity while gaining essential exposure to competitive sevens rugby in Fiji.
Khan emphasized that the experience of playing in Fiji carries as much weight as the results achieved on the field. He noted that the players have embraced both the challenges of rugby and the richness of the local culture. “I’m just really proud of the girls. China 2 is our development team, so the whole experience is invaluable for us. To come here and play rugby in Fiji, to experience the Fijian culture and rugby environment, everything is a learning experience for us, and this win is just a bonus,” he stated.
Acknowledging the physical and mental demands presented by the tournament, particularly due to the heat and pressure, Khan highlighted the strong composure exhibited by his team as they advanced to the semifinals. “We’re in the semi-final now, so that’s a massive win in itself. We’ll focus on recovery, make sure the girls get a good sleep, and hopefully, we can come back and put in a good performance tomorrow,” he said.
The Coral Coast 7s tournament is still underway at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, attracting considerable attention as fans can watch the matches live on FBC Sports. This tournament not only serves as a platform for the players to showcase their talent but also fosters growth and development for up-and-coming talent in women’s rugby. The journey of the China Women’s Sevens team exemplifies how sport can bridge cultural divides and create meaningful experiences for participants.