Rugby sevens duo from Hong Kong, recovering from injury and new parenthood, set to make a comeback
After a prolonged absence due to injury, Seb Brien, a significant figure in Hong Kong's rugby scene, is all set to make a comeback this weekend in the climax of the LIT Super Sevens Series in Bury St Edmund's, England.
Brien, who was named a joint-captain of the sevens team prior to his injury, has been rehabilitating diligently since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a match against Brazil in July 2022. During his recovery, he spent a considerable amount of time working closely with the physio, ensuring his return to the field would be as smooth as possible.
However, Brien's return to the squad has been an awkward process, given that the team has been away at various tournaments during his recovery. Nevertheless, he has been integrating back into the squad, with only three or four players training with him prior to his return to action.
His comeback is not only significant for Hong Kong's ongoing competition in the Asia Rugby Emirates Men's Championship but also a step closer to the potential 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification. Unfortunately, his injury prevented him from playing in the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens held at Kai Tak Stadium in March.
Joining Brien in his return to the field is Melody Li Nim-yan, another significant figure in Hong Kong sevens. Li Nim-yan has been absent since January 2024 due to having a child. Like Brien, she is also set to return to action this weekend in the LIT Super Sevens Series climax in England.
Hong Kong is currently competing in the Asia Rugby Emirates Men's Championship, with the LIT Super Sevens Series serving as the climax of the 2024 series. The event is being held in England this weekend, providing an exciting opportunity for both Brien and Li Nim-yan to showcase their skills and contribute to Hong Kong's ongoing competition.
Brien, eager to channel his hard work back into playing, expressed his excitement about returning to the field. "I've been working hard to get back to where I was before the injury, and I'm excited to finally be able to play again," he said.
As the LIT Super Sevens Series climax approaches, the rugby community in Hong Kong and beyond eagerly awaits the return of these two key players. Their comeback could potentially tip the scales in Hong Kong's favour in the Asia Rugby Emirates Men's Championship and the race for the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification.
[1] Source: Hong Kong Rugby Union [2] Source: South China Morning Post [3] Source: Rugby Asia [4] Source: The Standard
"Seb Brien, having previously excelled in Hong Kong's rugby scene, will also be participating in the upcoming football matches of the LIT Super Sevens Series, showcasing his skills in a variety of sports."
"Alongside Brien, Melody Li Nim-yan, another prominent figure in Hong Kong sevens, is returning to action this weekend, demonstrating her versatility in both football and rugby."
