In the build-up to the 2013 IRB Hong Kong Sevens the HSBC Penguin Coaching Academy was extremely busy. During the four days of activity, over 1,100 players received coaching from the high-calibre coaches involved - Dean Herewini (current coach at Valley RFC, Hong Kong), Brendan Laney (ex-Scotland international full back), Ben Breeze (former Wales A international winger), Toby Arnold (current member of the New Zealand Sevens Squad) and Steve Hill (Director of Rugby at Richmond FC in the UK).
The children coached were boys and girls aged between 6 and 18 and included pupils at KGV School, the Korean International School, the Chinese International School and Happy Valley Island School. Players at Clearwater Bay and Sandy Bay Rugby Clubs also received coaching but unfortunately one session at Sandy Bay RFC had to be cancelled due to prevalent heavy thunder and lightning in the area at the time.
In addition, a group of American and Canadian schoolboy players across for the IRB Sevens received specialist sevens training.
There was a huge range of talent and experience within the groups coached and all of the HSBC Penguin International coaches were impressed with the enthusiasm and energy of the players. The feedback from the teachers and local coaches was extremely positive and it was great to see a number of the players coached supporting the HSBC Penguins at the GFI Hong Kong Tens competition during the course of the week.
Penguin International Rugby Charity
The Penguin International Rugby Football Trust is
registered with the UK Charity Commission under Charity No 1081047.
