Former New Zealand men’s sevens player Rocky Khan has lauded the resilience and development of his China Women’s Sevens team following their unexpected victory over the New Zealand Women’s 7s development side at the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament. This win secured China 2 a spot in the semifinals, marking a significant achievement for the squad.
The tournament serves as a crucial development opportunity for the team, providing them with valuable exposure to the high-intensity environment of sevens rugby in Fiji. Khan emphasized that the experience gained from competing in Fiji is just as important as the victory itself, highlighting how the players have embraced both the rugby and 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, just to come here and play rugby in Fiji. To experience the Fijian culture and the rugby culture here as well, everything is a learning experience for us, and this win is just a bonus,” Khan expressed.
He acknowledged the physical challenges posed by the tournament, particularly due to the heat and pressure, yet he believes the team has displayed remarkable composure to reach 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 added.
The Coral Coast 7s is currently ongoing at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, with live coverage available on FBC Sports. This tournament not only highlights the growth of the Chinese women’s team but also serves as a platform for them to gain experience and confidence in the competitive world of rugby sevens.
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