[02 September 2024]: Hong Kong China Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of James Christie as the new Men’s 7s captain, following a long and distinguished tenure from Max Woodward. 

Having started playing rugby at U6 level, James got a first taste for international rugby playing for Hong Kong China U14s in Malaysia alongside fellow teammate Hugo Stiles. He recounts the Asian Youth Games in 2013 as a memorable tournament in the pathway, along with appearing at three Junior World Trophy tournaments, which led to his first 15s cap in 2017 against Kenya. After graduating with a qualification in Sports, Exercise and Nutrition from Northumbria University, James debuted for 7s in 2018 at the Asia Rugby Sevens Series and has claimed 17 tournament caps since, including an Asian Games Gold medal in 2023. A community man at heart, James also coaches the U16 Kowloon Boys in his spare time. 

Head of the Sevens Programme at the Hong Kong Sports Institute Paul John has a lot of reverence for James’ journey and perseverance:

“James is someone who has worked extremely hard, bounced back from quite a few setbacks, and over the last 18 months has been a very consistent member of our senior squad. He’s an excellent player, probably one of the most natural players we’ve got. He leads on the field, communicates well, and understands the game. The boys have a lot of respect for him, and it was an easy choice in the end.”

James himself remains humble about his appointment, preferring to highlight the team’s achievements rather than his own, but is looking forward to the future as the squad looks to build towards another Asian Games and Olympic qualification cycle:  

“This is a huge honour and a privilege for me. To be asked to captain my representative region means a lot, and there is so much on the horizon for the team. The National Games is an exciting prospect, we haven’t played in that for a while and it’s great that it’s being held in Hong Kong too. Playing at Kai Tak is something we are looking forward to – 10,000 more seats mean 10,000 more noisy fans.

“The Challenger is a tournament we always have our eye on, we have a strong team now who’ve had a well-deserved break. I’m excited to see what we can do over the next few months, we’re in a good spot with a lot of experience in the squad.”

When not away with the Sevens programme, James plies his trade in 15s for his local club Hong Kong Scottish, equally capable in the number 9 jersey or deployed as a rapid wing. Hong Kong Scottish Men’s Head Coach Sam Beard is pleased with James’ appointment, commenting: 

“This is fantastic news for James and an excellent opportunity as he continues to grow throughout his career. He’s a player that leads with his actions and is well respected among the group.” 

Hong Kong China Rugby would also like to acknowledge the immense impact Max Woodward has had on the programme, and we will celebrate his achievements accordingly as he looks to shift gears in his playing career. 

The men’s and women’s rugby sevens team are next in action in Korea for leg one of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, 7-8 September 2024. Stay up to date with the team on the Hong Kong Sevens social media, and Rugby Pass TV.