Friday, 21 November 2025by 5L Hebe Cheung
On 12 November, all Form 5 students from our school had the incredible opportunity to witness the thrill of rugby at the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park. For most of us, it was our first time stepping into the iconic venue, and the experience was unforgettable.
We were very grateful to have received free tickets, which came with a fantastic view of the pitch and some cute souvenirs to remember the day. The new stadium itself was a spectacle; it was huge, with cool lighting and a positive vibe that filled the air.
However, our outing hadn’t actually started with such excitement. Before the event, I noticed that the general feeling among my classmates was one of disinterest. The common assumptions were that rugby is a violent, confusing, and perhaps even boring sport. Many had no idea about the rules, and some even said they would rather stay at school for lessons.
But all of that changed the moment we saw the Hong Kong team step onto the field. A wave of local pride suddenly swept through our section of the bleachers. Seeing our home team represent Hong Kong on such a stage transformed us from casual observers into passionate supporters. Many of us were on our feet, including teachers, cheering and becoming fully invested in the game. The initial hesitation was replaced by genuine excitement and enjoyment. Our enthusiasm even caught the attention of news reporters from CCTV, who invited some of my classmates and teachers for interviews!
The most powerful lesson of the day, however, wasn’t just about how to score tries. We witnessed a beautiful demonstration of true sportsmanship. In one match, we saw a team continue to give their absolute best, pushing through every second even when it was clear they could not win. Their perseverance was inspiring, and we couldn’t help but root for them. Later, we saw athletes from different teams—opponents just moments before—hugging and embracing each other with sincere congratulations. It was a powerful reminder that respect and camaraderie are at the heart of rugby.
As someone who used to play rugby, I was familiar with the rules and the wonderful community spirit. But for the vast majority of my friends, this was a completely new world. Rugby can seem complex from the outside, and it’s relatively less popular than other sports locally. This event at Kai Tak served as the perfect introduction. It demystified the sport and showcased its thrilling, fast-paced nature, while also revealing its heartwarming side.
It made me so happy to be able to share this experience with my classmates. To see their perspectives shift from “What is this?” to “We are Hong Kong!” was truly special. Events like this are a brilliant way to introduce rugby to a wider audience and build a stronger homegrown support base for our talented athletes. I hope more people in Hong Kong can discover and fall in love with this incredible sport!