THREE HONG KONG CHINA RUGBY REFEREES TO OFFICIATE ON WORLD RUGBY 7S CIRCUITS FOR 2024/25 SEASON

Sunny Lee to referee on the Women's HSBC SVNS Series
Craig Chan and Morgan White to referee on the Men's Challenger Series
Schedules for both series will soon be confirmed by World Rugby

[24 Oct 2024] Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) is delighted to confirm three match officials who have been selected for World Rugby Sevens events this season.

Sunny Lee has been selected to referee on the Women’s HSBC SVNS Series, a step up after refereeing on the Women’s Challenger Series last season where she took charge of semi-finals and a final.

Craig Chan and Morgan White will both referee on the Men’s Challenger Series in 2025. Craig will transition to men’s sevens following his work refereeing the women’s game most recently on the HSBC SVNS Series and at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, while Morgan will continue on the Challenger Series for a third consecutive season. The schedules for both the SVNS Series and Challenger Series will be confirmed by World Rugby in due course.

Lee reflected on the moment she learnt that she had been selected for the HSBC SVNS Series, as well as looking ahead to the challenge ahead:

“Initially I felt a little bit anxious, I know it I have a big responsibility on my shoulders to build the reputation of Hong Kong China referees. But I also felt very excited, I really can’t wait to be in the same pitch as some of the world’s best rugby players.

“I understand that the speed of the games on the SVNS Series is a completely different level. I have been focusing on fitness training and gym to get into the best physical condition. I am also looking back to my own refereeing clips, reviewing what I maybe didn’t do as well and finding ways to improve.”

Hong Kong China Rugby Head of Refereeing, Matt Rodden, spoke of his pride at the appointments:

“We are very fortunate to have three of our top sevens referees performing at a high level for World Rugby. It shows that the opportunities are real for referees from Hong Kong and that our development pathways are strong and produce quality officials. It is also testament to the hard work of the individuals involved in reaching that level.”

Speaking about Sunny Lee’s continued rise in the game, as she becomes the 4th Hong Kong China referee to be appointed by World Rugby to a series in the modern era and the first female since Gabriel Lee in 2016, Rodden added:

“It’s an amazing personal achievement for Sunny to reach this level. To perform well at Challenger Series level in 2024 and now to be selected for the SVNS Series demonstrates her desire to improve and the sacrifices she has had to make.

“I hope that achievements like this prove that our home-grown female referees can succeed at the highest level and be rewarded with opportunities on the world stage. I also hope that this drives interest in the role referees play in the game, and opens doors for more women to take up refereeing.”

Sunny Lee will also referee the 15s game this season, and returned to World Rugby’s WXV3 competition in Dubai last month as an assistant referee for the second season in a row, with Craig and Morgan expected to be appointed to 15s matches through the season.

Talking about the challenges referees face when switching between officiating at 7s and 15s events, Rodden added:

“It can be a challenge for referees to change between the two formats, just like it can be for players, but the experience of both formats can really benefit a referee. 7s and 15s rugby are quite different in how they are officiated, which gives referees a greater focus and awareness of the requirements of each.”

One of Lee’s favourite moments as a referee came in Hong Kong, as the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens introduced the Melrose Claymores Competition for 2024.

“It felt absolutely unreal to get the chance referee in a sold-out stadium in front of the home crowd. And it was particularly special knowing that my family were also there. The “Sweet Caroline” moment was one I’ll never forget!”

Rodden also reflected on the pathway system, offering his guidance to anyone interested in starting a refereeing journey:

“My advice would be the same to everyone involved in rugby. To get in touch and get involved. Refereeing can help individuals to improve as a player or coach, or even as a fan watching the game by understanding what is going on from a referee’s perspective.

“Most who take up refereeing really enjoy the challenge of being out in the middle – and some even get the chance to see the world and reach the highest level, both in 7s and in 15s rugby. For those, our pathway offers a lot of support for both on-field and off-field development to help them reach their goals in refereeing.”

Information and photo source : Hong Kong China Rugby