and biographies hong kong qualifier · - won the south american beach games in rosario last month...

Women’s team stats and biographies –

Hong Kong qualifier

of 28

ARGENTINA

Head coach: Daniel Villen

Captain: Sofia Gonzalez

Nickname: Las Pumas

Did you know?

• Argentina are playing in their third consecutive World Series qualifier in Hong Kong

• Argentina have featured on the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series – in Las Vegas in 2017, Sao Paulo in 2014 and Houston in 2013

Shirt #

Full name Known as DOB (Age) Height (cm)

Weight (kg)

Club / Province Notes

Daniel Villen Dani 25/10/73 (45) Head coach - Head coach for series qualifiers in 2017 and 2018 as well as series round in Las Vegas in 2017 - Played for Argentina on series from 1999-2003 - Won two caps for Argentina in 1998 (15s)

1 Gimena Mattus 20/12/97 (21) 172 60 Tucuman - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018

2 Moreno Andrea 19/09/95 (23) 170 55 Alberdi, Tucuman - Back in national colours again after a three-year absence - Made her national team debut in 2015 at the Valentin Martinez Sevens

3 Jacquelina Corzo Flores

04/09/95 (23) 167 79 Nevado/Andina - Won the South American Beach Games in Rosario last month

4 Brisa Trigo 21/11/01 (17) 170 70 La Rioja - Was an Olympic torch bearer before the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires last October - Won the South American Beach Games in Rosario last month

5 Josefina Padellaro 16/06/97 (21) 167 55 Club Neuquen Rugby

- Made Argentina debut on series in Las Vegas in 2017 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 - Played in the Olympic Games repechage in 2016 - Won the South American Beach Games in Rosario last month

6 Renata Giraudo Rena 17/12/89 (29) 170 60 Cordoba - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 - Won the South American Beach Games in Rosario last month

7 Yamila Alejandra Otero

Yamila Otero 01/03/91 (28) 162 60 Centro Naval/ URBA

- Made Argentina debut on series in Sao Paulo in 2014 - Also played in Las Vegas round in 2017 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018

of 28

8 Deborah Fretes Hernandez

20/07/92 (26) 165 62 Alma Jr/Sante Fe - Made Argentina debut on series in Las Vegas in 2017 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018 - Won the South American Beach Games in Rosario last month

9 Florencia Moreno 26/10/94 (24) 160 62 Aguara/Tucuman - PE teacher by profession - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018 - Won the South American Beach Games in Rosario last month

10 Sofia Gonzalez (captain)

23/02/95 (24) 173 70 Sitas/Urba - Made Argentina debut on series in Sao Paulo in 2014 - Also played in Las Vegas round in 2017 - Played in the Olympic Games repechage in 2016 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018 - Won the South American Beach Games in Rosario last month

11 Valeria Montero 02/01/92 (27) 160 62 Aguara/ Tucuman - Made Argentina debut on series in Las Vegas in 2017 - Played at the Olympic Games repechage in 2016 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018 - Won the South American Beach Games in Rosario last month

12 Maria Paula Pedrozo

Paula 04/11/96 (22) 156 57 URBA - Made Argentina debut on series in Las Vegas in 2017 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018 - Played in the Olympic Games repechage in 2016 - Won the South American Beach Games in Rosario last month

Information correct at time of publication.

of 28

BELGIUM

Head coach: Robin Vassart

Captain: Margaux Lalli

Did you know …?

• Belgium reached the semi-finals in the 2017 and 2018 series qualifiers, losing to eventual winners China 22-5 last year and runners-up to South Africa (17-7) in 2017

• Belgium finished fifth on the Rugby Europe Women’s Grand Prix Sevens Series in 2018 and are one of three European qualifiers in Hong Kong

Shirt #


Weight (kg)


Robin Vassart 06/07/93 (25) Head coach - Played for Belgium on series in Hong Kong in 2015, scoring a try v Canada

1 Margaux Lalli (captain)

23/01/89 (30) 177 68 La Hulpe - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018 - Played two tests on the wing, in 2013 and 2016

2 Sytske D’Haeseleir 15/12/89 (29) 166 65 Dendermonde - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018, scoring 37 points - Played three tests for Belgium in 2016, scoring two tries v Czechia (15s)

3 Emilie Musch 31/01/89 (30) 169 71 La Hulpe - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018 - Played two tests in 2016 v Switzerland and Czechia (15s)

4 Evelien Rosier 24/06/90 (28) 165 60 La Hulpe - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018

5 Margaux Stévins 08/12/92 (26) 165 60 La Hulpe - Twin sister of Heloise - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018 - Played three tests for Belgium at scrum-half, 2013-16 (15s)

6 Manon Nairac 31/07/00 (18) 162 55 Kituro - Belgium U18s women’s sevens international

7 Cécile Blondiau 30/08/93 (25) 175 67 Soignies - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018 - Played one test against Switzerland in April 2013 (15s)

8 Carmen de Donder 03/01/92 (27) 163 62 Dendermonde - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018 - Played four tests for Belgium from 2013-16 (15s)

9 Ciska de Grave 08/07/94 (24) 169 77 Lille, FRA - Played test rugby for Belgium 2013-16 (15s)

10 Margaux Pierson 28/08/99 (19) 165 63 Kituro

11 Geertrui Vercaemer 26/01/93 (26) 172 70 La Hulpe - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018

12 Héloïse Stévins 08/12/92 (26) 159 56 La Hulpe - Twin sister of Margaux

of 28

- Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 - Played two tests for Belgium in 2016 (15s)


of 28

BRAZIL

Head coach: Reuben Samuel Captain: Raquel Kochhann Nickname: Las Yarras Did you know…?

• Brazil booked their place in this series qualifier by winning the Sudamerica Rugby Women’s Sevens in 2018 – their 14th regional title in as many entries to event

• This is Brazil’s second appearance in the series qualifier in Hong Kong

• Brazil played as the invitational team at the HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens in May 2018 and will do so again next month in Langford

• Brazil played at RWC Sevens 2018 in San Francisco, finishing 13th

Shirt #


Weight (kg)


Reuben Samuel 26/03/81 (38) Head coach - Appointed Brazil coach following the Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Coached Brazil at RWC Sevens 2018 - Coached Brazil in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 - Coached Brazil on series in 2016-17 and in Langford in 2018 - Nationality: New Zealand

1 Francielle Barros Martins

08/05/95 (23) 170 80 Melina (Cuiaba) - One of three Melina players in the squad – the club with most representatives

2 Luiza Gonzalez da Costa Campos

Luiza Campos

30/07/90 (28) 165 68 Charrua (Porto Alegre)

- Made Brazil debut on series in Dubai in 2012 - Last played on series in Clermont-Ferrand in 2017 where Brazil ended season as lowest ranked core team to be relegated - Second most experienced member of squad with 17 series events - Played at RWC Sevens 2013 and 2018 - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Started playing rugby in 2010 after girl in a skate park in Porto Alegre invited her to a practice

3 Rafaela de Conti Zanellato

25/11/99 (19) 162 70 CRC (Curitiba) - Made Brazil debut on series in Langford in 2018 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 - Started playing rugby in 2015 in Curitiba - Named Best Young Player by Brazilian union in 2017 - Made her Brazil debut in Sudamérica Rugby Sevens 2017 aged 17

of 28

4 Leila Cassia dos Santos Silva

23/10/96 (22) 160 56 Leoas de Paraisopolis (Sao

Paulo)

- Made Brazil debut on series in Clermont-Ferrand in 2017 - Last played on series in Langford in 2018 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 - Former tennis player - Started playing rugby in 2008 after seeing the sport in a school activity and was encouraged to switch to rugby by the Rugby Para Todos (Rugby for all) social project in Paraisopolis - Made Brazil debut on series in Clermont-Ferrand in 2017

5 Thalia da Silva Costa

30/05/97 (21) 153 54 Delta (Teresina) - Scored a last-gasp try in the Sudamerica Rugby Sevens final against Argentina to secure a 14th regional title for Brazil

6 Isadora Cerullo (vice-captain)

24/03/91 (28) 158 61 Niteroi (Niteroi) - Made Brazil debut on series in Langford in 2015 - Played nine series events, the last in Langford in 2018 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Born in USA to Brazilian parents - Started playing rugby at Columbia University - Moved to Brazil in 2014 to join Olympic rugby programme - Her now wife Marjorie proposed to her in the Deodoro Stadium after the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

7 Aline Ribeiro Furtado

02/10/95 (23) 162 59 USP (Sao Paulo) - Made Brazil debut on series in Langford in 2017 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Started playing rugby in 2013 at University in Sao Paulo - Made Brazil debut on series in Langford in 2017

8 Isadora Lopes de Souza

Isadora Lopes

03/08/97 (21) 167 66 Melina (Cuiaba) - Only started playing rugby two years ago

9 Haline Scatrut 09/08/92 (26) 169 66 CRC (Curitaba) - Made Brazil debut on series in Amsterdam in 2014 - Played in 14 series tournaments, the last in Langford in 2018 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games

10 Raquel Cristina Kochhann (captain)

Raquel Kochhann

06/10/92 (26) 172 72 Charrua (Porto Alegre)

- Most experienced member of Brazil squad with 19 series events - Made Brazil debut on series in Dubai in 2013 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018

of 28

- Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Started playing rugby in 2011 aged 19 - Made Brazil debut at University Games in Russia in 2013

11 Bianca dos Santos Silva

22/07/98 (20) 174 63 Leoas de Paraisopolis (Sao

Paulo)

- Made Brazil debut on series in 2015 in Dubai - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Scored five tries in Langford in 2018 when Brazil played as invitational team - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 - Started playing rugby aged 11 through the Rugby Para Todos (Rugby for all) social project in Paraisopolis

12 Aline Koeke Bednarski

24/04/96 (22) 165 63 SPAC (Sao Paulo)


of 28

HONG KONG Head coach: Iain Monaghan Captain: Melody Li Nickname: Did you know …?

• Hong Kong are playing in their third consecutive World Series qualifier on home soil

Shirt #


Weight (kg)

Club Notes

Iain Monaghan 08/08/80 (38) Head coach - Appointed to his present role in the HK high performance department in January after leaving Scottish Rugby - Had two spells with Scottish Rugby working with the men’s U18 and U20 teams (15s) and various other roles - Spent three years in Italy as skills coach at Viadana

1 KWONG Sau Yan

Ivy Kwong 20/09/88 (30) 161 57 TPD - Played in the Hong Kong series qualifier in 2017 and 2018 - Made test debut for Hong Kong v Japan in May 2015 (15s) - Played at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (15s)

2 Nim Yan Melody Blessing

LI

Melody Li (captain)

09/12/92 (26) 163 63 Gai Wu - Played in the Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018 - Played in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games repechage - First tournament as captain at the Borneo Sevens in late March

3 Ka Chi Christy CHENG

Christy Cheng

26/11/85 (33) 168 69 Gai Wu - Played in the Hong Kong series qualifier in 2017 and 2018 - Played in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games repechage - Played at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (15s) - Played test rugby from 2010-17 (15s)

4 Hoi Yan POON Vivian Poon 11/04/94 (24) 159 50 TPD / CUHK - Played in the Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018

5 SHAM Wai Sum 01/08/87 (31) 160 55 Gai Wu - Played in the Hong Kong series qualifier in 2017 and 2018 - Played two tests for Hong Kong from 2017-18 (15s)

6 Amy Pyle 26/05/00 (18) 166 60 USRC - Hong Kong U20 Sevens international

7 CHONG Ka Yan 24/11/93 (25) 157 50 Gai Wu - First capped on Asia Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in 2015

8 CHAN Tsz Ching Agnes CHAN 14/03/96 (23) 164 58 TPD - Played in the Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018

9 Sarah Lucas 19/01/99 (20) 165 62 USRC - Played two tests for Hong Kong in November 2018 (15s)

of 28

10 Jessica Wai On HO

Jess Ho 12/05/92 (26) 160 58 USRC Tigers - Made Hong Kong debut v Fiji in December 2016 (15s) - Played at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (15s)

11 Stephanie Chor Ki CHAN

Stephanie CHAN

06/03/91 (28) 155 51 Revolution / HKCT

- First appearance in series qualifier in Hong Kong - Played two tests for Hong Kong in November 2018 (15s)

12 Jessica Eden Jess 19/12/99 (19) 170 60 Valley - Graduated through the HK national age grade programme - Played sevens for Hong Kong at U18/U20 levels - Made test debut for Hong Kong v Wales in November 2018 (15s)


of 28

JAPAN Head coach: Hitoshi Inada Captain: Chiharu Nakamura Nickname: Sakura Sevens World Series record: 2012-13 –11th (non-core team) / 2013-14 – 13th / 2014-15 – DNP / 2015-16 – 12th (non-core team) / 2016-17 – Ninth / 2018 – 10th Did you know…?

• Japan lost their core team status on the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series after finishing as the lowest ranked core team on 2018 series

• Japan have won the series qualifier twice, in 2015 in Ireland and in 2017 in Hong Kong. They beat South Africa 22-10 in the 2017 final

• Japan will host the second Olympic Games to feature rugby sevens in Tokyo in 2020

Shirt #


Weight (kg)

Club Notes

Hitoshi Inada 22/01/83 (36) Head coach - Third season as Japan head coach - Replaced Keiko Asami in Nov 2016 on an interim basis before getting the job full-time

1 Chiharu Nakamura (captain)

25/04/88 (30) 162 64 Arukas Queen Kumagaya

- Captained Japan at RWC Sevens 2013 and 2018 - Captained Japan to first ever Asian Games gold in 2018 - Captain Japan to qualifier success in 2017 in Hong Kong - Made Japan debut on series in Houston in 2013 - Second in DHL Performance Tracker for 2018 series - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Played basketball for 12 years but wanted to try a contact sport after leaving university and picked rugby

2 Yume Okuroda 06/07/94 (24) 154 64 Arukas Queen Kumagaya

- Gold medallist at Asian Games in 2018 - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Played at RWC Sevens 2013 - Made Japan debut on series in China in 2013

3 Mateitoga Bogidraumainadave


- Born in Fiji - Made Japan debut on series in Atlanta in 2014 - Played in victorious team in 2017 series qualifier - Last played on series in Kitakyushu in 2017

of 28

- Played at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 but fractured leg in opening match against France (15s)

4 Rinka Matsuda 05/12/01 (17) Kokugakuin Univ Tochigi High

School

5 Mele Yua Havili Kagawa


- First appearance in series qualifier in Hong Kong

6 Honoka Tsutsumi 19/06/97 (21) 154 56 Nippon Sport Science

University

- Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Made Japan debut on series in Kitakyushu in 2017 - Played in victorious team in 2017 series qualifier - Played at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (15s) - She is a twin and her brother plays rugby for the same university

7 Yume Hirano 15/03/00 (19) 160 60 Nippon Sport Science

University

- Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Gold medallist at Asian Games in 2018 - Made Japan debut on series in Kitakyushu in 2017 - Played in victorious team in 2017 series qualifier

8 Iroha Nagata 21/12/98 (20) 167 64 Arukas Queen Kumagaya

- Made Japan debut on series in Kitakyushu in 2017 - Gold medallist at Asian Games in 2018 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in victorious team in 2017 series qualifier - Played at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (15s)

9 Riho Kurogi 02/05/98 (20) - Played at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (15s) - Played test rugby for Japan from 2015-17 (15s)

10 Yuki Ito 24/10/96 (22) 160 60 Mie Paels - Made Japan debut on series in Kitakyushu in 2017 - Played in victorious team in 2017 series qualifier - Played test rugby for Japan in 2015-16, including two WRWC 2017 qualifiers (15s)

11 Yoko Suzuki 23/06/93 (25) 150 54 Arukas Queen Kumagaya

- First appearance in series qualifier in Hong Kong - Made Japan debut on series in Houston in 2013 - Last played on series in Dubai in 2016 - Played at RWC Sevens 2013

12 Tomomi Kozasa 21/11/91 (27) 172 66 Hokkaido Barbarianz

Diana

- Made Japan debut on series in Clermont-Ferrand in 2017 - Also played four tournaments on the series in 2018 - Gold medallist at Asian Games in 2018 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018

of 28

KAZAKHSTAN

Head coach: Valerii Popov Captain: Balzhan Koishybayeva Did you know…?

• Kazakhstan won the bronze medal at the Asian Games in September 2018

• Kazakhstan reached the semi-finals the Olympic Games repechage, missing out on a series core team place after losing the third-place play-off to Ireland

• Team manager Anastassiya Khamova has played at three Women’s Rugby World Cups (15s) and is also a former referee

Shirt #


Weight (kg)


Valerii Popov Val 05/01/57 (62) Head coach

1 Veronika Stepanyuga

12/11/94 (24) 170 68 Almaty - Played in the Hong Kong world series qualifier in 2018 - Played in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games repechage, scoring a hat-trick v Argentina - Played at WRWC 2014 (15s)

2 Nigora Nurmatova Nika 23/01/90 (29) 172 68 Almaty - Played in the Hong Kong world series qualifier in 2018 - Played in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games repechage in Dublin - Played at WRWC 2014 (15s)

3 Alina Askerova 17/05/98 (20) 165 64 Almaty - Played in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games repechage in Dublin

4 Liliya Bazayruk 14/02/89 (30) 171 63 Almaty

5 Karina Proskurina Kara 25/09/90 (28) 165 58 Olymp RC - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 - Played at WRWC 2014 (15s) - Made test debut v China in 2012 (15s)

6 Olessya Teryayeva 08/08/85 (33) 179 67 Olymp RC - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 - Played in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games repechage in Dublin, scoring four tries - Played at WRWC 2006 & 2010 (15s)

7 Kundyzay Baktybayeva

Kunya 27/03/89 (30) 170 74 Almaty - Played in the Hong Kong world series qualifier in 2018, scoring two tries in three appearances - Played in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games repechage in Dublin - Played at WRWC 2010 & 2014 (15s)

8 Anna Yakovleva 10/11/83 (35) 176 70 Almaty - Captained in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018

of 28

- Captained Kazakhstan to fourth place in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games repechage in Dublin

9 Svetlana Klyuchnikova

27/06/84 (34) 167 65 Almaty - Played in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games repechage in Dublin - Played in three Women’s Rugby World Cups from 2006-14 (15s)

10 Balzhan Koishybayeva

(captain)

22/01/94 (25) 174 72 Almaty - Played in the Hong Kong world series qualifier in 2018 - Played in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games repechage in Dublin - Played at WRWC 2014 (15s)

11 Darya Tkachyova 09/09/93 (25) 169 65 Almaty - Played in the Hong Kong world series qualifier in 2018, scoring four tries in three appearances

12 Lyudmila Korotkikh 14/06/88 (30) 180 74 Almaty - Played in the Hong Kong world series qualifier in 2018


of 28

KENYA Head coach: Kevin Wambua Captain: Philadelphia Olando Nickname: Lionesses World Series record: 2012-13 – DNP / 2013-14 – DNP / 2014-15 – DNP / 2015-16 – 13th / 2016-17 – DNP / 2018 – DNP Did you know…?

• Kenya booked their place in this series qualifier by winning the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens title in May 2018

• Kenya reached the semi-finals of the series qualifier 2018 in Hong Kong, losing to eventual runners-up South Africa 12-7 in sudden-death extra-time

• Kenya made their series debut in Clermont-Ferrand in May 2016 and played their second event in Dubai in December 2018

• The Lionesses have made only two changes to the squad that took part in Dubai –Janet Owino returns after injury and Vivian Okwach to make her debut

• Kenya represented Africa at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, finishing 11th

Shirt #

Full name Known as

DOB (Age) Height (cm)

Weight (kg)

Club / Province

Notes

Kevin Wambua 08/10/85 (33) Head coach - Has worked for the Kenyan union since 2012

1 Sophia Ayieta 24/06/94 (24) 155 60 Homeboyz - Made Kenya debut on series in Dubai in 2018

2 Janet Owino 08/08/95 (23) 167 79 Homeboyz - Made her Kenya debut on the series in Clermont-Ferrand in 2016 - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 - Returns after one year out with an ankle injury - Played one test for Kenya in 2013 (15s)

3 Sheilla Chajira 20/12/93 (25) 171 75 Homeboyz - Made her Kenya debut on the series in Clermont-Ferrand in 2016 - Also played in Dubai in November 2018 - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Played at Commonwealth Games 2018 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 - Played test rugby for Kenya in 2013-14 (15s)

4 Christabel Lindo 22/09/99 (19) 167 61 Impala - Made Kenya debut on series in Dubai in 2018

5 Diana Awino 20/10/92 (26) 167 65 Impala - Made Kenya debut on series in Dubai in 2018

6 Stella Nelima 07/07/98 (20) 177 65 Impala - Made Kenya debut on series in Dubai in 2018

of 28

7 Vivian Akumu Okwach

Vivian Okwach

09/02/99 (20) 161 55 Nakuru - Set to make her national team debut for Kenya in Hong Kong

8 Sinaida Omondi 10/05/91 (27) 165 61 Northern Suburbs

- Made her Kenya debut on the series in Clermont-Ferrand in 2016 - Also played in Dubai in November 2018 - Played at 2018 Commonwealth Games - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018 - Scored a hat-trick v Hong Kong in 2017 qualifier

9 Janet Okelo 05/05/92 (26) 171 62 Mwamba - Made her Kenya debut on the series in Clermont-Ferrand in 2016 - Also played in Dubai in November 2018 - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Kenya’s top try-scorer at Rio 2016 with three tries - Played at Commonwealth Games 2018 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018

10 Grace Adhiambo

Okulu

Grace Okulu

16/03/98 (21) 171 64 Nakuru - Made her Kenya debut on the series in Clermont-Ferrand in 2016 - Also played in Dubai in November 2018 - Played at Commonwealth Games 2018 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018

11 Camilla Cynthia Atieno

Camilla Atieno

07/04/95 (23)

180 64 Homeboyz - Made her Kenya debut on the series in Clermont-Ferrand in 2016 - Also played in Dubai in November 2018 - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018

12 Philadelphia Olando

(captain)

18/02/90 (29) 164 75 Northern Suburbs

- Made Kenya debut on series in Dubai in 2018 as captain - Played at Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Captained Kenya at Commonwealth Games 2018 - Captained Kenya in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 - Played test rugby for Kenya from 2010-14 (15s)


of 28

MEXICO Head coach: Simon Pierre Captain: Karina Landeros Nickname: Las Serpientes 2019 Series ranking: 14th Did you know…?

• Mexico made their debut at RWC Sevens 2018 in San Francisco in July, finished 16th

• They made first appearance on HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in Glendale in Oct 2018, failing to score in five matches

• They won the Rugby Americas North Sevens title in 2017 and 2018

Shirt #


Weight (kg)


Simon Pierre 18/05/80 (38) Head coach - Previously women’s sevens coach from 2015-17 and took over after RWC Sevens 2018 again - Has also coached the men’s U19, sevens and senior 15s teams - Played test rugby for Mexico from 2011-18 (15s) at number eight and also few years for sevens team - Nationality: New Zealand - Studied Bachelor of Sport with coaching major in Auckland and then worked at Auckland University Rec Centre for eight years as fitness instructor and sport and recreational supervisor - Met a Mexican girl there and went to visit her and got involved in rugby and stayed there

1 Michelle Farah 28/08/90 (28) 170 72 Guadalajara - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Made Mexico debut on series in Glendale in 2018

2 Carolina Sandoval 02/02/95 (24) 165 65 Saltillo - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018

3 Jennifer Salomon 11/07/93 (25) 179 72 New York

4 Daniela Rosales 03/04/89 (30) 160 58 CDMX - Celebrated her 30th birthday on eve of Hong Kong qualifier - Made Mexico debut on series in Glendale in 2018 - Captained Mexico at RWC Sevens 2018

of 28

- Scored only try in RAN Sevens final v TTO that saw Mexico qualify for RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018 - Made Mexico Sevens debut in 2009 at RAN Sevens

5 Brenda Weinel 25/01/84 (35) 177 73 Frankfurt, GER - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018 - Made Mexico debut on series in Glendale in 2018

6 Laura Rodriguez 16/08/96 (22) 158 58 Monterey

7 Isabela González 22/03/90 (29) 165 65 CDMX - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018 - Made Mexico debut on series in Glendale in 2018

8 Daniela Alvarado 29/06/98 (20) 159 60 Guadalajara

9 Alessandra Bender

12/12/88 (30) 165 54 CDMX

10 Vanessa Rodriguez

12/11/99 (19) 175 69 CDMX - Made Mexico debut on series in Glendale in 2018 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018

11 Karina Landeros (captain)

24/03/88 (31) 166 61.5 Legion de Cuervos

- Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Captained Mexico on series debut in Glendale in 2018

12 Karime Cabrera 02/01/96 (25) 164 58 Veracruz - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018

Information correct at time of publication

of 28

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Head coach: Paul Tietjens Captain: Kymlie Rapilla Nickname: Palais HSBC World Rugby Women’s Series 2019 standing: 13 Did you know…?

• Papua New Guinea reached the semi-finals of the Oceania Rugby Women’s Sevens 2018 to secure their invitational team place in Sydney and in Hong Kong qualifier

• Papua New Guinea played as the invitational team at the HSBC Sydney Sevens in February – they lost all five matches but scored tries against England and New Zealand

• They made their debut on the series in Sydney in 2017

• Papua New Guinea qualified for RWC Sevens 2018 after reaching the semi-finals at the Oceania Rugby Women’s Sevens 2017

Shirt #


Weight (kg)


Paul Tietjens Head coach - Coached team for first time at Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship in November that secured their place in Sydney as invitational team - Coached team at Sydney Sevens in February - Son of Sir Gordon Tietjens, current Samoa men’s coach - Was S&C coach with Samoa men’s sevens before PNG role

1 Tavai Lavai 16/09/83 (35) 165 65 Spartans/NCD - Played in Sydney round in 2019 - Made PNG debut on series in Sydney 2017 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018

2 Yolanda Gittins 20/10/92 (26) 175 70 Brisbane, AUS - Made PNG debut on series in Sydney in 2019 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018

3 Kymlie Rapilla (captain)

16/05/91 (27) 165 68 Harlequins /NCD PNG

- Played in Sydney Sevens in 2019 - Made PNG debut on the series in Sydney in 2017 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in 2017 - Played in all four of PNG’s tests (15s)

of 28

- Played all three tests in Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship 2018 (15s)

4 Fatima Rama 28/01/81 (38) 178 85 Nova/NCD - Made PNG debut on series in Sydney 2017 - Played in Sydney in 2019 and was a try scorer v New Zealand - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018

5 Chelsea Garesa 30/07/99 (19) 162 65 Spartans/NCD - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in April - Made PNG debut on series in Sydney 2018

6 Joanne Lagona 02/01/89 (30) 175 85 Wanderers/NCD - Scored PNG’s first-ever try in a 15s test v Fiji in 2016 - Made second test appearance in November 2018 v Tonga (15s) - Made PNG debut on the series in Sydney 2017 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in 2017 and 2018

7 Gemma Schnaubelt 20/10/97 (21) 170 85 Brisbane, AUS - Played in Sydney round in 2019 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Made PNG debut on series in Sydney 2018

8 Alice Alois 28/09/96 (22) 162 51 Spartans - Made PNG debut on series in Sydney 2017

9 Debbie Kaore 11/09/89 (29) 172 86 Spartans/NCD - Played in Sydney Sevens in 2018 - Made PNG debut on series in Sydney 2018 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in 2018

10 Marlugu Dixon 17/08/86 (32) 166 65 GPS Brisbane - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played one test for PNG in a WRWC 2017 qualifier v Fiji in 2016 (15s)

11 Marie Biyama 01/03/98 (20) 172 82 Harlequins - Made PNG debut on series in Sydney 2018 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018

12 Helen Abau 16/05/91 (27) 173 80 Spartans/NCD - Played in Sydney round in 2019 - Made PNG debut on series in Sydney 2017 - Played at RWC Sevens 2018 - Played in Hong Kong series qualifier in April


of 28

POLAND Head coach: Janusz Urbanowicz Captain: Karolina Jaszczyszyn Did you know…?

• Finished seventh overall on the Rugby Europe Women’s Grand Prix Sevens Series in 2018

• This is their second consecutive appearance in the series qualifier in Hong Kong

Shirt #

Full name Known as

DOB (Age) Height (cm)

Weight (kg)


Janusz Urbanowicz 01/04/66 (53)

- Coach at series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 and in Rugby Europe GP Series - Celebrated his 53rd birthday on Monday of Hong Kong week

1 Marta Nowosz 17/03/86 (33)

169 64 Bialo-Zielone Ladies Gdansk

3 Julianna Schuster 17/05/97 (21)


- Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018 - Played in Rugby Europe GPS in 2018

4 Angelika Piekorz 20/10/94 (24)

169 62 Diablice Ruda Slaska

5 Agnieszka Kowalczyk 18/10/86 (32)

166 59 Black Roses Poznan - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018, scoring a try v Argentina - Played in Rugby Europe GPS in 2018

6 Katarzyna Paszczyk 25/10/92 (26)

168 61 Black Roses Poznan - Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018, scoring two tries v Wales - - Played in Rugby Europe GPS in 2018

7 Anna Klichowska 25/03/93 (26)


- Played in series qualifier in Hong Kong in 2018, scoring a try v Wales - Played in Rugby Europe GPS in 2018

8 Karolina Jaszczyszyn (captain)

06/06/88 (30)



9 Hanna Maliszewska 19/04/92 (26)



of 28

10 Monika Pietrzak 18/03/95 (24)



11 Natalia Pamieta 28/08/99 174 71 Bialo-Zielone Ladies Gdansk


12 Sylwia Witkowska 14/04/96 (22)


- Played in Rugby Europe GPS in 2018

13 Kinga Karlinska 12/10/96 (22)

153 50 Diablice Ruda Slaska - Played in Rugby Europe GPS in 2018


of 28

SCOTLAND Head coach: Scott Forrest Captain: Helen Nelson Did you know…?

• This will be Scotland’s first appearance in a series qualifying tournament

• Scotland finished fourth in their first season back in the Rugby Europe Women’s Sevens Grand Prix Series in 2018, earning their place in Hong Kong

• Their third place finish in the final leg in Kazan in September 2018 was their highest-ever placing in a Grand Prix tournament.

Shirt #


Weight (kg)


Scott Forrest 06/08/84 (34) Head coach - Joined Scottish Rugby as Scotland Women High Performance Manager and Sevens head coach in 2017 - Made Scotland debut on series in Wellington in 2006 - Played for Scotland on series from 2006-10 - Former Scotland Sevens captain - Played at RWC Sevens 2009 - Played at Commonwealth Games 2010 - Former Scotland U20 player (15s)

1 Lisa Thomson 07/09/97 (21) 169 77 Darlington Mowden Park

Sharks

- Member of the bronze medal-winning squad in Kazan 2018 - Member of the Scotland 15s side that beat Wales in 2017 6N - Spent the 2017/18 club season in France with Lille Metropole - From Hawick

2 Abi Evans 30/05/96 (23) 169 75 - Bronze medal winner at Kazan in 2018 GPS - First started playing rugby at Oban High School, aged 12 - Serena Williams is her sporting hero

3 Megan Gaffney 03/12/91 (27) 168 67 Watsonians - Made Scotland test debut v Netherlands in 2011 (15s) - Last capped during Women’s Six Nations in 2017 (15s) - Won BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) final with Edinburgh Uni in 2016-17 – first Scottish team to do so in 19 years - Played for GB at the World Student Games Sevens in July 2012 - Describes herself a Harry Potter super fan

of 28

4 Annabel Sergeant 14/10/88 (30) 170 65 Heriots - Played in Scotland’s first-ever women’s sevens team in Amsterdam in 2012 - Made Scotland test debut v France in 2011 Six Nations (15s) - Played test rugby from 2011-14 and then 2018-19, including six tests in 2019 (15s) - Started playing rugby at university, aged 18 - Once worked in computer fraud investigation

5 Hannah Smith 30/10/92 (26) 172 75 Hillhead Jordanhill - Member of the bronze medal-winning squad in Rugby Europe Women’s Grand Prix Sevens Series in Kazan in 2018 - Made Scotland test debut against France in 2013 Six Nations (15s) - Played test rugby from 2013-19, including six tests in 2019 (15s) - Brother Matt plays for Glasgow Warriors and played for Scotland U20 - First started playing rugby aged 17 at Stirling County

6 Chloe Rollie 26/06/95 (23) 160 60 Lille Metropole, FRA

- Plays her club rugby in France - Made Scotland sevens debut in first leg of Rugby Europe Women's Sevens Trophy in Prague in 2016, scoring eight tries - Made Scotland test debut against France in 2015 Six Nations (15s) - Played 30 tests from 2015-19, including six in 2019 (15s) - Started playing rugby in Jedburgh, aged eight

7 Rhona Lloyd 17/10/96 (22) 175 70 University of Edinburgh

- Made Scotland test debut v England in 2016 Six Nations (105s) - Played 21 tests from 2016-19, including five in 2019 (15s) - Studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh

- Lists career highlight as beating Wales in the 2017 Six Nations for Scotland’s first win in seven years (scored a try)

8 Helen Nelson (captain)

24/05/94 (24) 175 75 Montpellier, FRA - Plays her club rugby in France after moving from Hillhead Jordanhill to Montpellier last summer - Made Scotland test debut v France in 2016 Six Nations (15s) - Played 22 tests from 2016-19, including six in 2019 (15s) - A member of the Scotland Alpine Ski Team from 2009-12 - Studied Geophysics and Meteorology at Edinburgh University - Sister Bryony is also part of the Scotland Sevens team but didn’t make squad for qualifier. Brother Robbie has played for Scotland Club XV

of 28

9 Jenny Maxwell 08/12/92 (26) 162 59 Loughborough Lightning

- Member of the bronze medal-winning squad in Rugby Europe Women’s Grand Prix Sevens Series in Kazan in 2018 - Made her sevens International debut at the FIRA Grand Prix tournament in Brive in June 2013 - Made Scotland test debut v France in 2015 Six Nations (15s) - Played 23 tests from 2015-19, including four in 2019 (15s) - Lightest player in the Scotland squad - A graduate of Loughborough University, she started playing rugby aged six

10 Mhairi Grieve 18/01/94 (25) 166 66 Firwood Waterloo - Made Scotland test debut v Italy at scrum-half in 2014 (15s) - Played 14 tests from 2-14-19, including five in 2019 (15s) - Graduated from Edinburgh University in 2016 in Veterinary Medicine

11 Liz Musgrove 25/12/96 (22) 168 64 Hong Kong Football Club

- Plays her club rugby in Hong Kong - Made Scotland Sevens debut in 2017, a year after she started playing at Edinburgh University … a try-scoring one at the Rugby Europe Women’s Sevens Trophy in Ostrava - Made Scotland test debut v Wales on wing in 2018 Six Nations (15s) - Played seven tests from 2018-19, including two in 2019 Six Nations (15s) - Won BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) final in 2016-17 – first Scottish team to do so in 19 years - Bronze medallist at the Junior British Judo Championships in 2009 - Former 300m runner for Scotland at U18 level

12 Louise McMillan 27/07/97 (21) 175 75 Hillhead Jordanhill - Member of the bronze medal-winning squad in Rugby Europe Women’s Grand Prix Sevens Series in Kazan in 2018 - Made Scotland test debut v Spain in WRWC 2017 qualifier in November 2016 (15s) - Played test rugby from 2016-19, including one v Spain in 2019 (15s) - Won Scottish Women’s Premier League with Hillhead Jordanhill in 2018

of 28

- Sister Siobhan is also capped by Scotland at test level as prop (seven tests in 2018) - Law student at Glasgow University


of 28

UGANDA Head coach: Helen Buteme Captain: Charlotte Mudoola Nickname: Lady Cranes Sevens Did you know…?

• Uganda are making their debut in the world series qualifier

• Uganda reached the final of the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens in Botswana in 2018 to book their place in Hong Kong

• Only captain Charlotte Mudoola survives from the squad that played at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, although coach Helen Buteme captained Uganda at that tournament

• Uganda will be looking to overturn the 29-7 defeat to Kenya in that Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens final when they meet in pool play in Hong Kong

Shirt #


Weight (kg)


Helen Buteme 27/05/80 (38) Head coach - Captained Uganda at RWC Sevens 2009, the first to feature a women’s competition - Played test rugby for Uganda

1 Nakityo Aisha Nabulime

Aisha Nabulime

20/12/92 (26) 160 72 Thunderbirds/ Kampala

- Scored one of Uganda’s two tries in the 10-5 semi-final win over Tunisia at the Rugby Africa Sevens that secured their place in this series qualifier - Played one test for Uganda v South Africa in WRWC 2014 qualifiers (15s)

2 Immaculate Mufuwa

11/05/00 (18) 167 70 Black Pearls/Jinja - Played at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens in 2017 and 2018, scoring a try v Zimbabwe in last year’s event

3 Peace Mirembe 16/01/92 (27) 162 75 Black Panthers/Kampala

- Played at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens in 2018

4 Peace Lekuru 26/06/00 (18) 164 73 Entebbe Ladies

5 Proscovia Ayero 01/01/98 (21) 167 66 Black Pearls/Kitgum

6 Juliet Nandawula 15/11/97 (210 153 60 Entebbe Ladies - Played at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens in 2018, scoring two tries in a 20-7 win v Zimbabwe

7 Emily Lekuru 17/03/00 (19) 174 70 Black Pearls/Jinja - Voted as the Lady Cranes’ Most Valued Player in 2018 by Uganda Sports Press Association Assembly

of 28

- Played at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens in 2017 and 2018 - Scored one of Uganda’s two tries in the 10-5 semi-final win over Tunisia that secured their place in this series qualifier. Uganda’s top try scorer in that tournament with three.

8 Mary Gloria Ayot Mary Ayot 22/02/99 (20) 164 62 Black Pearls/Jinja - Played at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens in 2018

9 Ritta Nadunga 06/06/98 (20) 154 59 Black Panthers/Kampala

- Played at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens in 2018

10 Grace Auma (vice-captain)

02/01/96 (23) 166 54 Black Pearls - Named Ugandan Sports Press Association (USPA) Female Rugby Player of the Year in 2016 - Played for Uganda at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens from 2016-18 - Scored their only try in the 2018 final defeat to Kenya

11 Flavia Agenorwot 24/12/96 (22) 169 57 Black Pearls/Kitgum

- Played in the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens in Tunisia in 2017 - Former track athlete - Works as a Life Skills counsellor for an organisation called Rugby Tackling Life (RTL)

12 Charlotte Mudoola (captain)

02/08/84 (34) 161 58 Black Panthers/ Kampala

- Born in England - Most experienced member of the squad having made her debut for Uganda at the 2006 Confederation of Africa Sevens - Played in the inaugural RWC Sevens women’s competition in 2009 - Played test rugby for Uganda, including a WRWC 2014 qualifier against South Africa (15s)


and biographies hong kong qualifier · - won the south american beach games in rosario last month...

Documents