HONG Kong women’s Sevens Head Coach Andy Vilk (OO ’99) was delighted to bring his side to The Oratory for a training session ahead of their LIT Elite Seven Series tournament at Oxford Harlequins tomorrow.

The former England international took over the role in August 2023 having previously worked with Italy for 10 years, and was happy to be back at his Alma Mater with both the men’s and women’s squads after they landed on Wednesday morning.

He said: “With the sun out I've been telling the players it's always like this in England!

“It was lovely to be back, and Mikey (Hennessy) was brilliant at sorting us out – from minibuses to having the pitches marked out, it was superb. All the small details were spot on, and it made us feel even more welcome than we could have expected.

“I think the last time I was back was 2018 with the Italian team, but it's always nice to return and see some familiar faces."

Hong Kong face a tricky challenge having been placed in Pool B alongside Bath, British Army, Boom Beevers and Savvy Panthers, but Andy is relishing the opportunity and explained: “It's going to be a huge test, playing against non-international sides who we don't have any footage of to prepare.

“Normally we know our opponents, but the beauty of this is we'll see how the players react to whatever's thrown at them.

“It's exciting, we've got a mixed squad with some Academy players, so it will be great to see how they go.”

Reflecting on his move to Hong Kong, the former Sale Sharks, Northampton Saints and Rugby Calvisano ace said: “It's been an incredible experience. Obviously Hong Kong aren't a huge name in traditional 15-a-side rugby, but it resonates in the Sevens world.

“We're incredibly fortunate to have the support of the Union and Sport Institute to be a full-time set-up with incredible backing to all the athletes.

“To be able to come to Oxford and play on the other side of the world, there aren't many jobs which allow you to do that and it's a real pleasure.”

Thursday’s training session at the school also involved current pupils, and Andy was pleased with how it went, adding: “For our guys it was a case of shaking the journey out the legs, but also the main training day ahead.

“All the squad were impressed by everything about the school - the facilities, the way the grounds are looked after, the range of things on offer with the sports hall, real tennis, the swimming pool, tennis courts and more.

“It was nice to share with them where I was formed and a big part of my background, while the current boys looked like they enjoyed it.

“There was some talent on show and it was nice to be able to do the session to give something back.”

A further Oratory connection at tomorrow’s competition comes through the Monye brothers, with OO Olise (’20) representing Apache in the Elite competition and current pupil Somto included for Apache Braves in the Open event.