Hong Kong

Well, we've eventually arrived arrived here in Hong Kong on the final leg of our tour after the flight was delayed in Sydney.  We managed to keep ourselves amused, not least through the regular calling of 'Dead Ants'

Dead Ants on tour

 and following the very western feel to Sydney the culture here has surprised a number of the boys. On top of that they have had to get used to the climate here; most of them have experienced similar levels of heat at some point (32 degrees when we landed at 6.30pm!) but the humidity - regularly 90% or more - is something else.


We trained yesterday morning at the Hong Kong Football Club and within ten minutes the boys were struggling for breath and needed a drink. This was one of the main reasons for the session; to give the boys a taste of what it would be like playing in Hong Kong. It also gave us a chance to see which boys were able to maintain their concentration and focus in trying conditions. The selection for today's game has always been billed as a 1st XV for the first half and will offer some of the squad a final chance to put themselves in a position to challenge for a 1st XV spot in the Brentwood tournament next weekend and the Cooper's game following that.


Following the training session we were able to use the club's facilities to relax for the rest of the day. This included their fantastic outdoor swimming pool which had the dual benefits for the boys of being able to cool down as well as having the opportunity to meet new people. However there seemed to be a lack of confidence in actually approaching the two girls in bikinis and it was left to an old hand - Tom Hardy to make some introductions. Unfortunately his efforts came to nothing as Will Malins and Taylor Sexton ran away as soon a the photo had been taken!


Following lunch the boys took the opportunity to explore Hong Kong and most headed straight for the markets to try out their haggling skills. Some of them are obviously more adept at this particular skill, although everyone seems to have saved some of their money for these few days. 'Beats' headphones seem to be the purchase of choice amongst the boys and I am reliably told that getting a pair for under £50 is an incredible deal.