Karen So: We want to show that girls can do anything through the power of rugby

To help celebrate International Women’s Day 2019, Asia Rugby is putting a spotlight on some of the inspirational women in the region.

In another part of our series, we spoke to Hong Kong captain Karen So after her side became the first Hong Kong side to make it to Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017 and how rugby has progressed since that historic moment.

AR: How is women’s rugby developing in your country?

KS: With our recent success in being the first Hong Kong team to make it to the Rugby World Cup, more and more girls want to play. We have more girls who want to learn to play rugby and our mini program is expanding. We have more events where national players coach or spend time with the younger girls. We hope to inspire, teach and encourage them to play. This is how we aim to develop rugby. We also want to empower girls and women through rugby, to let them know they can do anything.

AR: What are your hopes for women’s rugby moving forward?

KS: I hope that our sport continues to grow and that women and girls have less obstacles in playing the game. I hope that we get equal attention in the rugby world and are given the same opportunities as the men.

AR: What is your country aiming to achieve in rugby?

KS: The goal for the Hong Kong women’s rugby team is to make it to the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and for our sevens girls to make it to the Olympics. We also want to continue to develop our domestic league and continue to expand and develop our minis and national age grade program.

AR: What has rugby done for your life?

KS: Learning to play rugby was one of the best decisions in my life. It is the place where I have met some of my closest friends. I have learned to get up and continue to persevere when I’m feeling pain or when my team is down because the other 14 girls on the pitch need me. I’ve learned the importance of team work and seeing first-hand how the team has your back whether on the rugby pitch or in life. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.