Standing at 148cm and weighing 48 kilos, Hoty Chan is invariably one of the most recognisable characters in Hong Kong women’s rugby. Always armed with a cheeky grin, the diminutive scrumhalf has served her country for twelve years and every opponent who has played against her will readily testify of how her size belies her impact on the field.
We talked to Hoty about her rugby beginnings and Hong Kong’s preparations for the Asian Four Nations.
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| photo by Phoebe Leung |
Name: Chan Ho Ting, Hoty
Age: 31
Occupation: Merchandiser
Club in HK: Causeway Bay RFC - Phoenix
How did you start playing Rugby?
There was a rugby promotion from the HKRFU in my secondary school when I was 15, I then joined a summer course. The coach, Rambo Leung, said I was very enthusiastic and diving all over the place, it wasn't even tackle rugby, naturally I stood out. So I decided to take up club rugby at CWB.
How has rugby changed your life?
Rugby has completely changed my life. I am stronger and fitter, however I am not taller, yet. I've travelled to many places including New Zealand, Australia and Kazakhstan. Six out of seven days I am doing something associated with rugby. I even met my boyfriend through rugby.
What are some of your best rugby memories?
Winning the Darwin 7s in 2002 was the best moment on the pitch. And off the pitch, promoting rugby with George Gregan this year.
Your size has never stopped you from being successful in your rugby career, how have you dealt with what others perceive as a shortcoming?
In some ways, my size has helped me because I only have one position to choose from, scrum-half. So I didn't waste any time trying to find my position. Tall girls find it hard to tackle me and some referees protect me, so our team receives many penalties.
However, if someone gets a good hit on me, I fly a long way. It's hard for me to dominate tackles on big girls, so I have to accept this and just go low.
