Callum Man: From Kennet School to Hong Kong Rugby League
Rugby league player Callum Man made his international debut for Hong Kong on Saturday.
The former Kennet School pupil made his debut against Japan in Hokkaido on October 13th, where they lost 24-14.
It was the national side’s first match in six years, with the pandemic proving to be a major setback for the organisation.
The two sides battled for the East Asia Cup, which Hong Kong won in 2018 in just their second ever test match.
They’ll next play against the Philippines in Manila on December 1st.
Man discussed the journey which has led him from Thatcham, back to the country of his family’s roots.
“I went to Whitelands Primary School and played a bit of tag rugby there,” Man explained.
“When I went to Kennet I got introduced to contact and I just fell in love with it.
“I played lots through school and then dipped in and out of different clubs.
“It was when I got to University that I took it more seriously.
“I tried rugby union but didn’t get through, but few mates were playing league.
“I started in the third team and by my final year I was in the first team.
“Then after graduation I signed for the start-up Reading Raiders, who were the first league team in Berkshire.”
A job offer would change the course of Man’s sporting and personal life, taking him on an international journey which continues to this day.
“I was offered a role as a PE teacher in the Middle East, so I moved to Abu Dhabi in 2019.
“It was only meant to be a two year contract but then COVID hit… I ended up staying for four and a half years!
“But there’s no rugby league in the Middle East, so I played union for a few sides like Abu Dhabi Saracens, where we won the top division undefeated.”
As his spell in the UAE came to an end, a dream opportunity to return to his family’s country of origin presented itself.
“I always wanted to go back to Hong Kong because it’s where my roots are, my grandparents and my dad were born there.
“I sent my highlight reel out to a few clubs… and it got picked up by Hong Kong Scottish.
“They play in the top rugby union league and are semi-professional… when they offered me a contract I didn’t think twice.”
With rugby league in Hong Kong now re-emerging after six years away, Man was in the right place at the right time.
“I reached out to the national team setup, showed them what I can do, and it was good enough to get a call-up to the squad to face Japan,” he said.
“The playing conditions are completely different… the humidity and heat in Hong Kong at the moment is really tough. No matter how fit you are, it hits you.
“Union takes priority here. There’s not much funding for league,” Man reflected.
Hong Kong’s rugby union side are one of the region’s strongest, aiming to qualify for the next world cup.
In an incredible coincidence, Newbury’s Callum Scott, who plays for is set to play a starring role for the union side, meaning that two players from the area will represent Hong Kong in both codes of rugby.
They’re not the only ones who have been on such journeys however, with Man describing the atmosphere of a dressing room full of players from all walks of life.
“All the lads are really welcoming, and it’s nice speaking to them about their different journeys,” he said.
“One lad was born in Japan, raised in Australia and has lived here for eight years.
“He’s now going to play against the country of his birth.
“There’s a few local lads who have just picked up the game, some like me with family heritage.
“There’s three guys who are based out in Australia too.
“It’s a really diverse set of lads, but we all get on really well… there’s a good camaraderie and a real team bond.
“My family never expected me to move back out here, it was a bit of a shock.
“My grandparents were especially happy, then when I got the call up they were really proud of me.
“It’s a country that means so much to them. It's nice to think about.”