Tommy Hill’s journey through Hong Kong rugby is nothing short of inspiring. A consistent presence in the city’s rugby scene for over a decade, the 35-year-old centre is preparing for what could be his final campaign – a trip to the Rugby World Cup with the Hong Kong China men’s team.
Three years ago, Hill thought his last chance had slipped away in Dubai. But after a hard-fought qualification campaign, Tommy Hill and the Hong Kong China rugby squad have made history, becoming only the second men’s side from Asia to qualify for the tournament.
Having captained his club and played professionally for the now-defunct South China Tigers, Hill knows what it means to grind and lead. Off the field, he pursues a demanding career in law. On the field, he’s a calm leader, a locker-room presence, and now, part of a legacy that could inspire a new generation across Asia.
Macao News caught up with Hill in between a documentary shoot with the Hong Kong China Rugby Union as he shared his reflections on his life in rugby and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
How was the documentary shoot?
It was good. I’ve never done anything like that before, so it was a bit confronting at first. You want to tell a good story and hit all the important points, and I feel like I did that.
It was a bit exhausting, to be honest – you want to make sure you get it right. But the team here made it as comfortable as possible, especially since it was a new experience for me. So yeah, I’m happy with how it turned out.
[See more: For the first time ever, Hong Kong China qualifies for the Rugby World Cup]
Let’s go back to that moment in South Korea. You’re 35 now, and a few years ago in Dubai, you thought that was your last shot at a World Cup. What were you feeling when you finally qualified?
Relief, mainly. We set out to win and qualify, and we were confident in the ability of our squad. But until that final whistle, you never really know how things will pan out.
You put so much pressure on yourself to reach the World Cup. So yeah, it was a huge relief and a proud moment, knowing we’ve taken Hong Kong China to its first-ever Men’s Rugby World Cup.
You’ve had the heartbreak of near misses and now this incredible high. How has that journey shaped your mindset?
It’s taught me to just focus on doing my absolute best and let the rest take care of itself. There are so many things – both in rugby and life – you can’t control. But what you can control is how hard you work and who you surround yourself with.
We’ve got a great group, with leaders like Andrew Douglas, Logan Aspen, and Lewis Evans. We’ve built a really strong culture together, and I’m really proud of that.
Is it okay to call you a veteran now?
[Laughs] I’ve been called a veteran since I was about 27, so at 35, yeah – it’s totally fine.
As a veteran, how do you help the younger players handle pressure moments?
Staying calm is key. Rugby is full of ups and downs – games, campaigns, even training sessions can swing wildly. So I try to show up consistently as the best version of myself, and that helps the team do the same.
We’ve spent a lot of time talking about managing momentum and how to take it back when things go against us. Just focusing on the next job, staying composed, and executing that next play – that’s how we stay in control.
If you could describe this team in one word, what would it be?
Eclectic.
You’ve travelled all over Asia with this group. Do you have a favourite place you’ve played, or any memorable travel moments?
Playing in Hong Kong against Sri Lanka was a big one for me. My parents flew in from Australia for that match, and my wife was there too. That meant a lot.
As for the tournament, Dubai and Korea were both amazing experiences. But Hong Kong’s always special – it’s home, and getting to play in front of our friends and family is something I’ll never take for granted.
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Hong Kong China is now only the second Asian men’s team, after Japan, to reach the World Cup. What does that mean to you?
It’s huge. Personally, and for the development of rugby across Hong Kong, China, and the wider region.
This shows kids growing up here that being a professional rugby player is possible – that there’s a real pathway to the highest level. That’s a big part of what we’ve been talking about as a team, the legacy we want to leave behind.
What legacy do you want to leave?
Well, we’ve qualified, which is an amazing start. But the World Cup is still two years away, and I’ve been saying this all along – one step at a time. Right now, I’m just enjoying what we’ve achieved. I’ll take some time off, then get back into training.
To play in a World Cup in Australia – my birthplace – while representing my adopted home of Hong Kong? That’s something really special.
If you were advising a younger player, what would you say? What challenges did you face?
It comes down to hard work. My journey took me all over Australia, Italy, and then here in Hong Kong. I didn’t make it with the Waratahs or Wallabies, but I didn’t give up.
The best advice I can give is don’t let one coach’s opinion define you. If you’re not getting picked, keep working. You’ll create your own opportunities. Control what you can, and don’t waste energy on external stuff. Just keep showing up, working harder, and getting better.
What’s the vibe like in the locker room? Any standout characters?
Harry Sayers is secretly hilarious. I’ve also got a great connection with Cal Scott – even though he’s one of the younger guys and I’m one of the oldest, we’ve really hit it off. He’s funny too.
Max Denmark and James Christie are in charge of the music – they’re on the boombox and doing a great job. I’ve discovered so many new playlists thanks to them. It’s a really fun, close-knit group. We’ve worked hard to build that.
[See more: ‘I just want to be the best,’ says Macao footballer Zara Matos]
Off the field, how do you juggle rugby and life? What’s a typical day like for you?
I work as a lawyer at BitMEX, a crypto exchange, and I also train full-time with the rugby squad.
Fortunately, BitMEX is a tech company, so I’m not tied to a 9-to-5 desk. I usually start the day by checking emails and handling urgent work, then train mid-day or in the evening.
Recently, we’ve been training from 7 to 10 pm, which is intense. I’ll grab dinner after, head home, see my wife, and do it all again the next day.
It’s been a hectic six months, but now that we’ve achieved our goal, it’s finally sinking in.
Has it hit you yet that you’ll be playing at the World Cup?
Yes and no. It’s surreal. The more we talk about it, the more it sinks in.
We haven’t had a proper team debrief yet since everyone’s on holiday, but I’m heading to James Sawyer’s wedding tomorrow. A bunch of the boys will be there, so I’m looking forward to celebrating – not just the wedding, but what we’ve all accomplished.
What’s the first thing you’ll do when you land in Australia?
See Mum and Dad. And head to the beach, definitely. I’ll spend some time with friends and family too.
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What’s your one-sentence message to Hong Kong rugby fans ahead of the World Cup?
Thank you so much for the support, and please, stick with us.
Do you have a personal mantra?
I try not to think too much. My coach always says that when I overthink, I hesitate. So I just focus on being myself.
Before one of our games, my wife gave me a beautiful note that said, “If things get overwhelming, centre yourself, breathe, and focus on your next job.” That meant a lot.
So yeah – I think of my family, the work I’ve done, and just go out there and give it everything.
One snack you always pack for matches?
Nothing in particular. We usually hit up Beef & Liberty at the Hong Kong airport before flights.
If you could trade places with another athlete for a day, who would it be?
I’m a big cricket fan, so I’d go with Mark Waugh. Growing up, he was my hero. I imagine scoring a hundred in the Ashes would be pretty incredible.
Go-to pump-up song? Guilty pleasure track?
Pump-up song: Freed From Desire. Guilty pleasure: Beautiful Things by Benson Boone.
