Full-time contracts to play rugby sevens "are in the pipeline" as Hong Kong sets its sights "on becoming a core team on the HSBC Sevens World Series next season," according to Alvin Sallay of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. Hong Kong Rugby Football Union Chair Trevor Gregory said that "the board of directors has already decided to throw its full support behind the sevens squad if they are successful in clinching one of three spots available at the qualifying tournament at the London Sevens in May." Gregory said, "All the directors were unanimous that if we qualify we will back our squad." It "would be the first time full-time contracts would be on offer" since '08 when the union contracted a handful of players, including current sevens captain Rowan Varty. Gregory said, "Getting into the sports institute will be a massive help. Not only will it assist us in the world series, but we can also look at Olympic [2016 Rio de Janeiro] qualification." Rugby sevens "becoming the 16th sport at the elite training academy in Sha Tin, resulting in millions of dollars in annual subvention." Among the financial benefits from the Sports Institute is the provision for a head coach with an annual package of HK$1.6M ($206,000) and maximum monthly grants of HK$32,000 ($4,150) for players. (SCMP, 3/13).
