Former England 7s international Andy Vilk to take charge of Hong Kong women’s team
- Vilk joins Hong Kong Rugby Union after spending a 10 years coaching in Italy
- Englishman takes charge ahead of crunch period for team, with Asian Games, Olympic qualifiers looming
Former England Sevens captain Andrew Vilk will take over as head coach of the Hong Kong women’s team, just weeks before the Asian Games.
Vilk, who spent the past decade with the Italian Rugby Federation, said accepting the post was a straightforward decision, because of the “huge potential” in Hong Kong rugby.
The 42-year-old replaces Iain Monaghan, who left for a position with Rugby Canada at the beginning of 2023. Vilk arrived in the city only last week and oversaw his first training session at the Hong Kong Sports Institute on Monday.
He takes charge at a critical juncture, which culminates with November’s Olympic qualification tournament in Japan. Vilk’s first assignment is the Asian Sevens Series competition in South Korea next week.
The Asian Games – where Hong Kong are targeting a podium finish – is staged in China next month. And there is another series event in Bangkok in October.
And, as keen as he was to hit the ground running, Vilk vowed to adopt a measured approach while getting a feel for his new environment.
“I am really excited to get stuck into things and to get to know the team in preparation for such a busy period of the season,” Vilk said. “The potential here is huge. I have enjoyed watching training and speaking to the other coaches.
“It is a hugely exciting time. We are in competition mode and starting to bring down the training load in preparation for four really big tournaments.
“We want a medal at the Asian Games, then Olympic qualifying speaks for itself. And the Asian Sevens Series is an important part of the calendar. There are a lot of opportunities we want to take advantage of and how we perform will shape what 2024 brings.
“I want to understand the team before I impose anything too early. I have to understand the culture, that is very important when determining how we want to play and approach day-to-day behaviours and long-term planning. We can use the culture to our advantage. It brings challenges but is where we can find our biggest strengths.”
Vilk watched his new charges at close quarters when he was with Italy at the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Stellenbosch, in April.
He has also watched training footage and maintained contact with Paul John, the men’s head coach, who filled the women’s role on an interim basis before Vilk’s arrival.
Vilk began his professional career with Northampton in England in 2003, before moving to Sale Sharks before switching to Treviso in Italy in 2008. He won the 2006 Hong Kong Sevens with his national team and was a Commonwealth Games silver medallist in the same year.
Appointed head coach of the Italy men’s Sevens team in 2013, for the past 12 months Vilk has been employed as the Italian federation’s assistant high performance & development coach, alongside working as the Sevens’ team consultant.
“I made a home in Italy and was there 15 years, my girls grew up in Treviso, so it was difficult to leave, but we always understood we would have a change, one day,” Vilk said.
“And this challenge with Hong Kong offers a complete change, which is stimulating both professionally and personally.
“I want to improve the team and to improve as a coach: the biggest attractions were to work with Johnsy [Paul Johns], then to work with the women’s team, which requires another appreciation of the skill set of a coach.
“That will develop me as a person and coach and help me be more rounded. Johnsy has created a very attractive environment and it is a lifestyle opportunity for my family. It was a relatively easy decision.
“I have formed an initial impression of the players and team but not made any assumptions. I want to stay open and observe, especially in these first few weeks.”
