The Police Panthers rounded off a successful rugby season by taking a rare League and Grand Championship double in the Hong Kong Rugby Union's domestic National League 4.

 

The Panthers are the Police Rugby Club's second team, and have a proud history, having been the first local Chinese side to play in the national leagues. The other three Police teams, the 1sts, Pumas and Women's Sirens, all had a year of mixed results, and the membership of the club continues to grow with young recruits and police children joining serving and retired officers. The club also has boasted a healthy mini rugby section for boys and girls aged four to 10, and has a strong link with the Operation Breakthrough rugby programme.

 

Club Chairman, Assistant Commissioner Duncan McCosh, has paid tribute to Panthers' veteran captain, Louie Tam Chu-hin. "Louie has led by example as always. He has hardly missed a game all season, and has been an inspirational captain," said Mr McCosh.

 

Although the domestic season is over, the club is busy preparing to send men's and women's teams to the World Police & Fire Games Rugby Sevens competition. As usual, there will be a free beginners' course at Police Sports and Recreation Club every Thursday in July and August from 7.30pm to 9pm. The course is open to all regular, auxiliary and civilian personnel, and those interested in ruby may contact Membership Secretary, Mr Brian Yung, on hkprfc@gmail.com.