It’s been a long road back to the SVNS Series for Tone Ng Shiu. There have been ups and downs, and some mental battles to match but after 16 months the New Zealander was named in the All Blacks Sevens squad for the Hong Kong Sevens.
Ng Shiu, 29, had never been injured before picking up a “big one” in 2022. The veteran of more than 155 games on the international circuit was sidelined with an ACL injury and a series of setbacks prolonged his time away.
The Olympic silver medallist, who was crowned New Zealand Rugby’s Player of the Year after the 2018/19 season, had to overcome niggly issues which prevented him from running as trekked the long road back to the black jersey.But finally, after months and months and months, Ng Shiu returned for the Hong Kong Sevens. Ng Shiu hasn’t looked out of place either, with the returning sevens ace crossing for a try in New Zealand’s thrilling 12-7 win over the United States on Saturday.
With a slow jog, the New Zealander ran alongside the barrier between him and fans in the west stand and towards the tunnel. Ng Shiu was one of the last All Blacks Sevens players to disappear down towards the changerooms.
But with sweat still dripping down his face, Ng Shiu still let out a smile. “It’s been a hell of a journey, 16 months,” he told RugbyPass.
