Philippines-born, Hong Kong-trained, Santos achieves ‘lifelong Sevens dream’ with US

He has been involved in designing the USA’s space policy, and graduated from Harvard and Cambridge Universities, but it was only when he played in this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens that Ryan Santos achieved his “lifelong goal”.

A back for the USA, Santos, 26, played mini-rugby in the tournament for Valley Fort during nearly four years living in Hong Kong from 2006.

“We were in it about four times and, as long as I can remember, playing in Hong Kong was my dream, it’s motivated me throughout my career,” said Santos, whose uncle, Rob Santos, played for the city team in the 1996 edition.

“The opportunity to come and have this experience has been surreal,” Santos said.

“With my uncle playing here 30 years ago, it feels we’ve come full circle.”

Santos’ younger brothers, Rand and Reed, play for the America 15s and Philippines sevens sides, respectively, while dad Rick played for Football Club and has featured in the Tradition HKFC 10s.

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