We are excited to announce our new coaching set up for the 2021-22 season which sees Craig Hammond take on the Club’s Director of Rugby role, alongside the new Hong Kong National Head Coach position. Peter Jericevich will step up into the Head Coach position after impressing as Assistant Coach since his move from Scotland to Hong Kong in 2019.
Craig Hammond (Hammo) has been appointed Hong Kong National Head Coach, effective 1st May, and will lead the team’s campaign into the Asia Rugby Championships, ultimately gearing towards qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Alongside this, Hammo will still be closely involved at Hong Kong Scottish as Director of Rugby, with responsibility for rugby coaching, player development, performance and growth across the Club, as well as being the men’s 1st XV forwards coach.
Hammo’s depth of experience and personality meant he was a natural fit for the Hong Kong National Head Coach position.
Hammo and his family first moved to Hong Kong in 2012 to take up the Club’s Coaching Officer position. Due to his competitive edge, ability to motivate players and strong work ethic, he quickly became involved in the Hong Kong National rugby set up and progressed up the coaching ladder, taking on the Assistant National Coaching position in 2013 and Head Coach of South China Tigers Global Rapid Rugby team in 2020.
Talking about this opportunity, Craig Hammond said:
“I’m super excited about the new roles ahead this coming season. Firstly, staying involved with Scottish was a must for me as I’ve worked hard to help grow our Club and really want to continue pushing Scottish onto being one of the strongest clubs in Hong Kong. The DoR role keeps me Working along PJ (Peter Jericevich) and the players on the playing front and helps me develop the whole rugby programme at the Club. We have some outstanding individuals at our club and Im looking forward to what we can achieve both on and off the field this coming season.”
“On my HK Head Coach role, I really appreciate the opportunity to be put in charge. I’ve worked hard over the years and have always said I’d love the chance to become Head Coach of HK. I had a taste when I was running the South China Tigers the past 2 years so I understand the challenges ahead and am truly looking forward to what lies ahead for the National Team. Hong Kong is a very special place and the rugby community is like nothing I’ve been involved in so it makes it even more special to get the job and push HK onto the next level.”
“A big thanks must go out to Leigh Jones my current boss/coach mentor for pushing me onto the next level on my coaching both on and off the pitch and Andrew Hall who I’m taking over from and I’ve worked with for the past eight weeks.”
“A special shout out to my wife Rosey and kids Mia, Lockie and Bella for letting me chase my dream! (and Rambo the dog)
We all love HK and are very grateful we can continue our journey in HK. Also, a massive thanks to the Union and Scottish for coming to agreement for me to do both roles.”
Similarly, Jericevich was the obvious choice for the Club’s Head Coach position, having made a significant impact since joining the Club in 2019. The former Scotland Sevens Internationalist, who has experience coaching both XVs and 7s at the highest levels in Scotland, has brought a fresh perspective to the Club.
Jericevich will officially start as Head Coach in August 2021, but will start the handover process over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
Club General Manager, Sarah Monaghan said:
“We’ve been impressed with Peter. He has done a great job as Assistant Coach and is now in a position to put his stamp on things and lead from the front. He works well with Hammo (Craig Hammond) and we know they will continue to be a formidable coaching team.”
“We are delighted about Hammo’s appointment as Hong Kong National Head Coach and know he’ll do a great job. We have been working closely with the Hong Kong Rugby Union to ensure Hammo is able to commit to the National Head Coach position and maintain involvement with the Club and very happy with the outcome – for the Club and Hong Kong rugby.”
Club Chairman, Roy Kinnear added:
“It is great to see Hammo step up to a national coaching role whilst maintaining a strong link with Hong Kong Scottish as Director of Rugby. Peter’s elevation to Head Coach is well deserved and reflects his hard work since coming to Hong Kong. I congratulate both Craig and Peter and wish them every success in their new positions”.
Talking about his new role, Peter Jericevich said:
“Having been at the club for nearly two years now, I am delighted to take the opportunity to step into the Head Coach role and lead the team into season 2021/22. Although this season was unfortunately cut short due to circumstances out with our control, our players have worked hard to get better and I believe we are in a good place to kick on and continue to improve. I’d like to thank Craig Hammond for his support and wish him all the best in his new role as Head Coach of Hong Kong. A great opportunity for him and I look forward to still working closely with him in the coaching team here next season. This is an ever growing club with a lot of good people involved and I look forward to the challenge of getting the best out of the squad in the coming season.”
We look forward to seeing more from this dynamic duo next season and wish Hammo every success as he starts his new Hong Kong National Head Coach position on 1st May 2021.
