Phil Greening – Sevens Is A Hugely Important For Developing Players

We caught up with Japan 7s Men’s Head Coach Phil Greening at the Melrose Claymores during the Cathay HSBC Hong Kong Sevens weekend. His side defeated both Hong Kong China and China in the pool play before coming up narrowly short in the final to the hosts.

Feature Photo Credit – HKCR

It had been some time since we last spoke with Phil Greening, as the Japanese men had not played in the Asian tournaments since the ARESS 2025 two-leg series in which they were runners-up to HKCR and missed out on qualifying for the HSBC SVNS Division 3.

“The biggest thing is still trying to connect with the clubs and universities to get access to these young players, to get them exposure in competitions like this.” 

With a packed stadium at Kai Tak across the three days of action, you would think aspiring players would be chomping at the bit to enjoy such experiences, but Greening is still fighting a long-term battle in getting access to the players in Japan.

Photo Credit – HKCR

“There’s a lot of re-education with the Japanese players about how this could benefit them. I spoke to a few of the South Africans, Australians, and the French, and Sevens is all part of their pathways. If you look at the Argentina XVs squad, currently, several players came through their 7s systems. Joe Schmidt’s even here this weekend as he’s connected with the Sevens to look at players. 

So that’s how this tournament and the Sevens circuit should be and have been historically. For us in Japan, it’s the players themselves who need to understand that. So that’s the big drive for us now, to try and see this as a stepping stone to 15s and players to understand how this can benefit them.”

Of the current SVNS revamp with three divisions, he added, “The disappointing thing for me, with this whole revamp of the Series, is that Asia has only got one team spot. I mean, with the quality of teams like Japan and Hong Kong China, but we have one spot. We all know each other very well, which is great. It’s just a shame that, for some reason, we only have one place (to qualify for SVNS Division 3).

Photo Credit – Rio Kimura

In Europe, Germany and Spain are already in that, so the fifth best in Europe qualify, but only the first-placed team in Asia. It doesn’t make sense. For us to have a better season and attract these young players to come and play Sevens as part of their development, we need to be in the best competitions. It’s a good thing for the players; travelling to Hong Kong and all the other places is so important for the growth of our young players, who don’t get this type of exposure.

This year, the Asian teams are building towards the Asian Games, which we will be hosting in Japan, which will also be important.”

Playing in front of large crowds and in tough environments are key components of developing the players, said the former England international, who played 7s and 15s.

“You look forward to playing in front of people dont you? I was lucky enough to play in the Six Nations, and then I played the Commonwealth Games 7s, and that was massive, in Manchester. It was unbelievable. So I get it. Sometimes I don’t think the Japanese players truly understand what that is, and sometimes they prioritise being a training body at their club. But I think it is better for them to come here with me and play in stadiums like this. Most would give you their right arm.”

Photo Credit – HKCR

Of the Cathay HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 50th edition, we asked the Japanese 7s Men’s Head Coach if he had any notable memories. 

“This tournament stands out, doesn’t it? I came from the Six Nations with England and played here 24 years ago for the first time, and then I went back to the Six Nations. We had guys like Josh Lewsey who went off and played for England 15s and Rugby World Cups, as well as others. So this is my point about this competition, especially Hong Kong, how many superstars from fifteens started here?”

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