Blue Jacket winner Cameron speaks to the Blog

Cameron (left) celebrates as Club win the Grand Championship in 2004. Is that Nick Tempest in the background? It could be, you know. 2004 was Club's last win at the top level - will 2007-08 be the next glory season?

Last Saturday, former Club and Hong Kong Captain Tom Cameron became the first recipient of the Hong Kong Football Club's Blue Jacket, which can have come as no surprise to anyone familiar with rugby in Hong Kong. The award, which will be given out annually, honours the player whose contribution best exemplifies the spirit and values of the Club. Tom Cameron speaks to The Blog about the award and what playing rugby in and for Hong Kong means to him.

Blog: How does it feel to be the first recipient of the HKFC Rugby Section's Blue Jacket?

TC: It is a great surprise and a massive honour.

Blog: The award is for a player whose "contribution best exemplifies the spirit and values of the section." What do you believe those values to be?

TC: I just love playing rugby and there is no better place than the Club. The social life around the rugby section is great and there is always someone that can help with a problem. Play hard on and off the pitch.

Blog: Who were your rugby heroes as a lad? And why?

TC: Uli Schmidt - He was a small but tough Springbok hooker. He scored great tries on the wing - the original Seagull!

Blog: What made you join HKFC rather than any of the other clubs in Hong Kong?

TC: There was no choice! Donough Foley and Craig Wootten said there were no other clubs in Hong Kong ...... and then there were the white towels!

Blog: How would you compare your first season with Club to this season?

TC: Now we are going back a long time... Every year had its great moments and awesome players. This year we have some young blood in and the boys are focused on what they want to achieve.

Blog: What are your outstanding memories of playing for Club, and for Hong Kong?

TC: Getting an eight week suspension after my first Grand Championship Final must stand out. It's a great honour every time to put the 1st team jersey on or run out for the country you represent! That is a great feeling! Beating Korea was also a massive highlight.

Blog: Any regrets?

TC: Never.

Blog: Could you nominate the best two or three matches you have played in since you have been in Hong Kong (for Club or the national side)?

TC: The Grand Championship win in 2004, beating Korea [in 2007] and every win against Valley!

Blog: Which players have you most enjoyed playing the game with during your career?

TC: Rugby is a great game. Eevery team I played for had their characters and outstanding players. The list will be too long!

Blog: Who would you say have been the strongest influences on you as a rugby player? And in what ways? And why?

TC: My family - Mum, Dad, Brother and Melanie! They were always there to encourage.

Blog: What would you say have been the funniest moments for you in Hong Kong rugby?

TC: Every time I speak to Junior Naylor.

Blog: Club has experimented with professional players in the past, but has been against this approach in recent years. What are your views on the question?

TC: It is good to have these guys in your team, it lifts the level but if your club only relies on them to win you trophies, you're going to be in trouble. You need guys that have a passion for the Club and you need them to stick around for a few years. Club is on the right track with getting guys jobs.

Blog: How do you feel the Club has bounced back after the Bali Tragedy in 2002?

TC: The Club has been great but it is important that new section members know what happened and the spirit and legacy those that died left behind.

Blog: What do you think the rugby section has to do to ensure that Club and the other teams remain dominant at their respective grades in the years to come?

TC: Everyone should support each other - it's not about the teams, it's about the Club as a whole.

Blog: Do you believe that Hong Kong can qualify for a World Cup under the current system?

TC: The structures in place at the moment for Hong Kong are the best I've seen. Ivan Torpey has made a massive difference to Hong Kong rugby. With Japan at the top and Tonga and co in the repercharge pools, it's always going to be tough! But I would love to see that happen.

Blog: How would you like to be remembered as player after you hang up your boots?

TC: Tough bastard on the park but a great guy to have a beer with afterwards.