Derry pair part of select Beijing rugby team that beat Mongolia national team

A pair of Derry men were part of a select Beijing rugby union team to beat the Mongolian national team at the weekend.

Ryan O’Hagan and Ciaran Norris were selected for Beijing United as Mongolia challenged the side while on an international tour. 

A winning scoreline of 18-7 for the Chinese side led to euphoric celebrations, especially for the two Derry men as their victory knocked Mongolia down the world rankings to 120th.

O’Hagan said: “I’m enjoying my rugby here.

“The game was rough, very physical.

“We definitely left a few chances out there on the day, but the refereeing was a bit questionable, but it is what you can expect playing in a country with this level of rugby.

“But look, I’m pleased despite the first half starting a little disorganised but we tightened up and got the train going.”

O’Hagan took the chance of moving to China after seeing an advert on Facebook looking to recruit players to come teach English while playing for clubs across the country.

And the Derry man and his partner have never looked back.

He said: “Life in China is honestly amazing. We’ve been here for seven or eight months now. I wouldn’t be rushing to leave at all. 

“The first few months were rough, and then we moved in winter when it was getting to -18 most days.

“But apart from that, everyone is so friendly; it’s super safe. For example, my girlfriend says she would happily walk the streets here alone at 3am and then there's so much to do and see here.

“I know everyone worries about China and may have a preconception that it’s really scary and shut off, but that honestly couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Rugby is not the most popular sport in China, and this is demonstrated in the country’s world ranking of 81st, according to World Rugby.

But according to O'Hagan, this may change in the future.

He said: “It’s growing and thriving, but the standard wouldn’t be close to what we have back home. 

“The All China Cup is where good rugby is. Teams all over China are full of South Africans and Australians, a handful of Irish, and a few English too. Most teams have a very small Chinese element to them, and the rest would be expats.”

But with the rules in World Rugby regarding eligibility rules, meaning that should an individual be a resident of another country for five years, they can play for that nation. 

So what is the next milestone for O’Hagan to become an international rugby player for China?

He said: “I wouldn’t say so. I doubt I’ll be here for five years or more to have that opportunity. 

“But don’t get me wrong; if they came knocking, I wouldn’t say no.”