He has been involved in shaping US 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 “lifetime goal”.
The American defender, Santos, 26, played junior rugby in the Valley Fort tournament during about four years living in Hong Kong starting in 2006.
“We were in it about four times and, as far back as I can remember, playing in Hong Kong has been my dream, it’s inspired me all my life,” 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 like we’ve come full circle.”
Santos’ younger brothers, Rand and Reed, play for seven US 15s and the Philippines, respectively, while father Rick played for the Football Club and has featured in the HKFC Traditional 10s.
