Changing perceptions crucial for success

In 2006, when Jacob Taylor first came to China to learn Mandarin at Liaoning University in the northeast of the country, the Australian national had just one concern - where to play rugby, a sport with deep roots in his family.

Taylor soon hooked up with the varsity team at Shenyang Sport University. He attended his first practice session at the university in April 2006, kicking off a 10-year stint that saw him travel back and forth between China and Australia to study and promote rugby.

"The sports market in Beijing has matured since the last time I was here. I can see potential for rugby here beyond the competitive system, to be used as an educational tool or product that kids like to interact with," said Taylor, who is currently studying for a master's degree in Neuroanthropology at Oxford University in England.