He was looking for somewhere friendly, diverse, and welcoming. Somewhere he could play, connect, and feel part of a team. That search eventually brought him to HKCC, which later merged with Sandy Bay, and more than 20 years later, he has not missed a single season.

Even when injuries kept him off the pitch, Mark was still there.

On the sidelines. Around the group. Supporting the club.

That says a lot about what Sandy Bay means to him.

“Over the years, I’ve made lifelong friends who feel more like family,” he says.

For Mark, the beauty of the club has always been its inclusivity. He speaks openly and honestly about not seeing himself as the best player, but that has never stopped him from feeling valued.

“Sandy Bay is the kind of club that gives everyone opportunities to play, contribute, and truly feel part of a team. That’s what makes it special.”

That spirit has carried him through decades in the jersey.

From his first team trophy in 2007 to the latest triumph in 2025, every league win and every grand championship has carried the same feeling — pride, excitement and the magic of sharing those moments with teammates.

One memory stands above many others.

Running out at Hong Kong Stadium in a Sandy Bay jersey, with his name glowing on the backboard.

“Simply unforgettable,” Mark says.

For many players, moments like that are once-in-a-lifetime. For Mark, they are part of a long journey built through commitment, community, and a love for the game that has never faded.

Now 54, he still brings the same enthusiasm to rugby. Whether playing in the second row, at flanker, or wherever the team needs him, Mark continues to show what it means to love the game and love the club.

And after more than two decades at the Bay, his mindset has not changed.

“I’ve been here for decades, but I still believe the next season will be my best season.”

That sentence says everything.

It speaks to optimism. It speaks to belonging. It speaks to the kind of club that keeps people coming back season after season.

Sandy Bay is a place for players chasing high performance. It is also a place for people who simply love rugby, value friendship, and want to belong to something bigger than themselves.

For Mark, the message to anyone thinking about joining is simple:

“Don’t hesitate. Just join. You won’t regret it. UTB!”

More than 20 years later, Mark “Channy” Chan is still here.

Still smiling.
Still playing.
Still believing.

Still chasing his best season.