Three players handed professional contracts
Hong Kong has shed its veneer of amateurism with Rowan Varty, Mark Wright and Keith Robertson becoming full-time professionals.
The trio, all of whom have represented Hong Kong, have been handed one-season contracts by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union for an undisclosed amount. Valley prop Alex Ng Wai-shing, a product of the rugby academy, has been given a junior contract.
'These guys are at the forefront of rugby in Hong Kong and we want to provide an environment where they can flourish,' said Ivan Torpey, HKRFU's head of performance.
First Division clubs have been paying overseas players for many years, but this is the first time the governing body will remunerate players.
'They are the first of what we hope will eventually be a bigger group of players. I believe this programme has the scope to expand,' Torpey said. 'Rugby is not part of the elite sport system at the Hong Kong Sports Institute. One day we hope to get there, but until then we have to provide a setting for our young players and provide them with a path.'
The HKRFU will also provide them with the opportunity to play at a high level in England, and find employment for other players if the opportunity arises.