China have been accused of 'not pulling their weight' in the drive to promote the game after refusing to compete in the sevens competition at next month's World Games in Taiwan.
The decision has perplexed the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) as China will be sending more than 100 athletes to compete in other events in Kaohsiung.
The International Rugby Board, keen to make an impression on the International Olympic Committee, invited China to take part in the eight-team sevens event, which kicks off on July 24.
But mainland officials turned down the invitation, resulting in Hong Kong now joining IRB Sevens World Series champions South Africa, Fiji, Argentina, Portugal, the United States, Japan and hosts Taiwan.
'It is really sad that China will not be taking part in the World Games,' ARFU secretary-general Ross Mitchell said yesterday. 'But they have turned down the invitation and it is a concern for us and the IRB as China are not pulling their weight.'
Mitchell refused to speculate on the reason why China will compete in other sports in Kaohsiung but not rugby. It is understood Chinese officials have refused to send teams in two other sports, including tug-of-war.
It is not the first time the Chinese team have refused to play in Taiwan. Last year, during the inaugural HSBC Asian Five Nations, China pulled out of the Division One tournament.