Three new faces in squad to face Chiefs as Hong Kong prepare for Asian championship
Ben Higgins, Ryan Meacheam and Henjo van Niekerk are part of returning coach Leigh Jones’ first 32-man set-up
Three new faces have been included in a 32-man Hong Kong squad for the Asia Rugby Championship as Leigh Jones begins a new stint as national 15s coach.
The team’s first test will be on Saturday when Hong Kong take on a development side from Super Rugby’s Chiefs at Hong Kong Football Club.
The clash marks Jones’ first match since his return from Japan where he assisted new England coach Eddie Jones with the Brave Blossoms’ build-up to last year’s Rugby World Cup.
Jones has selected what he termed a “balanced squad” for the regional tri-nation championship which gets under way at the end of the month and will see last year’s runners-up Hong Kong host defending champions Japan on 7 May.
I have chosen very much based on what I have seen since Christmas ... and have selected on form and not on reputation
“I have chosen very much based on what I have seen since Christmas when I came back from the Rugby World Cup and have selected on form and not on reputation,” said Jones.
The squad features three potential debutants in Valley’s Ben Higgins and Ryan Meacheam, and Henjo van Niekerk from USRC Tigers.