Talks strengthen hopes of Hong Kong entering team in Andrew Forrest’s Indo-Pacific Rugby Championship
Having a side in the new league could help lure top talent back to the city, says HKRU chief executive Robbie McRobbie
The prospect of Hong Kong having a team in billionaire Andrew Forrest’s Indo-Pacific Rugby Championship (IPRC) is gathering steam after officials from the competition visited the territory this week.
The IPRC, Forrest’s answer to Australian franchise the Western Force being cut from Super Rugby, could also feature a women’s competition and even sevens. It will launch in March 2019 and run for around three months.
Hong Kong Rugby Union chief executive Robbie McRobbie has labelled the concept “very positive” and believes it could be a vehicle to bring top quality Hong Kong-eligible players back to the territory.
“We had a visit from representatives from the Indo-Pacific Rugby Championship this week,” McRobbie said. “Subsequent to the meeting, we have sent them a message back saying that when it comes to looking at team selection we are interested to be part of that conversation.
“For us, up to this point it seems to fit in pretty well. The calendar wouldn’t impact too much on our domestic season.
