Hong Kong 15s coach Phil Campbell wants the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) to show it is serious about this year's Asian tournament and the 1999 World Cup qualifiers by supporting his plan to bring back key players who have left - or will leave - the SAR.
Campbell, who has already had initial discussions with the HKRFU, will know the answer soon. And he hopes it will be positive.
'There are a couple of players who will not be in Hong Kong when the Asian tournament comes around. I think it will be justifiable in bringing them back to help us qualify for the World Cup,' Campbell told Sports Post.
Powerhouse No 8 Duane Davis, who left in December for the United States, the impending departures of fullback Vaughan Going to England (soon after the Pacific Rim Championships in June) and lock forward Stuart Krohn to the United States (at the end of this season) will leave huge holes in the Hong Kong squad eligible to play at the October 24 to 31 tournament in Singapore.
Hong Kong received a boost to their campaign when the schedule was revealed. They will first meet Taiwan (October 24), followed by South Korea (October 27) and then Japan (October 31). The winners of this round-robin competition will gain entry to the 1999 World Cup in Wales.
'It is a good draw for us. Given the strength of Korea and Japan, it will be good to meet Taiwan early and get a game under our belt,' said Campbell. His worry now is to get the right side in place.
Davis indicated that he would be willing to play in the Asian tournament if the HKRFU was to pay for his return. The same goes for Going and Krohn, although the latter has said he has 'retired' from international rugby.
