HONG KONG have been drawn against powerful Western Samoa and Portugal for September's inaugural Taiwan Sevens.
The territory have been placed in one of the toughest pools in the 24-team tournament, which also includes Hong Kong Sevens champions New Zealand, France, Argentina and a invitational side from Europe called FIRA.
Hong Kong will be sending a second-string side to the tournament, on September 3 and 4, as the top players will be preparing for October's Asian Rugby Football Tournament in Malaysia.
The side will be coached by former national player Gary Cross, who will rely on a few veterans and uncapped players on the fringe of national selection.
Taiwan Sevens draw: Pool A: New Zealand, Latvia, Germany; Pool B: Argentina, South Korea, Sri Lanka; Pool C: France, Romania, Uruguay; Pool D: Tonga, Russia, Morocco; Pool E: Western Samoa, Hong Kong, Portugal; Pool F: United States, Spain, Malaysia; Pool G: Canada, Netherlands, Singapore; Pool H: FIRA, Nordisk, Taiwan.
Cross is also likely to call up Valley captain Pieter Schats and policeman Jim Walker.
