https://www.scmp.com/rss/310897/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong fly-half Gregor McNeish has been forced to retire through injury, dealing a blow to the city’s preparations for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia. The 33-year-old, who sealed the 2022 Asian Rugby Championship title with the last kick of a breathtaking game against South Korea, has been battling concussion issues for some time and decided he was unable to carry on. McNeish was named in Hong Kong China Rugby’s 35-strong squad of full-time players at the end of 2025, and had been... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3341694/gregor-mcneish-forced-retire-blow-hong-kongs-rugby-world-cup-plans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3341694/gregor-mcneish-forced-retire-blow-hong-kongs-rugby-world-cup-plans?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:00:16 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara An emotional Tsang Sin-yan said she felt “alive” on her return to competitive rugby for Kowloon on Saturday, 18 months after the lock forward was diagnosed with cancer. Hong Kong international Tsang completed 80 minutes as her team staged a stunning late fightback, scoring three unanswered tries to beat Causeway Sandy Bay 41-36 for a first Premiership victory of the season. After collapsing at home in June 2024, following two months of living with severe chest pain, Tsang was found to be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3340275/hong-kong-rugby-star-tsang-sin-yan-feels-alive-after-winning-return-cancer-ordeal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3340275/hong-kong-rugby-star-tsang-sin-yan-feels-alive-after-winning-return-cancer-ordeal?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:00:04 +0000 Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Rugby chiefs on Monday officially launched the Nations Championship, a global competition featuring 12 of the strongest teams that will crown a winning nation and decide the sport’s dominant hemisphere. Organisers said that the new biennial tournament signalled a “watershed moment for rugby union, years in the making”, and would transform the two existing international playing windows, in July and November. The Nations Championship, which starts in July 2026, will replace ad hoc tours and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3333144/rugby-chiefs-unveil-watershed-nations-championship-crown-top-team-hemisphere?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3333144/rugby-chiefs-unveil-watershed-nations-championship-crown-top-team-hemisphere?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball For 40 minutes on Saturday, Hong Kong went toe to toe with the ACT Brumbies, matching their Australian rivals at every step. Then the wheels fell off. Tied 21-21 at half-time at Football Club, Hong Kong conceded 28 unanswered points after the break and eventually lost 63-31 to their Super Rugby opponents. But while the scoreline reflects another heavy loss, there were far more positives to take from the performance than in the 59-14 defeat to Japan a week ago. The pack, with a new front row and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3332057/hong-kong-rugby-team-keep-reins-act-brumbies-second-half-stampede?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3332057/hong-kong-rugby-team-keep-reins-act-brumbies-second-half-stampede?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Nov 2025 12:13:26 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong host ACT Brumbies on Saturday still searching for the combinations that will carry the team into the 2027 Rugby World Cup. A week on from the disappointing loss to Japan A, Andrew Douglas has opted for a new front row, a change at fly-half and centre, and a fresh face among the replacements for the game against the Australian side at Football Club. The game comes just days after Luke van der Smit, the No 8, made his failed drugs test public, and on the back of a perfomance against... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3331955/hong-kong-face-act-brumbies-seeking-signs-progress-road-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3331955/hong-kong-face-act-brumbies-seeking-signs-progress-road-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Nov 2025 09:41:09 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong got the reality check their Rugby World Cup preparations probably needed from Japan A on Friday, not that it lessened the disappointment for Andrew Douglas. The visitors, who lost by more than 60 points to their Australian counterparts last week, handed out a drubbing of their own at Kai Tak Stadium, running in nine tries in a 59-14 victory. Yuya Hirose got the rout started in the fourth minute, and it was largely one-way traffic from there on out. The centre scored a brace, with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3330272/hong-kong-handed-9-try-rugby-world-cup-reality-check-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3330272/hong-kong-handed-9-try-rugby-world-cup-reality-check-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:30:09 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong have named a largely experimental side for their clash with Japan A on Friday, the first real challenge of the city’s Rugby World Cup era. A new-look second row, a new combination behind the scrum, and two new wings are among the changes that give the team a very different look to that which won the Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) in July. Of the 23-man squad, there are five fresh faces, including Max Murphy, who comes in at lock alongside the returning Kyle Sullivan. There is another... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3330035/hong-kong-name-side-eye-rugby-world-cup-future-japan-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3330035/hong-kong-name-side-eye-rugby-world-cup-future-japan-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:15:02 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport A much-changed Hong Kong slipped to a 28-21 defeat against Mazda Hiroshima Skyactivs on Saturday, with head coach Andrew Douglas “pretty happy” with what he saw from a side including six debutants. Wing Dylan McCann, young scrum-half Eric Chui Wai-lap and forward Max Murphy all made a strong impression in Fukuoka, as did veteran lock Kyle Sullivan, whom Douglas singled out for his “outstanding” performance. Tied 21-all at half-time, the home side, who play their rugby in League One, got the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3328694/hong-kong-rugby-coach-pretty-happy-new-look-side-despite-narrow-loss-japan-club?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3328694/hong-kong-rugby-coach-pretty-happy-new-look-side-despite-narrow-loss-japan-club?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Oct 2025 08:43:07 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong’s men travelled to Japan on Friday, ready to put nine weeks of pre-season training to the test in two “really important games” against professional opposition. Matches against Mazda Hiroshima Skyactivs and LeRIRO Fukuoka will give head coach Logan Asplin and director of rugby Andrew Douglas the chance to see how far the squad have come since qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Most of the 35 players Hong Kong China Rugby has signed to contracts will make the trip, with 25 players... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3328592/rugby-world-cup-2027-japan-tour-gauges-hong-kongs-progress-road-australia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3328592/rugby-world-cup-2027-japan-tour-gauges-hong-kongs-progress-road-australia?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Oct 2025 01:00:16 +0000 SCMP Sport,Agencies SCMP Sport,Agencies Hong Kong will learn the identity of their first-round opponents at an expanded Rugby World Cup 2027 when the draw for the tournament is held on December 3, organisers said on Wednesday. Hosts Australia will kick off the six-week-long event at Perth Stadium in Western Australia on October 1, against a team to be determined. The event will end on November 13, with the final at Sydney’s Olympic stadium, which also hosted the climax of the 2003 tournament. All 24 qualified teams in the expanded... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3327528/rugby-world-cup-2027-hong-kong-know-identity-first-round-opponents-december-draw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3327528/rugby-world-cup-2027-hong-kong-know-identity-first-round-opponents-december-draw?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:27:42 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Three months ago, the closest Han-Mi had come to throwing a rugby ball in anger was passing it to her young son while helping coach the under-8s at Hong Kong Football Club. A tackle bag, cones and other training items were just something to be put away afterwards – not any more. On Saturday, she threw herself into a full-contact game for the first time, running out on the wing in a pre-season friendly against Bangkok Belles. It was an experience she admitted beforehand to “not feeling ready for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3325498/meet-hong-kong-womens-rugby-rookie-who-already-veteran-and-inspiration?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3325498/meet-hong-kong-womens-rugby-rookie-who-already-veteran-and-inspiration?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:17 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong will take on Japan A at Kai Tak Stadium in October, as the city’s men begin their two-year journey to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Already home to the city’s famous Sevens tournament, the XVs team will make their debut at the 50,000-seat venue, as will members of the men’s and women’s development squads in a pre-match exhibition. The game on October 24 will be the last of three games Hong Kong play against Japanese opposition that month. A training camp in Japan beforehand... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3323427/hong-kong-take-japan-first-mens-rugby-kai-tak-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3323427/hong-kong-take-japan-first-mens-rugby-kai-tak-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:00:16 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong fans wanting to follow the historic journey of the city’s team at the 2027 Rugby World Cup can now register their interest in buying tickets, while a range of special packages go on sale from Wednesday. More than 2.5 million tickets will be available for the tournament in Australia, with adult tickets priced from A$40 (HK$205) for pool matches and 1 million seats on sale for less than A$100. Children’s tickets start at A$20, with those younger than two getting in for free. Supporters... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3319944/rugby-world-cup-2027-how-watch-hong-kongs-matches-australia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3319944/rugby-world-cup-2027-how-watch-hong-kongs-matches-australia?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:29:36 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong’s road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup is simple: win against South Korea on Saturday, and they are in. Three wins from three in the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship will mean it’s job done. Lose, and that’s where it could get complicated, especially when you factor in bonus points, which are awarded for scoring four tries or for losing by less than seven points. South Korea, with seven points, go into the match only three behind Hong Kong. So, here are the potential scenarios if the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3316871/rugby-world-cup-2027-how-hong-kong-can-reach-tournament-win-lose-or-draw-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3316871/rugby-world-cup-2027-how-hong-kong-can-reach-tournament-win-lose-or-draw-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 05:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Head coach Lewis Wilson said Hong Kong were backing themselves to upset heavy favourites Japan in an Asia Rugby Women’s Championship decider on Sunday, after the city team overcame dogged Kazakhstan 29-12 in steamy Fukuoka on Tuesday. Tanya Dhar, Kea Herewini and Shanna Forrest all crossed to give Hong Kong a 17-0 half-time advantage. Player-of-the-match Forrest said: “Kazakhstan are a very physical team, but I think we executed well in certain areas and that helped us win the game.” The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3311094/hong-kong-beat-kazakhstan-set-asia-rugby-womens-championship-decider-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3311094/hong-kong-beat-kazakhstan-set-asia-rugby-womens-championship-decider-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 May 2025 10:33:16 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Hong Kong’s match against Sri Lanka in the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship next month is to be held at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, the city’s union has confirmed. The fixture at Kai Tak Sports Park’s secondary stadium will take place on Sunday June 22 as Hong Kong look to defend their title in the four-team round-robin tournament, having won the past five editions. The team will play two away fixtures either side of it, with the first against the United Arab Emirates on June 13 and the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3310892/hong-kongs-high-stakes-june-rugby-match-take-place-kai-tak-sports-park?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3310892/hong-kongs-high-stakes-june-rugby-match-take-place-kai-tak-sports-park?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 May 2025 10:45:08 +0000 In a year when Hong Kong’s men embarked on a groundbreaking South American tour, and the women made their WXV3 debut, the most significant development for rugby in the city unfolded in a block of understated Dublin offices. It was in World Rugby’s Irish headquarters, in August, that the go-ahead was given to grant next year’s Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) winners a place in the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Hong Kong’s men breezed to a fifth straight ARC title in June and it would count as a major shock... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3292722/busy-2024-hong-kong-rugby-world-cup-announcement-overshadows-field-news?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3292722/busy-2024-hong-kong-rugby-world-cup-announcement-overshadows-field-news?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Dec 2024 01:30:14 +0000 Around 200 rugby novices were given the chance to impress the sport’s leading figures, as an innovative talent ID programme, spearheaded by two-times Asian Games gold medallist Salom Yiu Kam-shing, was launched at Hong Kong Sports Institute on Sunday. The local rugby association dreamed up the idea of staging talent testing days as part of a concerted drive to increase the city’s playing pool. Yiu, who competed in 75 sevens tournaments, and won 49 caps in the 15s code, began playing rugby only... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3288865/hong-kong-rugby-golden-boy-salom-yiu-going-beaten-path-find-stars-tomorrow?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3288865/hong-kong-rugby-golden-boy-salom-yiu-going-beaten-path-find-stars-tomorrow?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Dec 2024 07:42:26 +0000 The head of Hong Kong rugby said innovative moves were under way to secure regular high-level opposition for the city’s men, ahead of a potential World Cup debut in 2027. Hong Kong served up a terrific display of aggressive, resourceful rugby to christen their new Kai Tak Sports Park home with a 38-17 victory over Brazil on Saturday. The result was enough for the hosts to win a competitive two-match series on aggregate, following a 23-10 first-Test defeat seven days earlier. As it stands, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3286915/hong-kong-rugby-bosses-eyeing-solution-shortage-quality-tests-ahead-world-cup-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3286915/hong-kong-rugby-bosses-eyeing-solution-shortage-quality-tests-ahead-world-cup-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Nov 2024 07:30:13 +0000 Andrew Douglas said Hong Kong wanted to make Kai Tak Sports Park “a home and a fortress”, after his side swept away Brazil on a torrent of “ambitious” and courageous rugby on Saturday. The South Americans, too physical and clinical for Hong Kong only seven days earlier, were cut down to size, as Hong Kong sparkled under wet, leaden skies for a 38-17 victory that sealed the two-Test series, 48-40 on aggregate, following a 23-10 loss last week. In the second event at the 5,000-seat Kai Tak Youth... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3286883/hong-kong-aiming-kai-tak-fortress-after-brave-and-ambitious-display-downs-brazil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3286883/hong-kong-aiming-kai-tak-fortress-after-brave-and-ambitious-display-downs-brazil?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Nov 2024 14:27:25 +0000 Andrew Douglas had said knowing how Brazil were going to play on Saturday and stopping them were two different things, and he was right, but he can’t have expected Hong Kong to make things so easy for their opponents. So while the physicality the South Americans brought to their 23-10 win had been factored into Hong Kong’s preparations, poor game management and a set piece that never got going certainly weren’t part of the plan. Brazil full back Lucas Tranquez will have few calmer days than... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3285910/tranquez-puts-boot-brazil-power-their-way-past-hong-kong-first-autumn-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3285910/tranquez-puts-boot-brazil-power-their-way-past-hong-kong-first-autumn-test?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Nov 2024 12:30:08 +0000 Andrew Douglas said Hong Kong’s women’s rugby players’ lack of quality preparation left them on the “back foot” from the start of their ultimately disappointing WXV3 campaign in Dubai. Hong Kong went into Saturday’s final round of fixtures with an outside chance of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in England, only for the Netherlands to shoot those hopes down in flames with a convincing 33-3 win. The match got away from Hong Kong in a five-minute first-half spell, when Linneke Geevers and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3282200/wxv-hong-kong-couldnt-prepare-properly-boss-says-after-dutch-dash-rugby-world-cup-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3282200/wxv-hong-kong-couldnt-prepare-properly-boss-says-after-dutch-dash-rugby-world-cup-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:45:09 +0000 Choosing the right time to walk away is one of the toughest tasks for any sportsperson. Adding to the complexity of the decision for those individuals is that their retirement date is a matter for public discussion. If someone is comfortable with when they choose to bow out, though, who are we to tell them otherwise? Selfishly, we might want our enduring memories of our heroes to be of them in their pomp, duking with fellow greats and winning much more than they lose. But if they want to hang... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3282148/ronaldo-target-hong-kong-heartache-what-happened-overnight-world-sport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3282148/ronaldo-target-hong-kong-heartache-what-happened-overnight-world-sport?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Oct 2024 23:31:53 +0000 Andrew Douglas says he has “full faith” that his Hong Kong team will handle the pressure of a “hugely important” WXV3 clash with Madagascar under the Friday night lights in Dubai. Head coach Douglas said “some soul searching” had taken place after Hong Kong’s women lost their opening game against Fiji 38-3 last Saturday. “We have now dumped Fiji – it is in the past and we have to move on,” Douglas added. Hong Kong have no room for error against lowly Madagascar. They will have to beat the team... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3280930/coach-andrew-douglas-backs-hong-kong-handle-pressure-rugby-world-cup-hopes-line?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3280930/coach-andrew-douglas-backs-hong-kong-handle-pressure-rugby-world-cup-hopes-line?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Oct 2024 02:33:07 +0000 Hong Kong rugby bosses have revealed their men’s 15s representative team will play Brazil at the new Kai Tak Sports Park next month. The match became the first event announced for the site’s smaller venue, Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, three days after the local association confirmed the main stadium would host its marquee Hong Kong Sevens tournament from 2025. Brazil are making their first visit to Hong Kong for a two-Test series. The first game is set for Hong Kong Football Club on November 9,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3280986/kai-tak-sports-park-host-hong-kong-rugby-international-match-november?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3280986/kai-tak-sports-park-host-hong-kong-rugby-international-match-november?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Oct 2024 12:59:03 +0000 Andrew Douglas said his appointment as women’s head coach underlined Hong Kong’s desire to achieve 2025 Rugby World Cup qualification, and potentially transform the sport in the city. The New Zealander, who led Hong Kong’s men to 2024 Asia Rugby Championship success, said he was overseeing a harmonious camp, after replacing Royce Chan Leong-sze at the helm. Chan, who has been appointed programme lead, guided Hong Kong to the six-team WXV3 competition in Dubai, beginning this month, where two... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3278598/head-coach-switch-designed-maximise-hong-kong-ammunition-rugby-world-cup-quest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3278598/head-coach-switch-designed-maximise-hong-kong-ammunition-rugby-world-cup-quest?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:45:07 +0000 The never-say-die Hong Kong men’s rugby team summoned a grandstand finish to stun Brazil and complete their South American tour with a roller-coaster 26-25 victory in Sao Paulo. Head coach Andrew Douglas’ team were on the brink of defeat at 25-19 down entering the closing minute. When the nervy hosts kicked into touch from inside their own 22, however, Hong Kong ruthlessly capitalised on the error. A cross-field kick following the line-out invited Seb Brien to steal over close to the corner. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3271307/hong-kong-rugby-tour-citys-men-fight-back-stun-brazil-and-send-world-cup-message?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3271307/hong-kong-rugby-tour-citys-men-fight-back-stun-brazil-and-send-world-cup-message?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Jul 2024 11:02:19 +0000 Hong Kong’s route to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup has been mapped out following the draw for this year’s WXV3 tournament in Dubai. Head coach Royce Chan’s team qualified for the competition after claiming second place in the 2024 Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) with victory over Kazakhstan last month. The importance of that result was underlined by Jo Hull, the local governing body’s general manager of rugby performance, who said Hong Kong had to reach WXV3 to keep pace with the fast... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3270767/hong-kong-urged-seize-opportunity-after-learning-route-womens-2025-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3270767/hong-kong-urged-seize-opportunity-after-learning-route-womens-2025-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Jul 2024 07:00:09 +0000 Hong Kong delivered a merciless 12-try performance to thump Paraguay 80-12 and claim a first victory on their South American tour on Sunday. Head coach Andrew Douglas’s team were narrowly beaten in their opening game last week against Chile. Paraguay, however, are ranked No 38 in the world, 17 places beneath the Chileans and 14 behind Hong Kong. Douglas had taken the opportunity to rest a number of regular starters for next Sunday’s meeting with world No 29 team Brazil. Among those brought into... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3270409/south-america-rugby-tour-hong-kong-bounce-back-narrow-chile-loss-thrash-paraguay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3270409/south-america-rugby-tour-hong-kong-bounce-back-narrow-chile-loss-thrash-paraguay?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Jul 2024 11:12:20 +0000 Head coach Andrew Douglas said Hong Kong were expecting to run into a fired-up Chile on the first leg of their South American tour this weekend. The game will provide Hong Kong with an overdue challenge against legitimate Test-calibre opposition, after a series of no-contests en route to claiming a fifth successive Asia Rugby Championship last month. Proposed changes to 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification, gifting Asia an extra spot at the expense of South America, have added extra spice to the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3269309/hong-kong-braced-fired-chile-rugby-bosses-poised-hand-asia-world-cup-spot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3269309/hong-kong-braced-fired-chile-rugby-bosses-poised-hand-asia-world-cup-spot?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jul 2024 09:30:11 +0000 Head coach Joe Barker says he wants Hong Kong’s players to “strive for excellence” when they leave their “comfort zone” during the forthcoming World Rugby U20 Trophy. Hong Kong, who begin their campaign against Japan on Tuesday, have won only two of 28 matches across seven previous appearances in the tournament. They will aim to improve that record in a pool also featuring hosts Scotland and Samoa. Barker can count on a sprinkling of Hong Kong-qualified talent, cannily spotted overseas, for a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3268706/world-rugby-u20-trophy-hong-kong-urged-thrive-pressure-cooker-conditions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3268706/world-rugby-u20-trophy-hong-kong-urged-thrive-pressure-cooker-conditions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:13 +0000 Head coach Andrew Douglas said Hong Kong “made a statement” in their 67-7 thumping of overmatched South Korea on Saturday. The victory, inspired by a fabulous Luke van der Smit hat-trick, and the near-flawless boot of Paul Altier, clinched Hong Kong’s fifth straight Asia Rugby Championship title. South Korea’s timid, ill-disciplined performance nonetheless generated concerns over the level of competition for Hong Kong in their own region. Douglas acknowledged Korea would be “very disappointed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3267667/asia-rugby-championship-hong-kong-retain-crown-statement-performance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3267667/asia-rugby-championship-hong-kong-retain-crown-statement-performance?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Jun 2024 12:30:40 +0000 Head coach Andrew Douglas said an “expansive, high-risk” Hong Kong want to convince locals to “fall in love with rugby”. Douglas’s team know victory over South Korea at Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday will seal a fifth straight Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) title, after the team comfortably beat the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia in their opening two matches. But Hong Kong must be wary of a reaction from Korea, who tossed away a 14-point half-time advantage to lose 36-32 against... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3267583/asia-rugby-championship-hong-kong-hope-high-risk-game-against-korea-will-win-over-locals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3267583/asia-rugby-championship-hong-kong-hope-high-risk-game-against-korea-will-win-over-locals?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Jun 2024 01:00:13 +0000 Andrew Douglas, the Hong Kong head coach, has called for a shake-up of the Asia Rugby Championship after his side crushed Malaysia 70-6 on Saturday. The stormy Selangor weather that delayed kick-off by 30 minutes was a tougher opponent for Hong Kong than the hosts. Douglas made seven changes from the previous week’s cruise against United Arab Emirates, and there was a belated debut from the bench for former England under-20 hooker Calum Scott. Douglas praised his players’ “outstanding effort and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3265961/asia-rugby-championship-hong-kong-coach-suggests-reform-after-rout-malaysia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3265961/asia-rugby-championship-hong-kong-coach-suggests-reform-after-rout-malaysia?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Jun 2024 11:46:32 +0000 Hong Kong women scored three unanswered tries to end their Asia Rugby Championship with victory over Kazakhstan on Saturday, one of the most significant wins in the Test team’s 26-year history. A 22-0 triumph helped head coach Royce Chan Leong-sze’s side finish second behind Japan, earning them a spot at the global WXV3 tournament and keeping their hopes of reaching the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England alive. Chan had arranged a surprise visit from families and friends to the team hotel for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3265026/hong-kong-women-keep-world-cup-dream-alive-prove-too-powerful-kazakhstan-asia-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3265026/hong-kong-women-keep-world-cup-dream-alive-prove-too-powerful-kazakhstan-asia-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jun 2024 13:51:26 +0000 Head coach Andrew Douglas was “frustrated” with Hong Kong’s scrappy performance in their 52-5 Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) victory over debutants United Arab Emirates. UAE capitalised on Hong Kong’s sluggish start to cross first after six minutes. The hosts delivered a sound response to that early blow, scoring eight tries and preventing UAE from getting back on the board. Douglas, nevertheless, lamented his team’s “stop-start” display, and identified a number of areas to improve for Hong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3265021/asia-rugby-championship-hong-kong-flyer-coach-frustrated-and-demanding-improvement-after-scrappy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3265021/asia-rugby-championship-hong-kong-flyer-coach-frustrated-and-demanding-improvement-after-scrappy?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jun 2024 12:59:20 +0000 The health of Hong Kong women’s rugby is on the line when the city clashes with Kazakhstan in a crunch Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) match on Saturday. Japan claimed the ARC title when they followed up an opening victory over Hong Kong with a 64-0 rout of the Kazakhs on Monday. However, the runners-up gain entry into WXV3, the third tier of the elite global competition, which provides a pathway to the 2025 Rugby World Cup – hence the importance of this match. The value Hong Kong have placed on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3264931/asia-rugby-championship-world-cup-spot-and-future-hong-kong-womens-rugby-stake-crunch-kazakhstan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3264931/asia-rugby-championship-world-cup-spot-and-future-hong-kong-womens-rugby-stake-crunch-kazakhstan?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:16 +0000 Former Samoa star Apollo Perelini said World Rugby needed to “step up” its support of lower-tier nations, as his United Arab Emirates side prepared to take on Hong Kong on Saturday. In charge of UAE rugby as a whole, Perelini has guided his side to the Asia Rugby Championship for the first time, and their encounter against the hosts is the opening game of this year’s tournament. Perelini said reaching the ARC, which also features South Korea and Malaysia, was huge for the UAE, and something his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3264756/world-rugby-must-step-support-lowly-nations-says-perelini-who-expects-uae-prove-quality-against-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3264756/world-rugby-must-step-support-lowly-nations-says-perelini-who-expects-uae-prove-quality-against-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:16 +0000 Head coach Royce Chan said Hong Kong’s women could reach a “much better level”, despite delivering a “massive effort” in their 29-12 Asia Rugby Championship defeat by Japan on Wednesday. The seven-position world-ranking gulf between the teams was exposed during a one-sided first half, when the home team struggled to escape their own 22, but defended tremendously to restrict Japan to 12-0 advantage at the break. Chan praised her players for digesting half-time instructions to take more care in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3263694/hong-kongs-women-aiming-higher-after-massive-effort-asia-rugby-championship-loss-japan-kazakhstan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3263694/hong-kongs-women-aiming-higher-after-massive-effort-asia-rugby-championship-loss-japan-kazakhstan?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 May 2024 13:56:11 +0000 Hong Kong had to throw all their major talent at the Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) or risk losing relevance on the international stage, officials said ahead of the women’s tournament starting on Wednesday. With the sevens team also on duty, bosses opted to gut that squad of the likes of skipper Natash Olson-Thorne and try-scoring machine Chong Ka-yan, in favour of the 15s side’s opening encounter with Japan at King’s Park. But Jo Hull, the local governing body’s general manager of rugby... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3263557/womens-rugby-world-cup-place-justifies-gutting-sevens-squad-hong-kong-chief-says-ahead-arc-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3263557/womens-rugby-world-cup-place-justifies-gutting-sevens-squad-hong-kong-chief-says-ahead-arc-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:15 +0000 Hong Kong Football Club head coach Logan Asplin was wrestling with an “empty feeling” after his side retained their Nan Fung / Sewit Men’s Premiership crown despite losing a topsy-turvy encounter 21-20 against closest rivals Sandy Bay on Saturday. HKFC crept over the line, finishing with three successive defeats following an unbeaten 12-match run from the start of the season. Sandy Bay ended the campaign strongly, adding victory at So Kon Po Recreation Ground to slender victories over Valley and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3254804/nan-fung/sewit-mens-premiership-hong-kong-football-club-lose-thriller-sandy-bay-pip-them-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3254804/nan-fung/sewit-mens-premiership-hong-kong-football-club-lose-thriller-sandy-bay-pip-them-league?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Mar 2024 11:44:10 +0000 Leading figures in Hong Kong rugby launched a staunch defence of the city’s Premiership club competition after Valley beat Hong Kong Football Club to send the title race into next weekend’s final round. HKFC could have finished Saturday’s fixtures with the silverware sewn up, but were stunned 23-20 and must visit second-placed Sandy Bay in a winner-takes-all clash to end a five-month campaign in which the six teams have played each of the others three times. Valley trailed 13-3 after 34 minutes,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3253955/hong-kong-rugby-premiership-goes-decider-big-questions-are-pitch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3253955/hong-kong-rugby-premiership-goes-decider-big-questions-are-pitch?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Mar 2024 01:00:22 +0000 Head coach Andrew Douglas said two matches against Germany this week represented the first step towards “re-establishing Hong Kong in international rugby”. The New Zealander was made head of technical rugby in August, a role that includes guiding the men’s team into a new era for the global game. An expanded 24-team World Cup in 2027 has inevitably raised optimism over Hong Kong qualifying for the first time, while World Rugby has moved towards implementing a global calendar by 2026 that could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3241313/hong-kong-aiming-gain-footing-international-rugby-scene-exciting-prospect-mcnutt-can-spearhead-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3241313/hong-kong-aiming-gain-footing-international-rugby-scene-exciting-prospect-mcnutt-can-spearhead-new?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:20 +0000 Two key Hong Kong rugby figures have sounded their optimism over the city’s mid-term potential to compete with the sport’s established nations. Tyler McNutt captained Hong Kong at last month’s World Rugby U20 Trophy, when coach Logan Asplin’s team recovered from a hammering at the hands of Spain, to deliver far better performances in narrow defeats to Samoa and Kenya. The average age of Asplin’s squad was 18.2 years, while 16 of those who played in Kenya will be eligible to take part in next... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3231012/hong-kong-rugby-pair-see-bright-future-ahead-next-generation-after-u20-trophy-displays?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3231012/hong-kong-rugby-pair-see-bright-future-ahead-next-generation-after-u20-trophy-displays?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Aug 2023 08:30:12 +0000 Nancy McGillivray grew used to the glowing testimonials, accustomed to receiving plaudits for a rugby game brimming with verve and flair and physicality. Only now, however, is the 20-year-old accepting her legion of confirmed admirers might know what they’re talking about. The case for the majority is growing, after all: a convincing evidence bundle features a storming Twickenham try, multiple summons for senior England training camps, a Red Roses Under-20 leadership role and the very real... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3216754/englands-nancy-mcgillivray-beginning-believe-journey-began-hong-kong-will-lead-red-roses-side?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3216754/englands-nancy-mcgillivray-beginning-believe-journey-began-hong-kong-will-lead-red-roses-side?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Apr 2023 04:04:52 +0000 Hong Kong held off a spirited late onslaught from Taiwan to claim a 19-12 win in the final game of the Asia Rugby Under-19s Men’s Championship on Sunday, securing the title for the seventh successive tournament. Victory also sealed a place at the World Rugby Junior Trophy in Kenya next July for coach Logan Asplin’s side. Heavy rains moments before kick-off in Malaysia turned the pitch into a bog and contributed to a scrappy encounter littered with knock-ons and forward passes. Hong Kong women’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3203741/hong-kong-claim-asia-rugby-under-19s-championship-seventh-time-secure-place-world-rugby-junior?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3203741/hong-kong-claim-asia-rugby-under-19s-championship-seventh-time-secure-place-world-rugby-junior?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Dec 2022 17:17:36 +0000 Last week cruise control, this week a great escape, as Aileen Ryan snatched victory for Hong Kong with the last kick of the game. Kazakhstan had led all the way in the second of two tests at Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday, only for Zoe Smith’s try and Ryan’s conversion from the touchline in blustery conditions to make it 14-12, turning the tables in dramatic fashion. It was the Kazakhs who appeared to be rotating the furniture for much of the contest, staying the pace after fading in defeat... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3203698/womens-rugby-hong-kong-beat-kazakhstan-last-kick-dramatic-second-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3203698/womens-rugby-hong-kong-beat-kazakhstan-last-kick-dramatic-second-test?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Dec 2022 12:33:12 +0000 Hong Kong women’s coach Royce Chan Leong-sze has kept faith with the squad that beat Kazakhstan last weekend for the sides’ second meeting on Saturday. While Chan said the starting line-up could change, depending on how players came through a final training session, she and assistants Sam Hocking and Sam Beard believed now was not the time to shake things up. Instead, Chan challenged the group that won 31-17 at Siu Sai Wan to find another gear when the two teams clash at Hong Kong Football... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3203403/hong-kong-unchanged-kazakhstan-clash-head-coach-chan-looks-future-and-rugby-world-cup-qualification?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3203403/hong-kong-unchanged-kazakhstan-clash-head-coach-chan-looks-future-and-rugby-world-cup-qualification?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Dec 2022 07:25:50 +0000 Malaysia, the hosts, are the first opposition for Hong Kong on Monday as the Asia Rugby Men’s U19 Championship gets under way. A 29-strong squad will be chasing Hong Kong’s seventh title in a row, as well as the place in next year’s World Rugby Under-20 Trophy that would come with it. New coach Logan Asplin, also director of rugby at Hong Kong Football Club, admitted there was an element of the unknown about the trip, with Hong Kong under-19s having not played since December 2019 – when they won... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3202916/asia-rugby-mens-u19-championship-hong-kong-chase-7th-title-bounce?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3202916/asia-rugby-mens-u19-championship-hong-kong-chase-7th-title-bounce?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Dec 2022 03:15:15 +0000 After three years of Covid-related inactivity, the shackles came off for Hong Kong’s women’s rugby team on Saturday as they earned victory over Kazakhstan. Patience had been a watchword since their last outing in November 2019, and it was a hallmark, too, of their 31-17 triumph at Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground, in the first of two home tests. Head coach Royce Chan Leong-sze would later describe the hiatus as “a grudge” and this match – her debut in charge – as a chance to “blow it out”. Joy... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/womens-hkru-premiership/article/3202837/womens-rugby-hong-kong-beat-kazakhstan-first-test-2019?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/womens-hkru-premiership/article/3202837/womens-rugby-hong-kong-beat-kazakhstan-first-test-2019?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Dec 2022 10:20:48 +0000