https://www.scmp.com/rss/316786/feed Organised by the Asian Rugby Football Union, now known as Asia Rugby, the 2014 A5N was the top tier of international rugby in the region and featured the five best national teams playing a round-robin tournament in April and May. In addition to the Top Five competition, which determined Asia's champions and was won by Japan in 2014, 20 other teams competed in four lower divisions. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Sevens head coach Gareth Baber is hoping an intense training camp in Canada will sharpen the Hong Kong men’s squad’s killer instincts ahead of the Asian Games in Incheon in September. The 15-strong squad left on Thursday for the 10-day camp as they to try to upgrade the silver medal they won at the Games in Guangzhou four years ago to gold. Conditions at the camp, where they will train with and play against the Canadian national sevens squad, will be created to mirror a Sevens World Series... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1545786/hong-kong-sevens-squad-sharpen-canada?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1545786/hong-kong-sevens-squad-sharpen-canada?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Jul 2014 13:45:15 +0000 Japan coach Eddie Jones pledged that the Asian champions would hit peak form at next year's World Cup as they bid for a 10th successive win when they take on Italy on Saturday. The Brave Blossoms stretched their record winning streak to nine games with a 37-29 away victory over World Cup opponents the United States last weekend. However, Jones warned that Italy - who have won all five of their previous meetings against the Japanese - would be a much different prospect in Saturday's... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1536356/japan-aiming-peak-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1536356/japan-aiming-peak-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:30:00 +0000 Under the stewardship of Leigh Jones, Hong Kong climbed to their highest ever International Rugby Board ranking of 23; travelled to Kazakhstan and won there for the first time; claimed the Emirates Cup of Nations in Dubai; beat, nae battered, Belgium twice; and for the first time in Hong Kong’s history reached the Rugby World Cup repechage stage. Now, I know what you’re all thinking, “Follow that, Hally!” It’s fair to say I do carry that weight of expectation but it is a challenge I am relishing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1526774/ready-wave-my-own-wand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1526774/ready-wave-my-own-wand?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Jun 2014 17:30:00 +0000 A few eyebrows were raised when Uruguay was frequently mentioned in the run-up to last Sunday’s Asian Five Nations game against Japan, with some asking why Hong Kong were looking ahead to the repêchage when they still had to play the Asian champions for the automatic berth at the 2015 World Cup. We, too, wished for a miracle in Tokyo, but the mind said the task was near impossible. And so it proved as the Japanese juggernaut won 49-8 and booked their World Cup ticket for the eighth successive... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1521308/key-rwc-repechage-lies-possession?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1521308/key-rwc-repechage-lies-possession?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 May 2014 12:30:45 +0000 Ex-England captain Steve Borthwick has said he is looking forward to working with former Wallaby boss Eddie Jones on a full-time basis when he becomes the forwards coach of Japan following his retirement. The 34-year-old lock will finally hang up his boots and call time on 16 years of top-flight rugby after leading Saracens against Northampton in the English Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday. Borthwick spent a decade with Bath before current Japan coach Jones, then in charge of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1520574/steve-borthwick-eager-keep-joneses-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1520574/steve-borthwick-eager-keep-joneses-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 May 2014 15:00:15 +0000 Andy Hall will take over as head coach of Hong Kong as they chart new waters and play in their first-ever World Cup repêchage match against Uruguay in August. Hong Kong Cricket Club coach Hall will replace Leigh Jones, who has joined Japan. Jones, who was in charge for the last three years, was officially appointed defence coach of the Brave Blossoms on Monday, the day after Hong Kong slipped to a 49-8 defeat in the Tokyo finale to the 2014 ARFU Asian Five Nations. Our World Cup dream is still... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1520111/andy-hall-handed-key-role-hong-kongs-crunch-game-uruguay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1520111/andy-hall-handed-key-role-hong-kongs-crunch-game-uruguay?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 May 2014 14:00:00 +0000 Former England skipper Steve Borthwick’s appointment as Japan’s new forwards coach will give the Asian champions a huge boost at next year’s Rugby World Cup, head coach Eddie Jones said on Tuesday. “He’s a fantastic acquisition for us,” said Jones, whose “Brave Blossoms” secured their place at the 2015 tournament in England by finishing top of the ARFU Asian Five Nations following their 49-8 victory over Hong Kong on Sunday. [Borthwick] has already got a good rapport with the Japan players so... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1520039/forwards-coach-borthwick-massive-boost-japan-says-jones?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1520039/forwards-coach-borthwick-massive-boost-japan-says-jones?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 May 2014 12:15:15 +0000 View highlights and interviews from Japan’s 49-8 Asian Five Nations victory over Hong Kong on Sunday (May 25) at the National Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. The win for Asia’s number one team also earned them the region’s only automatic berth for next year’s World Cup in England. Hong Kong will now go into the RWC qualification repêchage in Uruguay. https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1519633/video-japan-49-8-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1519633/video-japan-49-8-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 May 2014 06:45:30 +0000 Hong Kong can take heart from a courageous defensive performance against Japan as they face a long and hard repêchage road to the 2015 World Cup, after the Brave Blossoms claimed the one automatic berth for Asia with a 49-8 win at the National Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on Sunday. The scoreline wasn't a true reflection of the guts and grit showed by Asia's second-best team, who held Japan scoreless for long periods and forced their opponents into making uncharacteristic errors. The professional... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1519487/brave-hong-kong-fail-stop-japan-earning-2015-world-cup-place?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1519487/brave-hong-kong-fail-stop-japan-earning-2015-world-cup-place?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 May 2014 16:00:30 +0000 Nick Hewson's unblemished run as captain of Hong Kong is in danger of coming to an end on Sunday in Tokyo unless his side can "express themselves and not worry too much about what Japan will do" in the finale to the Asian Five Nations. Hewson has a 5-0 win-loss record as captain going into the high-stakes match, which will decide Asia's representative at the 2015 World Cup in England. The winners will book a berth in pool B alongside South Africa, Samoa, Scotland and the United States. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1519401/unbeaten-skipper-hewson-out-upset-japan-and-earn-world-cup-spot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1519401/unbeaten-skipper-hewson-out-upset-japan-and-earn-world-cup-spot?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 May 2014 16:30:45 +0000 Bad hamstrings and knowing each other's sleeping patterns have helped forge one of the best midfield combinations for Hong Kong in many years, but Jake Phelps and Lloyd Jones admit the real test will come on Sunday when they face Japan in the winners-take-all Asian Five Nations finale in Tokyo. Australians Phelps, 27, and Jones, 30, have sizzled this season ever since the latter became eligible and joined his former Sydney Easts team-mate Phelps as the centre pairing for Hong Kong in the Asian... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1519319/when-close-friends-make-midfield-magic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1519319/when-close-friends-make-midfield-magic?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 May 2014 15:00:15 +0000 South Korea defeated the Philippines 52-22 on Saturday to take third place in the 2014 Asian Five Nations and secure the final spot in next year’s revamped Top Three competition. Japan and Hong Kong, who face off in Tokyo on Sunday, have already booked their places in the 2015 tournament involving the region’s top three national sides. The Koreans put on a display of running rugby against the Volcanoes in Laguna, scoring four tries in each half, with the first four all coming from deep within... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1519362/korea-overpower-volcanoes-secure-final-spot-2015-top-three?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1519362/korea-overpower-volcanoes-secure-final-spot-2015-top-three?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 May 2014 14:00:45 +0000 Departing head coach Leigh Jones admitted on Wednesday that Hong Kong face an enormous task to defeat Japan and book the direct berth to the 2015 Rugby World Cup for Asia, but maintained an upset was possible. "We will have to be at our very best and Japan will need to have an off-day," said Jones, who will be in charge of Hong Kong for the last time before taking on a new challenge as defence coach with Japan. We will go there and give it our best shot ... this team has the potential to beat... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1517356/realistic-leigh-jones-says-hong-kong-face-tough-task-against-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1517356/realistic-leigh-jones-says-hong-kong-face-tough-task-against-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 May 2014 14:30:45 +0000 How I would love to be a fly on the wall in the Hong Kong dressing room before they run out against Japan in Tokyo on Sunday in what is arguably the biggest game of their lives. Alright, this was the line used a fortnight ago by head coach Leigh Jones, the man of the moment after it emerged he would be jumping ship and joining Japan as soon as the Asian Five Nations ends on Sunday. Jones said before the game against South Korea it was “the biggest game ever for Hong Kong”. Maybe so, but now that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1517316/jones-say-sayonara-leaves-hong-kong-high?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1517316/jones-say-sayonara-leaves-hong-kong-high?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 May 2014 11:15:30 +0000 Hong Kong chief Trevor Gregory has wholeheartedly thrown his support behind head coach Leigh Jones remaining in charge for the final Asian Five Nations game against Japan, despite the Welshman switching camps to the Brave Blossoms after the high-stakes clash in Tokyo on Sunday. “Leigh is a proud Welshman and I know he will want Hong Kong to win this game more than ever to show his new bosses what he is bringing to the table,” Gregory said. “I would not have allowed him to stand down. I don’t... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1516062/coach-leigh-jones-still-loyal-hong-kong-despite-new-job-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1516062/coach-leigh-jones-still-loyal-hong-kong-despite-new-job-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 May 2014 02:15:00 +0000 Japan's crushing 62-5 victory over South Korea, which took them to the top of the Asian Five Nations standings, reminded Hong Kong of the tough task facing them and "once again confirmed that Japan are by far the best team in Asia", according to team manager Dai Rees. Japan ran in nine tries in Incheon on Saturday to stand one game away from qualifying for the 2015 World Cup in England. The only team standing in their way are Hong Kong, who travel to Tokyo for next Sunday's clash which will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1514566/japan-class-their-own-says-hong-kong-coach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1514566/japan-class-their-own-says-hong-kong-coach?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 May 2014 11:00:30 +0000 Watch highlights from Japan’s 62-5 triumph over Korea on Saturday (May 17) at Munhak Stadium in Incheon. The win moves the Brave Blossoms to the top of the Asian Five Nations Top Five standings, level with Hong Kong but with a superior points difference. Next Sunday (May 25) in Tokyo, the two nations will battle for automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup. https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1514597/video-south-korea-5-62-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1514597/video-south-korea-5-62-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 May 2014 16:30:45 +0000 Japan got serious in the Asian Five Nations on Saturday, crushing Korea 62-5 in Incheon to ensure the last game of any sport to be played at Tokyo’s National Stadium – next weekend when they host Hong Kong – will have plenty riding on it. The Brave Blossoms’ Incheon victory – their 27th straight bonus-point win in the regional competition – sees Eddie Jones’ side with 18 points from three games, the same as Hong Kong. But the Brave Blossoms have a far superior points difference, 268 to Hong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1514533/japan-set-stage-spectacular-rwc-qualifier-finale-against-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1514533/japan-set-stage-spectacular-rwc-qualifier-finale-against-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 May 2014 15:45:45 +0000 This weekend I will be in South Korea officiating the Asian Five Nations game between Korea and Japan, with assistant referees Dewi Rowlands and Warren Needham. In the past two years, this game has been between Asia’s top two teams, with Japan comfortably winning each time. But now the number two spot has been claimed by Hong Kong, Korea will be smarting and, although they have never beaten Japan in the A5N, they will want to put in a better performance in front of their home crowd in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1512907/when-call-comes-refs-must-be-top-their-game?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1512907/when-call-comes-refs-must-be-top-their-game?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 May 2014 13:30:00 +0000 Sometimes as a coach, you know even before taking the field that you have a special group. It’s not something that is easy to measure or articulate – you just know. It probably has more to do with chemistry than ability. There are players on every team who can make things happen, but I think with a special group it is more about how much they are prepared to give in order to make it happen. And from the start of last Saturday, I had a good feeling about what was going to unfold. It began with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1512833/hong-kong-passed-chemistry-test-flying-colours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1512833/hong-kong-passed-chemistry-test-flying-colours?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 May 2014 13:15:15 +0000 Mark Pawley, the general manager of Hong Kong Football Club, was spotted holding some garlic before the crucial game between Hong Kong and South Korea last Saturday. Was it to drive away the demons that have plagued Hong Kong in the past couple of years against Korea? If so, Mark’s hidden talents in exorcism worked like a dream as Hong Kong crushed Korea 39-6 in a devilishly delightful display. Nick Hewson and his side exerted tremendous pressure defensively and their opponents cracked under the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1512773/touch-garlic-might-be-just-whats-needed-against-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1512773/touch-garlic-might-be-just-whats-needed-against-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 May 2014 13:15:15 +0000 Hong Kong will have everything to play for when they take on Japan in the Asian Five Nations finale in Tokyo on May 25, with top official Dai Rees harbouring hopes of an upset. If Hong Kong win, they gain direct entry into the 2015 World Cup as A5N champions. If they lose, they face a 37-hour flight to face Uruguay in Montevideo in the first round of a repechage to qualify for the 2015 World Cup. Our win over South Korea was the best performance I have seen from a Hong Kong team in the six... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1509875/formidable-japan-next-hong-kong-seek-direct-route-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1509875/formidable-japan-next-hong-kong-seek-direct-route-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 May 2014 12:45:00 +0000 Watch highlights from Hong Kong's history making 39-6 triumph over South Korea at Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday, when Hong Kong kept their 2015 Rugby World Cup dreams alive with a strong defensive effort that saw them regain top spot in the Asian Five Nations standings. https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1509448/video-hong-kong-39-6-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1509448/video-hong-kong-39-6-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 May 2014 17:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong kept their 2015 Rugby World Cup dream alive after they demolished South Korea 39-6 with a powerful performance built around a strong defensive effort at Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday. The five-try romp not only earned Hong Kong their third successive bonus point in the Asian Five Nations competition, but it also saw them regain top spot in the standings although Asian champions Japan, who hammered Sri Lanka 132-10 in Tokyo, have a game in hand. “Our dream is alive,” said elated... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1509369/hong-kong-make-rwc-history-39-6-win-over-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1509369/hong-kong-make-rwc-history-39-6-win-over-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 May 2014 15:30:45 +0000 Nick Hewson and his brave band of brothers will have to rethink their summer plans after Hong Kong kept their 2015 World Cup qualifying dreams alive and booked their spot in the first stage of a repêchage away to Uruguay in August with a superb 39-6 victory over South Korea. The second-placed team in the Asian Five Nations will travel to Montevideo for a one-off game after a fine five-try win over the Koreans earned Hong Kong that right. But for the moment, elated skipper Hewson has urged his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1509363/hong-kong-dare-dream-after-victory-over-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1509363/hong-kong-dare-dream-after-victory-over-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 May 2014 15:30:15 +0000 South Korea coach Jung Sam-young has made only three changes to his squad ahead of Saturday’s crucial Asian Five Nations match against Hong Kong at Hong Kong Football Club. Coach Jung has retained his starting forward pack with danger man Kim Jeong-min at open side flanker. Kim scored a hat-trick in his side’s 59-3 win against Sri Lanka two weeks ago, as the Koreans size and weight advantage saw seven of nine tries scored by the forward pack. Four members of that pack – captain and prop Kim... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1509080/coach-jung-keeps-faith-tried-and-tested-korean-squad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1509080/coach-jung-keeps-faith-tried-and-tested-korean-squad?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 May 2014 07:00:15 +0000 Hong Kong will need to overcome a mental mountain against South Korea if they are to seal their World Cup repêchage spot on Saturday, says No 8 Pale Tauti. Former captain Tauti knows first-hand the agony and pain, which has accompanied defeat against the Koreans, especially the narrow 21-19 setback at home in 2012 and last year's 43-22 loss away. "Playing them is more of a mindset issue and for some reason we don't seem to be able to get over the mental hump," Tauti said. We have got to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1508573/its-all-mind-against-koreans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1508573/its-all-mind-against-koreans?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 May 2014 14:00:45 +0000 Head coach Leigh Jones has made three changes for what he says is the “most important 15s game” Hong Kong has ever faced – against South Korea in the Asian Five Nations at Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday. “It is a massive game with huge implications. It is perhaps the single largest or most important game we have played in 15s in Hong Kong,” said Jones, referring to the A5N being the final stage of Asian qualifying for the 2015 World Cup. The winners of the A5N – likely to be Japan – will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1507643/hong-kong-face-most-important-15s-game-ever-says-coach-leigh?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1507643/hong-kong-face-most-important-15s-game-ever-says-coach-leigh?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 May 2014 15:00:00 +0000 The victory over Sri Lanka has resulted in Hong Kong moving up one spot in the IRB world rankings to a record-equalling 25th place. It still means a trip to Uruguay for the first round of the 2015 World Cup repêchage if we beat South Korea on Saturday as the South American nation is ranked 20th and the team with the better ranking will host the one-off game which will decide who moves into the next stage of the qualifying process. If Hong Kong are triumphant at Hong Kong Football Club this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1506675/its-time-get-close-and-personal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1506675/its-time-get-close-and-personal?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 May 2014 10:45:15 +0000 Watch highlights from Hong Kong’s 41-10 defeat of Sri Lanka in the second round of the 2014 Asian Five Nations in Colombo on Saturday (May 3). Hong Kong outclassed their hosts, but despite running in six tries in the match their performance was described as “patchy”. https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1504967/video-sri-lanka-10-41-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1504967/video-sri-lanka-10-41-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 May 2014 06:55:53 +0000 The local rugby community has been and continues to be spoiled by a succession of international competitions being hosted here in Hong Kong. The annual festival of Sevens week in late March was followed by the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy (JWRT), which featured eight international under-20 teams playing some of the most passionate and engrossing games witnessed here for many a year. We are now midway through the Asian Five Nations competition, which doubles as the region’s World Cup qualifier,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1504952/after-final-whistle-legacy-game-begins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1504952/after-final-whistle-legacy-game-begins?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 May 2014 06:45:30 +0000 Hong Kong coach Leigh Jones has warned his players that their error count was unacceptable in their 41-10 win over Sri Lanka in the Asian Five Nations and demanded serious improvement as they try to keep their World Cup dream alive against South Korea. Hong Kong are top of the standings with a maximum 12 points from two games, Japan and South Korea are on six, but with a game in hand. "We will have to go back to the drawing board this week and look at ways to optimise our chances for the crucial... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1504358/coach-jones-demands-great-improvement-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1504358/coach-jones-demands-great-improvement-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 May 2014 04:00:00 +0000 Marching bands and dancing girls provided some glitz but Sri Lanka failed to shine where it mattered as Hong Kong overpowered the islanders 41-10 to remain unbeaten and on course for a repêchage spot in the 2015 World Cup qualifying campaign. The half-time show was the only entertainment for the large home crowd in Colombo as Hong Kong dominated set pieces to enjoy plenty of possession. We need to raise our performance levels in a number of areas Leigh Jones Sri Lanka were sterner... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1503825/hong-kong-outclass-sri-lanka-patchy-a5n-effort?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1503825/hong-kong-outclass-sri-lanka-patchy-a5n-effort?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 May 2014 16:45:30 +0000 Make no bones about it. If not for the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, the world's local bank - well, that is what it used to call itself - would not have got involved in Asian rugby. HSBC has close links with the union and is a co-title sponsor of the Hong Kong Sevens. Although headquartered in London, its origins were in Hong Kong and Shanghai, and it continues to have strong links with this city, especially with rugby. It would be far better for the Asian Rugby Football Union to start... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1503475/find-new-rugby-sponsor-quick?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1503475/find-new-rugby-sponsor-quick?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 May 2014 12:45:15 +0000 Sri Lanka will break new ground when they field foreign-born players for the first time in the national rugby team with passports fast-tracked for three Fijians to test Hong Kong in the Asian Five Nations on Saturday. "It has been confirmed. Three Fijians, two centres and a fullback, will start against Hong Kong," said a source close to the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union. Hong Kong arrived on Friday with team manager Dai Rees saying one of his first tasks would be to check if the trio meet the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1502742/fijian-trio-poses-new-threat-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1502742/fijian-trio-poses-new-threat-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 May 2014 15:00:45 +0000 Hong Kong could run into a wall of Fijians with Sri Lanka making hasty plans to field three Pacific islanders for their Asian Five Nations clash on Saturday. It is understood the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) is trying to fast-track passports for a forward and two backs. Sri Lanka are captained by Namal Rajapaksa, whose father is president of the South Asian country. If I thought [the changes] would compromise our performance I wouldn’t have gone for it Leigh Jones While there was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1501100/sri-lankans-attempt-fijian-fix-hong-kong-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1501100/sri-lankans-attempt-fijian-fix-hong-kong-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Apr 2014 14:00:00 +0000 It wasn’t quite the hammering Hong Kong gave Singapore in a 1994 World Cup qualifier, but last Saturday’s 108-0 drubbing of the Philippines came close. Memories of that match at the Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur came flooding back for a number of reasons, largely because crossing the 100-point threshold is no simple feat. As head coach Leigh Jones pointed out, it takes focus to keep your eye on the ball when you are winning so easily. “It was clinical and very professional,” he said... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1500903/korea-will-be-real-test-todays-ton-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1500903/korea-will-be-real-test-todays-ton-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Apr 2014 12:45:15 +0000 HSBC has pulled its title sponsorship from Asia's pre-eminent rugby competitions – the Asian Five Nations and Asian Sevens Series – forcing the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) to downsize the top-flight A5N division from next year.   ARFU president Trevor Gregory admits that HSBC's withdrawal is a "blow", but he insists the regional governing body is financially strong enough to continue to support the game in Asia. "Of course HSBC pulling out is a blow, but we will be eternally grateful to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1497965/hsbc-pulls-sponsorship-asian-five-nations-and-asian-sevens-series?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1497965/hsbc-pulls-sponsorship-asian-five-nations-and-asian-sevens-series?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Apr 2014 17:00:15 +0000 Hong Kong hammered the Philippines 108-0 to get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a dream start on Saturday. The 16-try rout highlights the huge gulf in quality in Asia and while it might not be the best preparation for Hong Kong as they look towards mounting a challenge against Japan, posting a century is not something to be sneezed at. The Philippines were found wanting in all departments with Hong Kong's forwards, led admirably by Matt Lamming and Pale Tauti, steamrolling to a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1497940/hong-kong-crush-philippines-16-try-asian-five-nations-opener?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1497940/hong-kong-crush-philippines-16-try-asian-five-nations-opener?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Apr 2014 15:45:45 +0000 Watch Hong Kong run in 16 unanswered tries on their way to thumping the Philippines 108-0 in their opening match of the 2014 Asian Five Nations at HKFC on Saturday (April 26). Twelve players touched down for the hosts, including a Matt Lamming hat-trick and two each from Bill Brant and Tom McColl. Fly-half Chris McAdam kicked 11 conversions and two penalties to top the scoring with 28 points. https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1497865/video-hong-kong-v-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1497865/video-hong-kong-v-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Apr 2014 13:00:45 +0000 The target is to remain unbeaten going into the match against Japan at the old National Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on May 25. To achieve that Hong Kong first need to defeat the Philippines, Sri Lanka and South Korea on three successive weekends – starting on Saturday at the Hong Kong Football Club when they meet the Volcanoes. This year's Asian Five Nations has an added gloss with it being the regional qualifiers for the 2015 World Cup. Our goal is to go to Japan undefeated, but to achieve that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1496964/hong-kong-steel-themselves-tough-a5n-campaign?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1496964/hong-kong-steel-themselves-tough-a5n-campaign?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:45:30 +0000 A5N Top Five final standings Pos Team P W D L PF PA PD TB LB Pts 1 Japan 4 4 0 0 342 33 309 4 0 24 2 Hong Kong 4 3 0 1 196 65 131 3 0 18 3 South... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1497223/asian-five-nations-fixtures-and-results?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1497223/asian-five-nations-fixtures-and-results?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:45:00 +0000 The Asian qualifiers for the 2015 Rugby World Cup will take pride of place on this year’s Asian Five Nations calendar which kicks off on Saturday, the Asian Rugby Football Union announced on Wednesday. The champions of the Top 5 tournament will earn an automatic spot as in a daunting Pool B with South Africa, Samoa, Scotland and Americas 2 at next year’s RWC in England. The runners-up will enter a two-stage repêchage with the first match against Uruguay played in the home country of the team... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1495749/rwc-qualifier-tops-bill-2014-asian-five-nations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1495749/rwc-qualifier-tops-bill-2014-asian-five-nations?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Apr 2014 04:30:15 +0000 The rivalry for places was so intense there was a "bite" in the air soon after the 23-man squad was named for the opening match in the Asian Five Nations, with players not selected expressing their disappointment on the training field - much to the delight of head coach Leigh Jones. "There were plenty of 'nerves' around after the squad was named and there was a bite about the training," said Jones, who was pleased by the attitude of the nine men overlooked for the first of four games in the 2015... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1495299/leigh-jones-pleased-players-desire-ahead-opening-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1495299/leigh-jones-pleased-players-desire-ahead-opening-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Apr 2014 13:45:45 +0000 Feisty under-20 fullback Hugo Stiles will be pushing for a place in the Hong Kong senior team who face an intense start to their 2015 World Cup qualifying campaign when they meet the Philippines in the opener of the Asian Five Nations Top Five tournament at home on Saturday. Stiles is one of several members of the Hong Kong squad who played at the just-concluded IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy who have caught the eye of Dai Rees, and the teenager will be in contention after the opening game... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1493761/teenager-hugo-stiles-looking-earn-first-senior-cap-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1493761/teenager-hugo-stiles-looking-earn-first-senior-cap-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:30:30 +0000 Hong Kong's next generation of players will get an early chance to impress selectors at the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy (JWRT), to be staged for the first time in Asia – at the Hong Kong Football Club from Monday. "We will be keeping an eye on them and if any of the boys catch the eye, no doubt we will be pulling them in [for the Asian Five Nations]," said Dai Rees, the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union's head of technical development and performance. The Asian Five Nations Top Five competition... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1465946/hong-kong-junior-players-vie-places-asian-five-nations-squad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1465946/hong-kong-junior-players-vie-places-asian-five-nations-squad?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Apr 2014 15:45:45 +0000 Hong Kong face a daunting long-haul trip to Montevideo to take on Uruguay if they finish second in the Asian qualifiers for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Uruguay lost 32-13 to the United States in the return leg in Atlanta over the weekend - the first leg was drawn 27-27 - to be relegated to the first round of the repechage, where they will come up against the second-placed team from Asia. The South Americans will be a handful, but Hong Kong are not looking that far ahead just yet. Right now all... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/1462655/trip-face-uruguay-awaits-if-hong-kong-can-achieve-second-asian?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/1462655/trip-face-uruguay-awaits-if-hong-kong-can-achieve-second-asian?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Apr 2014 13:45:00 +0000 Thank heavens I didn’t wake up with a tattoo on my face or a tiger in my bathroom. Yet, it was Hangover-esque as 2014 was ushered in with Mr Johnnie Walker. While my more robust friends were up a couple of hours later and going to work – in Sri Lanka they take pride in working on the first day of the year (the rest of the year is a holiday) – I spent the first day of the new year tenderly thinking of having to return (soon) to work myself. That prospect was cheered by the thought that 2014 could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1395864/world-cup-dream-wipes-away-headache?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1395864/world-cup-dream-wipes-away-headache?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jan 2014 07:15:30 +0000 Well! Where to start? What an outstanding performance by our Hong Kong boys on Tuesday night at King's Park. We should not underestimate the significance of the result, along with the hard work put in by all the players and coaches. You have to realise that 70 per cent of the current Belgium national squad play their club rugby in the top three divisions of the French leagues and that they achieved great results in the European Championships earlier this year against the likes of Georgia and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1386050/mid-season-internationals-having-significant-impact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1386050/mid-season-internationals-having-significant-impact?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Dec 2013 12:45:45 +0000 Hong Kong have a new captain – and considering the man, that’s a very good thing – but they will confront the same old problems as they look forward to next year’s HSBC Asian Five Nations campaign that will double as the regional qualifier for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England. Man-for-all-seasons – be it sevens or 15s – Nick Hewson has been given the responsibility of leading Hong Kong and he will face a baptism of fire in the two tests against Belgium later this month. A full-time player at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1374055/tough-challenges-await-perfect-man-job?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1374055/tough-challenges-await-perfect-man-job?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Dec 2013 15:00:15 +0000