https://www.scmp.com/rss/323372/feed The 2016-17 HKRU Premiership is Hong Kong’s top club competition for men. The six-team league runs over 15 rounds from 24 September 2016 and is followed by the Grand Championship play-offs in February and March 2017. The seven-team Women’s Premiership begins on the same day and runs over 14 rounds. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com They played together at Pontypool RFC in Wales and now recent Hong Kong debutant Dan Barlow is leaning on veteran forward Alex Ng Wai-shing as he settles into international rugby. For prop Barlow, who earned his first two caps in Hong Kong’s tour of Kenya in August, representing his adopted home and playing in the front row alongside an old friend is as good as it gets. “Alex coming to Pontypool and playing was a big experience for him and now it’s a role reversal,” Barlow said. “To come over... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2114235/after-packing-down-together-pontypool-new-hong-kong-debutant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2114235/after-packing-down-together-pontypool-new-hong-kong-debutant?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Oct 2017 04:30:52 +0000 Societe Generale Valley Black Ladies made it three grand championship wins on the trot in the KPMG Women’s Premiership on Saturday, defeating CPM Gai Wu Falcons 15-7 in a dour affair at King’s Park. A match featuring the teams that have won the last seven grand championships between them was always going to be willing, but it was Valley who again showed their might. The victory extended Valley’s undefeated streak to three full seasons and an unbelievable 42 matches, as well as handing them their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2078128/former-samoa-international-bella-milo-stars-valley-take-third?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2078128/former-samoa-international-bella-milo-stars-valley-take-third?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Mar 2017 16:30:02 +0000 Societe Generale Valley’s Hautapu connection was in full flight on Saturday as they posted a 22-13 victory over Kowloon to win their fifth consecutive Hong Kong Premiership grand championship. Scrum half Ruan du Plooy is the latest player from the New Zealand club to join Valley via a link through the club’s director of rugby Deano Herewini and he has been a key player since coming on board mid-season. Born in Pretoria, Du Plooy spent the last seven years in Hautapu and joins stalwart Nick... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2078125/hautapu-connection-work-again-ruan-du-plooy-helps-valley-make?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2078125/hautapu-connection-work-again-ruan-du-plooy-helps-valley-make?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Mar 2017 15:37:22 +0000 With five of the past seven grand championship titles and a winning streak of 41 matches, Societe Generale Valley take on CPM Gai Wu Falcons in the KMPG Women’s Premiership final on Saturday looking to add another chapter to their storied history. The two teams have dominated the league in recent seasons and meet for the fourth consecutive time in a grand championship final. Gai Wu have won the two titles to elude Valley in the past seven years but will have their work cut out against a Valley... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2077879/valley-out-extend-phenomenal-41-match-winning-streak-womens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2077879/valley-out-extend-phenomenal-41-match-winning-streak-womens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:31:24 +0000 Kowloon started their season determined to fast track a rebuild that would leave the club in good stead for years to come and could well end it with a grand championship. They take on Societe Generale Valley in the Hong Kong Premiership decider on Saturday and captain Phil Whitfield is confident the club’s 40th anniversary season could end on the highest of highs. “We know they’ve been there and done it and it’s going to be a hell of a challenge,” Whitfield said. “But we’ve got every chance come... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2077751/captain-phil-whitfield-lauds-winning-culture-kowloon-hunt-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2077751/captain-phil-whitfield-lauds-winning-culture-kowloon-hunt-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Mar 2017 04:39:51 +0000 A late Jack Neville try saw Kowloon snatch a 21-15 victory over Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers in the Hong Kong Premiership on Saturday. Kowloon will meet Societe Generale Valley in the grand championship final after Valley saw off Natixis HKFC 27-14 in a willing encounter. Kowloon at one point led 14-3 but Tigers came surging back and led by a point in the shadows of the post, before Neville launched his match-winning run from near the halfway line. “It’s great for the club to be in the final and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2076108/jack-neville-hero-kowloon-pip-tigers-make-grand-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2076108/jack-neville-hero-kowloon-pip-tigers-make-grand-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Mar 2017 15:01:45 +0000 A journeyman with stints at three Super Rugby clubs, Valley second-rower Martin Muller says he is now enjoying rugby in its purest form. The 28-year-old was a key player in Valley’s 27-14 win over Natixis HKFC that saw the reigning grand champions book a meeting with the weekend’s other winner, Kowloon, in the Hong Kong Premiership decider. “Valley’s got a great community feel, it feels like rugby at it’s purest again,” Muller said. “I have been in Hong Kong for about four months and I’m loving... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2076103/former-super-rugby-forward-martin-muller-enjoying-rugby-its?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2076103/former-super-rugby-forward-martin-muller-enjoying-rugby-its?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Mar 2017 14:11:56 +0000 Tigers forward Jack Capon is hoping to use his side’s unexpected semi-final clash with Kowloon on Saturday as an extra boost in his bid to play in his first Hong Kong Sevens in April. While Capon says the result wasn’t a surprise to him, there weren’t many outside the Tigers camp expecting them to overcome the highly fancied Bloomberg HK Scottish in the quarter-finals. “I think having the opportunity to play this weekend will definitely benefit me,” Capon said. “I’ll benefit from the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2075816/hong-kong-sevens-jack-capons-sights-he-aims-help-tigers-through?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2075816/hong-kong-sevens-jack-capons-sights-he-aims-help-tigers-through?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Mar 2017 08:08:12 +0000 The business end of the season kicked off on Saturday and it was the Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers who delivered the performance of the round, upsetting Bloomberg HK Scottish 38-28. It was a disappointing end to a season that promised so much for Scottish, with Tigers now riding high despite finishing the minor round in bottom place. The other match stayed true to form, with Natixis HKFC knocking off Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC 17-3 to put an end to a tough season for the Cricketers. WATCH:... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2074844/watch-highlights-hong-kong-premiership-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2074844/watch-highlights-hong-kong-premiership-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Feb 2017 13:58:05 +0000 Fresh off a game for the Australian Barbarians against Super Rugby’s ACT Brumbies in January, new Natixis Hong Kong Football Club forward Will Munro has coach Phil Bailey excited. Second-row forward Munro was never far from the action as HKFC wore down Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC to win their quarter-final 17-3 on Saturday, while Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers shocked Bloomberg HK Scottish 38-28 in the other match to set up a semi-final against Kowloon. “Will came a little bit late because he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2074039/phil-bailey-excited-australian-barbarian-will-munros-impact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2074039/phil-bailey-excited-australian-barbarian-will-munros-impact?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:01:02 +0000 Second rower Adrian Griffiths has seen enough in his time at Hong Kong Cricket Club to know they are not to be written off. Despite a tough minor round that yielded only three wins, Griffiths has a good feeling as his side prepares to take on Natixis HKFC in the quarter-finals of the Hong Kong Premiership. “The boys are always in high spirits, it’s fantastic,” he said. “Nothing has changed in that aspect. Hopefully now we can pull it together. We have got a strong team for this weekend and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2073707/dont-write-us-hong-kong-premiership-race-says-cricket-clubs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2073707/dont-write-us-hong-kong-premiership-race-says-cricket-clubs?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Feb 2017 04:16:30 +0000 On the final weekend of matches before the play-offs, the game of the week saw Natixis HKFC coast to a comfortable 37-8 victory over Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers. WATCH: Natixis HKFC 37- 8 Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2073042/watch-football-club-v-tigers-round-15-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2073042/watch-football-club-v-tigers-round-15-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:37:44 +0000 Powerful forward Turoa Stephens says he has never before played in a side like the current Kowloon outfit and credits a mutual respect among the players as the driving force this season. In the final minor round of the Hong Kong Premiership on Saturday, Kowloon secured second spot with a 28-17 win over Bloomberg HK Scottish, while Societe Generale Valley claimed a second consecutive league championship with a 61-26 victory over Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC. “I have never been in a team where... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2072062/culture-built-respect-driving-kowloon-towards-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2072062/culture-built-respect-driving-kowloon-towards-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Feb 2017 14:21:21 +0000 Alex Woodburn is loving Hong Kong so much he’s started a YouTube channel, although the time difference makes it hard to follow his brother Olly’s exploits for the Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership. In his first season with the Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers, the flanker is thriving on a different style of rugby in warmer conditions to what he is used to in the UK. “Sometimes Olly’s games are on quite early in the morning, but I watched him play against Wasps [last weekend] and he scored a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2071720/youtube-videos-and-late-nights-watching-brother-olly-play?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2071720/youtube-videos-and-late-nights-watching-brother-olly-play?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Feb 2017 03:30:07 +0000 Societe Generale Valley are all but assured of a second successive league championship after a commanding 29-3 win over Bloomberg HK Scottish in the Hong Kong Premiership on Saturday. Valley showed they are again the team to beat this season, running in 29 unanswered point thanks to tries to Tiger Bax, Grant Kemp, Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi and Matt Rosslee. Kowloon’s 37-20 win over Natixis HKFC ensures they are still a chance to finish second and earn a home semi-final ahead of their clash with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2070465/watch-highlights-round-14-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2070465/watch-highlights-round-14-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Feb 2017 12:35:00 +0000 A Societe Generale Valley side that co-captain Tom Broughton says is getting “better and better” every year have stepped up their efforts to land a second successive league and grand championship double. As of this week the powerhouses added a third session to their weekly schedule and it paid immediate dividends, with Valley thumping Bloomberg HK Scottish 29-3 in the Hong Kong Premiership on Saturday to all but seal the league championship. “We’ve put a big focus on the next month,” Broughton... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2070103/valley-leaving-no-stone-unturned-bid-continue-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2070103/valley-leaving-no-stone-unturned-bid-continue-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Feb 2017 13:25:05 +0000 While he admits the skills don’t really transfer to rugby, Hong Kong Sevens hopeful Charlie Higson-Smith takes plenty of positives out of his time playing lacrosse at university in England. The 25-year-old got his first taste of competitive seven-man rugby on Hong Kong’s recent trip to Fiji, the latest instalment in what has been a big few years for the big-bodied back. “Playing lacrosse probably didn’t help my rugby much, but there was a gym programme that helped my strength and conditioning,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2069791/lacrosse-stint-england-fuels-fire-hong-kong-sevens-hopeful?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2069791/lacrosse-stint-england-fuels-fire-hong-kong-sevens-hopeful?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Feb 2017 04:48:16 +0000 The match of the round in the Hong Kong Premiership delivered on all fronts, with the Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers coming back from 19 points down to draw 29-29 with Societe Generale Valley. The draw means Bloomberg HK Scottish – who beat Natixis HKFC 27-21 – are now equal with Valley on top of the table. Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC’s tough season continued as they went down 47-17 to Kowloon. WATCH: Societe Generale Valley 29-29 Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers WATCH: Bloomberg HK Scottish 27-21... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2064411/watch-highlights-round-13-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2064411/watch-highlights-round-13-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Jan 2017 13:32:23 +0000 After a brief pit stop at the Discovery Bay Pirates on arrival in Hong Kong, Robbie Keith looms as a dangerous weapon for Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers as they look to build momentum ahead of the Hong Kong Premiership’s grand championships. Keith was in everything for a full 80 minutes at fly half as Tigers came back from 19 points down at half time to snatch an impressive 29-29 draw with league leaders Societe Generale Valley. From Salisbury in the south of England, Keith came to Hong Kong for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2064245/robbie-keith-firing-tigers-hong-kong-premiership-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2064245/robbie-keith-firing-tigers-hong-kong-premiership-after?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Jan 2017 11:23:23 +0000 A Scottish side hunting their first major silverware in the Hong Kong Premiership will be looking to the likes of gun centre Conor Hartley to lead the way as the finals series approaches. Hartley switched from Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC to Bloomberg HK Scottish this season and played in the Cricketers loss to Societe Generale Valley in last year’s grand championship final. He scored his side’s only try in that game and was also a member of the HKCC squad that won the league championship the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2063916/ex-cricketer-conor-hartley-looking-draw-finals-experience?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2063916/ex-cricketer-conor-hartley-looking-draw-finals-experience?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Jan 2017 06:30:15 +0000 Societe Generale Valley made it clear they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Hong Kong Premiership on the weekend, defeating Natixis HKFC 33-14 with a brilliant display. HKFC entered the game with the chance to overtake Valley on the table but where blown away either side of half-time by their experienced opponents. Elsewhere, Bloomberg HK Scottish ensured the race for the league championship stayed well and truly alive with a 45-29 win over Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC, while Kowloon... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2063267/watch-highlights-round-12-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2063267/watch-highlights-round-12-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Jan 2017 12:33:21 +0000 Valley back-rower Toby Fenn is looking forward to getting thrown in the “deep end” in Fiji after his side made a statement with a blistering 33-14 win over Football Club on Saturday. Fenn found the try line in a win that ensured Societe Generale Valley remained on top of the table and is part of the 15-man Hong Kong squad who will train against the Fiji sevens side on Tuesday. “You are obviously at the peak of everything there, so you throw yourself in the deep end and see what happens,” he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2062213/toby-fenn-ready-get-thrown-deep-end-fiji-valley-post-commanding?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2062213/toby-fenn-ready-get-thrown-deep-end-fiji-valley-post-commanding?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Jan 2017 12:48:45 +0000 Skipper Mitch Andrews says there is a “massive difference” between the Football Club side of last year and the one that has the chance to grab top spot in the Hong Kong Premiership this weekend. Natixis HKFC were bundled out in the quarter-finals last year despite finishing the minor round in third, but a win against Societe Generale Valley this week could see them leading the charge for the league championship. “If we knock them off and other results go our way then we could be sitting on top,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2061949/captain-mitch-andrews-hails-massive-difference-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2061949/captain-mitch-andrews-hails-massive-difference-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Jan 2017 08:49:23 +0000 HK Scottish captain Kane Boucaut is hopeful the success of Hong Kong’s women can inspire the men’s sevens and 15s teams to bigger and better things in an “exciting” 2017. Boucaut was as solid as a rock in Scottish’s 35-27 come-from-behind win over Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers in the Hong Kong Premiership on Saturday. The 25-year-old is part of the HKRU’s elite rugby programme and thinks that by qualifying for this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, Hong Kong’s girls have shown the way for the men. “A... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2060226/scottish-captain-kane-boucaut-hopes-success-hong-kongs-women?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2060226/scottish-captain-kane-boucaut-hopes-success-hong-kongs-women?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Jan 2017 13:18:13 +0000 Valley No 8 Karetai Williams hopes his basketball background can help his side win yet another grand championship, something he says would be the “number one” achievement in his career. The Hong Kong Premiership enters its final five minor round matches this weekend and again Societe Generale Valley are poised to challenge for both the league and grand championships. While 25-year-old Williams knows there is plenty of water yet to go under the bridge ahead of Valley’s crunch clash with Kowloon... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2059886/valley-enforcer-karetai-williams-draws-basketball-background?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2059886/valley-enforcer-karetai-williams-draws-basketball-background?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Jan 2017 04:01:14 +0000 If Football Club’s Nathan de Thierry can play with half the heart of recent All Blacks debutant Damian McKenzie each time he steps out, he’s pretty happy. One of five Chiefs players in Hong Kong as part of a deal between the HKRU and the Super Rugby club, De Thierry is plotting his path towards his dream of wearing the vaunted black jersey. He was one of HKFC’s best in their 17-11 win over Kowloon on Thursday night, slotting four penalties, and he has seen first-hand McKenzie’s work at the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2054963/football-clubs-nathan-de-thierry-plays-heart-chief-damian?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2054963/football-clubs-nathan-de-thierry-plays-heart-chief-damian?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:08:49 +0000 Born and raised in Bahrain, HKCC fullback James Love considers beating Hong Kong as one of his career highlights. The 29-year-old, who has played professionally in England, was a member of the Arabian Gulf team that proved too strong for Hong Kong in the 2010 Asian Five Nations. “That is one of my career highlights, playing Hong Kong and beating Hong Kong at my home ground in Bahrain where I grew up,” Love said. “We had quite a successful year actually, we beat Hong Kong and we beat South Korea... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2054474/beating-hong-kong-while-playing-arabian-gulf-highlight-hkcc?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2054474/beating-hong-kong-while-playing-arabian-gulf-highlight-hkcc?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Dec 2016 06:32:30 +0000 Round nine was full of highlights, with Kowloon landing a thrilling 18-17 win over Bloomberg HK Scottish that stretched their unbeaten run to four matches. Elsewhere, Societe Generale Valley pulled off a stunning comeback to win 31-29 against Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC and regain top spot on the table, while Natixis HKFC thrashed Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers 42-17. WATCH: Kowloon 18-17 Bloomberg HK Scottish WATCH: Societe Generale Valley 31-29 Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC WATCH: Natixis HKFC... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2053938/watch-highlights-round-nine-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2053938/watch-highlights-round-nine-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Dec 2016 10:11:26 +0000 Extra burgers are on the cards for Valley’s forwards after they stood tall in their side’s dramatic come-from-behind 31-29 win over Cricket Club, according to prop Grant Kemp. At one point trailing by 17 points, Valley fought their way back to snatch victory after the siren courtesy of a Ben Rimene conversion. “The highlight of the game for us was probably a seven-man scrum on our five-metre line and we kept them out, turned it over and went 90 metres for a try,” Kemp said. “Obviously that is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2053564/former-super-rugby-player-grant-kemp-calls-extra-burgers-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2053564/former-super-rugby-player-grant-kemp-calls-extra-burgers-after?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Dec 2016 14:04:49 +0000 Despite being described by Hong Kong coach Leigh Jones as “probably as good a scrum half as I have worked with”, Jason Jeyam says he feels no pressure as he goes about building his rugby career. The 22-year-old made his Hong Kong debut in the recent Cup of Nations and says the encouragement of Jones helped him play his natural game. “He is quite a high-pressure coach but in certain situations he has been quite lenient with how I play and he’s very encouraging,” Jeyam said. “He literally just... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2053283/tigers-youngster-jason-jeyam-feeling-no-pressure-despite-lavish?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2053283/tigers-youngster-jason-jeyam-feeling-no-pressure-despite-lavish?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Dec 2016 09:22:20 +0000 A season-defining round of matches saw Kowloon continue their resurgence with a 20-10 win over Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC in the match of the round at Aberdeen. Elsewhere, Bloomberg HK Scottish took care of Natixis HKFC 34-22 to jump to outright top on the table and Societe Generale Valley ground out a 15-10 victory against Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers. WATCH: Kowloon 20-10 Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC WATCH: Bloomberg HK Scottish 34-22 Natixis HKFC WATCH: Societe Generale Valley 15-10... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2051606/watch-highlights-round-eight-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/2051606/watch-highlights-round-eight-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Dec 2016 11:21:35 +0000 Unlike previous years in the Hong Kong Rugby Union Premiership, Kowloon prop Adam Fullgrabe says “every single set piece is hotly contested” as the intensity continues to build in the competition. Fresh off a gruelling shift against a powerful Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC forward pack in a game which his side won 20-10, Fullgrabe has noticed a marked improvement over the opening eight rounds. “Technically in every single scrum, from last year playing and years gone by when I used to watch, in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2051488/hong-kong-premiership-set-pieces-heating-says-kowloon-prop-adam?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2051488/hong-kong-premiership-set-pieces-heating-says-kowloon-prop-adam?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Dec 2016 13:27:41 +0000 As one of Hong Kong’s most promising young fly halves, it doesn’t get much better for Jack Neville than training and playing alongside former England international Olly Barkley. After joining Kowloon this season in a player-coach role, Barkley started for the first time in his side’s win over Societe Generale Valley last weekend and Neville can already feel his game growing. “He gave me a lot of direction and clear thoughts about where we are going with the game,” Neville said. “It’s like having... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2051201/kowloon-fly-half-jack-neville-soaks-lessons-former-england-player-olly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2051201/kowloon-fly-half-jack-neville-soaks-lessons-former-england-player-olly?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Dec 2016 08:43:36 +0000 New HK Scottish duo Josh Dowsing and Lars Morrice are hopeful their stint in Hong Kong will act as a vital stepping stone in their quest to play Super Rugby. Members of the Chiefs development squad, the pair are in Hong Kong with three teammates as part of a deal between the Chiefs and the union to strengthen the Premiership and in turn the national side. Both played for the first time in Scottish’s 16-0 win over the Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers in horrendous conditions on Saturday, with flanker... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2049473/chiefs-duo-hoping-hong-kong-scottish-stint-can-help-them-realise-super?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2049473/chiefs-duo-hoping-hong-kong-scottish-stint-can-help-them-realise-super?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Nov 2016 14:03:32 +0000 The Hong Kong Rugby Union’s partnership with Super Rugby side the Chiefs will go to another level on Saturday, with five members of the club’s development squad to step out in the Premiership. The quintuplet have come to Hong Kong on a trail basis until the end of the season and will be spread across four clubs in a bid to raise the standard of the competition. Bloomberg HK Scottish is set to benefit the most, with lock Lars Morrice and flanker Josh Dowsing joining the club and starting on the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2049260/super-rugbys-chiefs-rescue-union-looks-boost-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2049260/super-rugbys-chiefs-rescue-union-looks-boost-hong-kong-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Nov 2016 09:15:30 +0000 In the crowd as Football Club went down to Valley by seven points in the HKRU Premiership on Saturday, Jamie Hood has put his hand up to play for Hong Kong in the Cup of Nations starting next week. Back in the city while Japan’s Top League breaks during the international window, veteran international Hood can’t wait to play with his best mates again. “I’m going back to Japan for a camp so I’ll miss the first test but I’ve been training with Hong Kong this week to try and get into the team for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2043328/im-hong-kongs-cup-nations-tilt-says-japan-based-jamie-hood?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2043328/im-hong-kongs-cup-nations-tilt-says-japan-based-jamie-hood?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Nov 2016 12:15:45 +0000 A tough opening six rounds of the HKRU Premiership will ensure Hong Kong are ready to fire in the Cup of Nations, according to Kowloon flanker James Cunningham. Hong Kong take on Zimbabwe, Russia and Papua New Guinea in the round robin tournament starting next week and Cunningham, who debuted in last year’s series, is confident the side is well placed. “Personally I think the local competition has been a lot more competitive this year than last year,” he said. “Last year was only my first year... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2043009/tough-start-premiership-has-hong-kong-primed-cup-nations-says-james?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2043009/tough-start-premiership-has-hong-kong-primed-cup-nations-says-james?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Nov 2016 06:00:15 +0000 Back playing after a serious knee injury kept him out of last season, Hong Kong Cricket Club captain Liam Slatem already has one eye on Hong Kong’s 2017 November tests. That’s not to say leading his side through this year’s HKRU Premiership season is not at the forefront of the South African’s mind, but the ambitious 27-year-old is allowing himself to dream. A year in to his time with the union’s elite rugby programme, Slatem is counting down the days until he is eligible to represent Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2041274/hkcc-skipper-liam-slatem-eyes-hong-kong-role-he-battles-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2041274/hkcc-skipper-liam-slatem-eyes-hong-kong-role-he-battles-back?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Oct 2016 12:45:15 +0000 New Zealander Josh Hrstich gained plenty from his two-year stint playing rugby in Ireland, including some potential guests during next year’s British & Irish Lions tour in his homeland. The Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers recruit has come to Hong Kong after two seasons playing for Limerick-based club Garryowen FC in the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League. “I’ve already got a few Irish mates ringing me up to see if my couch is free during the tour,” Hrstich said. “It’s always good seeing the All Blacks... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2040998/josh-hrstich-shines-hong-kongs-tigers-after-irish-jaunt-and-some-help?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2040998/josh-hrstich-shines-hong-kongs-tigers-after-irish-jaunt-and-some-help?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Oct 2016 07:30:30 +0000 Former Wales sevens player Tom Isaacs has plenty of fond memories of the Hong Kong rugby scene, with a run to the quarter-finals in this year’s tournament at Hong Kong Stadium top of the list. It was Gordon Tietjens mighty New Zealand side that put an end to that sojourn, but Isaacs’ connection with Hong Kong certainly doesn’t end at the sevens. He was in Hong Kong a decade ago playing for Cardiff University at the Hong Kong 10s and, after signing with Natixis Hong Kong Football Club for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2039267/former-wales-player-tom-isaacs-continues-hong-kong-rugby-love-affair?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2039267/former-wales-player-tom-isaacs-continues-hong-kong-rugby-love-affair?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Oct 2016 12:45:30 +0000 Valley and Hong Kong Cricket Club clash on Saturday in the most anticipated match of the season thus far, and one person who knows plenty about the rivalry between the two powerhouses is back rower Ben Davey. After a season with Valley in 2014-15, Davey headed home to London to finish his degree in business management with the intention of returning to Hong Kong as soon as possible. Rather than heading back to Valley on his return, circumstance saw Davey join Hong Kong Cricket Club (HKCC) this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2039036/valley-and-hong-kong-cricket-club-resume-bitter-rivalry-hkru-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2039036/valley-and-hong-kong-cricket-club-resume-bitter-rivalry-hkru-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Oct 2016 10:00:00 +0000 Jumping from a third division side to the starting line-up of four-time reigning grand champion Valley is no mean feat, but then winger Doug Fluker was no ordinary third division player. After helping Gai Wu top the National League 1 – which is now the second tier of men’s rugby after a summer reshuffle – last season, Fluker made the move to Societe Generale Valley to test himself among Hong Kong’s best. “I wanted to try and play up a couple of grades,” Fluker said. “The training is obviously... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2026366/doug-fluker-feeling-right-home-after-switch-gai-wu-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2026366/doug-fluker-feeling-right-home-after-switch-gai-wu-premiership?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Oct 2016 13:45:45 +0000 After years of warming up in front of the South Stand during his time playing sevens for Wales, new Hong Kong elite men’s coach and HKFC recruit Jevon Groves is already plotting a trip into the iconic party area come April. He may fall short in his plan however, with the 28-year-old, who was appointed as Gareth Baber’s assistant in July, set to have other things on his plate at the Hong Kong Sevens. Having captained Wales on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and played as recently as the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2026082/former-wales-sevens-captain-jevon-groves-settling-gareth-babers-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2026082/former-wales-sevens-captain-jevon-groves-settling-gareth-babers-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Oct 2016 09:15:30 +0000 In the coming weeks the naming rights sponsor of the Hong Kong Rugby Union Premiership – rugbypass.com – will begin covering one game a week live. Rugby Pass services 23 countries throughout Asia and hopes to expand its reach into Europe as early as February of next year. To have exposure on such a platform is certainly a great result for a league that has only had the odd big match streamed on the likes of YouTube and the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) website in the past. But while on the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2026009/could-having-match-week-streamed-throughout-asia-help-put-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2026009/could-having-match-week-streamed-throughout-asia-help-put-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Oct 2016 04:45:00 +0000 New Hong Kong Scottish flyhalf Gregor McNeish credits years of playing soccer in his youth and former Waikato Chief Dan Waenga for his laser-like kicking accuracy. From Scotland, McNeish came to Hong Kong after a season playing for the Taradale Rugby Club in New Zealand. “My mum and dad are PE teachers so I played a lot of sports,” McNeish says. “I played a lot of football and a lot of golf, but stuck with rugby in the end. Playing [soccer] and kicking so much probably helped.” Although he was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2024318/kicking-hong-kong-scottish-recruit-gregor-mcneish-target-thanks-former?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2024318/kicking-hong-kong-scottish-recruit-gregor-mcneish-target-thanks-former?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Oct 2016 13:00:00 +0000 No stone will be left unturned ahead of Hong Kong’s crucial 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup qualifiers in December thanks to the second edition of the Hong Kong Rugby Union Women’s Super Series. Introduced last year in a bid to create internal representative competition in Hong Kong, the Super Series aids talent identification and development as an entry point for senior performance rugby. And with Hong Kong hosting the final qualifiers for next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in December, this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2024279/super-idea-series-boosts-hong-kongs-womens-rugby-world-cup-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2024279/super-idea-series-boosts-hong-kongs-womens-rugby-world-cup-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Oct 2016 05:45:15 +0000 Catching a rampant Valley is no mean feat at the moment and will require the planets to align for one of the five clubs in the chasing pack to pull it off. HKCC were shaping as the club most likely to end Valley’s run of three consecutive grand championships after recruiting heavily to complement an already strong list. Nine new players committed to the club over the summer – more than in the past two seasons combined – and things were looking good. That was until early last week when coach... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2024047/could-shock-resignation-deacon-manu-galvanise-hkcc-and-drive-them-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2024047/could-shock-resignation-deacon-manu-galvanise-hkcc-and-drive-them-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Sep 2016 09:45:00 +0000 Armed with valuable experience playing for powerhouses Saracens alongside the new “golden boy” of English rugby Maro Itoje, Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers recruit Ben Featherstone is ready to make his mark in Hong Kong. It was somewhat by chance that Featherstone found himself fronting for Saracens in the Aviva A League and the Anglo-Welsh Cup – then the LV Cup – during the 2014-15 season. It was while playing for Esher in the National League One competition that he received the call-up. “They... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2023959/lessons-learned-golden-boy-maro-itoje-serve-tigers-recruit-ben?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2023959/lessons-learned-golden-boy-maro-itoje-serve-tigers-recruit-ben?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Sep 2016 05:15:00 +0000 A pair of dominant kicking performances lit up the HKRU Premiership’s season opening Super Saturday at King’s Park, with Valley’s Matt Rosslee and HKCC recruit James Love steering their sides to victory. Reigning grand champions Societe Generale Valley again showed they have a will to win unlike any other, with recently Hong Kong-qualified Rosslee starring as they ran out 34-6 winners over Natixis HKFC. In a torrid encounter that was anyone’s for the first 70 minutes, it was Rosslee’s ability to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2022315/opening-salvo-reigning-grand-champions-valley-kickstart-new-hkru?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2022315/opening-salvo-reigning-grand-champions-valley-kickstart-new-hkru?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Sep 2016 14:45:00 +0000 From Boundary Road to So Kon Po and on to King’s Park, the Kowloon Rugby Club has carried the fun throughout a unique and historic 40 years of existence. That’s not to say there hasn’t been some serious rugby along the way, with an array of golden eras and a raft of special players, including some of Hong Kong’s best. The club, which was formed to provide affordable rugby for all with a focus on Chinese youth, is determined to use their anniversary season to accelerate a rebuild that will leave... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2022030/40-years-fun-kowloon-rugby-club-prepares-huge-anniversary-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2022030/40-years-fun-kowloon-rugby-club-prepares-huge-anniversary-season?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Sep 2016 10:00:00 +0000