https://www.scmp.com/rss/507481/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com 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 Hong Kong Football Club ended the season much as they started it, with both major trophies in their possession after a thrilling 26-24 win over Valley in the men’s premiership final. But the league champions made hard work of their triumph, letting a 23-10 lead slip away at King’s Park on Saturday, before a Niall Rowark penalty with little more than 10 minutes to go put them back in front for good. Valley’s women did at least ensure that Football Club did not sweep up all the silverware on offer... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3214190/hong-kong-football-club-seal-double-narrow-win-over-valley-rfc-mens-premiership-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3214190/hong-kong-football-club-seal-double-narrow-win-over-valley-rfc-mens-premiership-final?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:38:34 +0000 Sevens coach Iain Monaghan is expecting big things from Hong Kong’s women this year, even if he won’t be around to see it in person. The Scotsman is ending his four-year association with the team next month to take up a new role with Rugby Canada, a move he called “exciting and daunting”. Still, the 42-year-old will be watching the progress his soon-to-be former charges make with interest, as the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series and Asian Games all loom... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3207040/hong-kong-sevens-coach-monaghan-takes-rugby-canada-role-expects-big-things-citys-women-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3207040/hong-kong-sevens-coach-monaghan-takes-rugby-canada-role-expects-big-things-citys-women-year?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:00:20 +0000 Hong Kong’s women’s team are to play their first international matches since before the pandemic when they face Kazakhstan on consecutive weekends this month – and they will do so with the city’s first ethnic Chinese rugby head coach. The home matches on December 10 and 17 will be the team’s first outings since a tour of Europe in November 2019. Their hiatus included having to withdraw from the qualifiers for the World Cup, held recently in New Zealand, because of travel restrictions, social... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3201847/womens-rugby-hong-kong-set-first-matches-three-years-their-first-chinese-head-coach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3201847/womens-rugby-hong-kong-set-first-matches-three-years-their-first-chinese-head-coach?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Dec 2022 09:09:56 +0000 The surging coronavirus outbreak has forced Hong Kong Rugby Union to cancel the rest of the season for clubs in the men’s and women’s premierships. With thousands of new Covid-19 cases being reported in the city every day, the union cited the escalation of transmission, the uncertainty of when the fifth wave might end, and concerns over player welfare, as reasons behind the move. The scrapping of the Dettol Premiership seasons means there will be no grand championships in either the men’s or... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3167408/coronavirus-hong-kong-rugby-union-cancels-dettol?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3167408/coronavirus-hong-kong-rugby-union-cancels-dettol?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Feb 2022 09:27:39 +0000 Gai Wu Falcons pulled out a “vintage performance” to beat Natixis HKFC Ice 24-13 and book their place in the Grand championship play-offs. Befitting a battle for the last remaining spot among the top four of the Dettol Women’s Premiership, Saturday’s match was tense. Gai Wu had a phenomenal start, putting HKFC under pressure with a try from Cathy Wong, set up by a great carry from Jasmine Fung in traffic beneath the Club posts. Christy Cheng was inspirational after coming on as an injury reserve... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/womens-hkru-premiership/article/3159361/gai-wu-falcons-vintage-performance-caps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/womens-hkru-premiership/article/3159361/gai-wu-falcons-vintage-performance-caps?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Dec 2021 15:16:55 +0000 Hong Kong rugby fans will be treated to another triple header this weekend, this time in the Dettol Women’s Premiership at So Kon Po. Similar to last round’s men’s extravaganza, this Super Saturday will heavily impact the final standings as six sides chase top-four finishes for a spot in the post-league Grand Championships knockouts. Societe Generale Valley Black Ladies open against DAC Kowloon before Natixis Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) Ice take on Gai Wu Falcons and SCAA First Pacific... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3159249/womens-rugby-premiership-race-heats-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3159249/womens-rugby-premiership-race-heats-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Dec 2021 10:14:49 +0000 DAC Kowloon’s chances were not exactly written off at the start of the Dettol Hong Kong Men’s Premiership, but there are few who would have predicted just how far the club has come. Six games into the season and just a single point separates them from leaders Natixis Hong Kong Football Club at the top of the table, ahead of Saturday’s clash between the two sides at King’s Park. That their women’s team are enjoying a successful time on the pitch might also have once been considered surprising,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3155840/feel-good-factor-helps-drive-dac-kowloon-rugby-forward-mens-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3155840/feel-good-factor-helps-drive-dac-kowloon-rugby-forward-mens-and?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Nov 2021 07:52:04 +0000 Natixis HKFC and Societe Generale Valley’s men’s and women’s HKRU Premiership teams served up a fine afternoon of action in the Stadium Showdown at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday. With 2,755 fans packing the lower bowl to watch the day’s action, top-ranked Valley women’s team did not disappoint as they beat Natixis HKFC Ice 25-5, while HKFC’s men’s XV fought back from a 17-3 second-half deficit to win 20-17 with a try in the 78th minute from Callum Hardie. The treats came early for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3154327/hkru-premiership-sides-share-spoils-frenetic-stadium-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3154327/hkru-premiership-sides-share-spoils-frenetic-stadium-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 Oct 2021 03:54:16 +0000 Head coach Jack Wiggins expects a dogfight when his Natixis HKFC side face their fiercest rivals Societe Generale Valley in this weekend’s Dettol Premiership Stadium Showdown. The two clubs ‘ rivalry goes back nearly 50 years, making the historic Hong Kong Stadium a fitting venue for the latest instalment, which kicks off at 6.40pm on Saturday night in So Kon Po. “I’ve been here three years and we have not had any fifteens in the Stadium. I understand that playing fifteens there is rare, so it... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/mens-hkru-premiership/article/3154157/hkfc-expecting-dogfight-against-fiercest-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/mens-hkru-premiership/article/3154157/hkfc-expecting-dogfight-against-fiercest-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Oct 2021 07:32:11 +0000 It was a heavyweight slog-fest in the Dettol Hong Kong men’s Premiership round five as Societe Generale Valley held off ImpactHK HKU Sandy Bay 16-7 at a scorching Happy Valley on Saturday. The mid-table tie got off to a high-energy start with Valley’s notorious front pack shining and set-piece pressure counting against an stubborn HKU Sandy Bay defence. An early penalty broke the deadlock for Valley, who looked comfortable with scrum-half Ruan du Plooy back in position, before dependable forward... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3152640/hkru-premiership-valley-hold-surging-sandy-bay-valley-black?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3152640/hkru-premiership-valley-hold-surging-sandy-bay-valley-black?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Oct 2021 05:39:20 +0000 After Typhoon Lionrock put paid to the fourth round of fixtures, the Dettol Hong Kong Men’s Premiership welcomes a scintillating fifth game week that sees Societe Generale Valley host ImpactHK HKU Sandy Bay in a mid-table banger at Happy Valley Stadium on Saturday. Head coach Mark Fatialofa’s Valley side will look to put in an improved performance after their disappointing 29-20 outing against Kroll USRC Tigers. Their form has been patchy, with defeat also coming against reigning champions... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3152517/hong-kong-rugby-premiership-hku-sandy-bay-relish-valley-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3152517/hong-kong-rugby-premiership-hku-sandy-bay-relish-valley-test?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Oct 2021 10:23:44 +0000 After suffering their first loss of the season last week, reigning champions Natixis Hong Kong Football Club will be desperate to get their title defence campaign back on track against KPMG Hong Kong Scottish in round four of the men’s rugby Premiership on Saturday – providing the weather allows. Coach Jack Wiggins’ side were shocked by in-form DAC Kowloon 26-17 last week, dropping to third. But they have the home advantage against Scottish, who are still searching for a win after narrowly... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3151614/hong-kong-mens-and-womens-rugby-premiership-round-four-preview-we?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3151614/hong-kong-mens-and-womens-rugby-premiership-round-four-preview-we?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Oct 2021 07:00:19 +0000 Kroll USRC Tigers dug deep in their 29-20 win over Societe Generale Valley in round four of the Dettol Men’s Premiership on Saturday – losing key prop Jack Parfitt, who sustained a serious-looking injury, and two players picking up yellow cards. Tigers hooker Matt Keay set the tempo with an early try at a sizzling King’s Park. Fly-half Joshua Henderson soon added a penalty to his earlier conversion in what was a magical display from the Hong Kong-eligible Scotsman. Valley, who were expected to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3151023/hkru-premiership-tigers-overcome-injuries-and-sin-bins-beat-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3151023/hkru-premiership-tigers-overcome-injuries-and-sin-bins-beat-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Oct 2021 04:24:36 +0000 It’s just two weeks into the new season and Hong Kong rugby fans have already been treated to big upsets, close calls and plenty of thumping tackles. The Dettol Men’s Premiership appears as wide-open as it ever has been, with new-look Kroll USRC Tigers hoping to bounce back against Societe Generale Valley in King’s Park on Saturday after an agonising loss the previous gameweek. New head coach and director of rugby Lewis Evans showed he is quickly overcoming the “culture shock” having arrived... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3150727/hkru-premiership-tigers-look-bounce-back-against-valley-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3150727/hkru-premiership-tigers-look-bounce-back-against-valley-after?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Oct 2021 00:00:21 +0000 Societe Generale Valley bounced back from an season-opening loss to overwhelm KPMG Hong Kong Scottish 24-12 in round two of the Dettol Men’s Premiership on Saturday. It was Scottish who drew first blood in a sweltering Shek Kip Mei after full-back Sean Taylor scored thanks to a good passing combination with scrum-half Thomas Wilson on the break. But it did not take long for Valley’s fill-in fly-half Mitchell Purvis to get their first points on the board with a penalty goal. Valley were soon... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3150158/hkru-premiership-round-bounce-backs-and-big-shifts-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3150158/hkru-premiership-round-bounce-backs-and-big-shifts-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Sep 2021 06:54:17 +0000 With the Dettol Men’s Premiership well under way, round two promises another rust-shaking outing with a particularly tasty match-up between new-look sides KPMG Hong Kong Scottish and Societe Generale Valley in Shek Kip Mei on Saturday. Both have yet to kick into full gear, as Scottish suffered an end-to-end 30-22 loss to Kroll USRC Tigers in their opening game. Valley fell to arch-rivals Natixis HKFC 29-14, with head coach Mark Fatialofa returning to his squad having missed most of their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3149893/mens-and-womens-rugby-premiership-round-two-preview-season-will-be?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3149893/mens-and-womens-rugby-premiership-round-two-preview-season-will-be?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Sep 2021 04:00:24 +0000 DAC Kowloon opened the Dettol Women’s Premiership season with a statement 55-0 win over SCAA First Pacific Causeway Bay Phoenix at King’s Park on Saturday. Ahead of the match, Kowloon were eager to put their new signings on display, especially their trio of imported players from New Zealand in 21-year old fly-half Montana Heslop, 22-year old prop Braxton Walker and 23-year old No 8, Shaye Whareaorere. The three initially arrived late last year, just as the season was shutting down due to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3149316/hkru-womens-premiership-dac-kowloon-open-new-season-thumping?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3149316/hkru-womens-premiership-dac-kowloon-open-new-season-thumping?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Sep 2021 07:24:47 +0000 The Dettol Hong Kong Women’s Premiership 2021-22 season kicks off on September 18 after another stop-start campaign last season. Players and coaches are naturally raring to go as organisers and fans hope for a smooth transition as the city works its way to normality. In what was their first non-intra-club games for many months, the teams shook off some rust at the Valley’s Fast, Femme and Furious preseason event last month – enhanced hygiene protocols and all. Those who tuned into the Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3149166/hkru-womens-premiership-2021-22-season-preview-coaches-and-captains?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3149166/hkru-womens-premiership-2021-22-season-preview-coaches-and-captains?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Sep 2021 09:17:55 +0000 The postponed Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, scheduled for November 5-7, has been cancelled for the second year running – this time because of the emerging Covid-19 Delta variant and global travel restrictions, organisers announced on Wednesday. The Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) will look ahead to the 2022 Hong Kong Sevens, slated for April 1-3 next year, after discussions with the government, World Rugby and other participating unions. This year’s edition of the city’s marquee sporting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3143793/hong-kong-sevens-cancelled-second-year-organisers-turn-april-2022?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3143793/hong-kong-sevens-cancelled-second-year-organisers-turn-april-2022?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Aug 2021 09:37:51 +0000 Hong Kong men’s and women’s Premiership seasons have been cancelled over Covid-19 concerns, the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) announced on Monday. The decision comes after the Ursus Fitness gym cluster and subsequent quarantining of rugby members earlier in the month caused further delay to the resumption of Hong Kong men’s and women’s Premiership domestic leagues. After liaising with its members, HKRU CEO Robbie McRobbie confirmed that 39 clubs wanted to resume competition this month while 33... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3127503/hong-kongs-top-rugby-leagues-cancelled-over-covid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3127503/hong-kongs-top-rugby-leagues-cancelled-over-covid?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Mar 2021 11:40:29 +0000 All of Hong Kong’s rugby leagues are scheduled to resume in April despite the recent Ursus Fitness Covid-19 cluster scare, Hong Kong Rugby Union chief Robbie McRobbie said. Rugby activity was suspended last Thursday after one player tested positive while members of two clubs were forced to undergo government quarantine. As of Tuesday, there have been no further confirmed cases nor additional quarantine related to the rugby community. “The gym community – both instructors and users – are pretty... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3125692/hong-kong-rugby-union-leagues-resume-april-after-covid-19-gym-scare?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3125692/hong-kong-rugby-union-leagues-resume-april-after-covid-19-gym-scare?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Mar 2021 00:00:24 +0000 News of the indefinite postponement of the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup came as no surprise but still hit Team Hong Kong hard, coach Royce Chan Leong-sze said. Organisers tasked with safely hosting the New Zealand event, originally slated for September, cited the still-unpredictable Covid-19 pandemic as the reason for pushing it to an unknown date in 2022. Hong Kong’s Asia Rugby Championship matches against Kazakhstan and Japan – which act as World Cup qualifiers – are likewise on hold given... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3124737/womens-rugby-world-cup-hong-kong-coach-assesses-national-team-amid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3124737/womens-rugby-world-cup-hong-kong-coach-assesses-national-team-amid?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Mar 2021 11:35:12 +0000 Royce Chan Leong-sze’s name is already etched in the history books as a member of the first and only Hong Kong 15’s team – across genders – to play in a Rugby World Cup in Ireland four years ago. Now the 42-year-old plans to repeat the feat in a coaching capacity – and with a much deeper mission. “It’s the bigger picture. It’s more about how women appear in sports in an industry that is, for the majority, dominated by males. [My goal is] to show myself as a role model, to deal with different... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3124494/hong-kong-coach-royce-chan-targets-second-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3124494/hong-kong-coach-royce-chan-targets-second-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Mar 2021 03:07:47 +0000 Hong Kong rugby chief Patrick Donovan’s tenure has been unprecedentedly arduous. Elected as chairman of the Union in the summer of 2019, he was immediately thrust into helping navigate the sport through citywide demonstrations – but that was only a prelude to what was to come. “This year has certainly been interesting. I reflect back on a term that was disrupted initially by the protests, then by the global Covid-19 pandemic. The Union has faced challenges unlike any other in our 50-year... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3116196/protests-and-pandemic-hong-kong-rugby-boss-patrick-donovan-keeps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3116196/protests-and-pandemic-hong-kong-rugby-boss-patrick-donovan-keeps?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Jan 2021 11:05:11 +0000 For most of us, 2020 has been a year to forget. Many have been subjected to mind-numbing lockdowns, makeshift arrangements or lost employment. For Hong Kong-Nepali schoolchildren Sahin and Aris Gurung, who lost their father Sher Bahadur in the tragic Yau Ma Tei fire in November, this year has been incomprehensibly painful. The pair continue to grieve by mother Asha’s side in what will undoubtedly be a long winter. Amid such heart-wrenchingly helpless times for the Gurungs – not to forget the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3112751/hong-kong-rugby-community-raises-hk12000-nepali-children-who-lost?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3112751/hong-kong-rugby-community-raises-hk12000-nepali-children-who-lost?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Dec 2020 04:25:10 +0000 The Hong Kong domestic men’s and women’s rugby leagues will be postponed until further notice after further tightening of government Covid-19 restrictions, organisers have confirmed. As of December 2, in tandem with the city’s new social distancing restrictions for outdoor team sports, the Hong Kong Rugby Union “will suspend all rugby and touch rugby activities at all levels … until such time as the restrictions are relaxed and the pitches reopen”. The subsequent temporary closure of Leisure and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3112206/all-hong-kong-rugby-activity-suspended-until-further-notice?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3112206/all-hong-kong-rugby-activity-suspended-until-further-notice?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Dec 2020 03:27:34 +0000 Test of league leaders’ character: completed. Round four of the Hong Kong men’s and women’s Premiership reiterated that championship ability to pull wins out of the bag even on an off-day. The city remains on high-alert given new Covid-19 cases but the domestic rugby league will soldier on with its strict health protocols. Now more than a third into the shortened season, the Saxo Markets Men’s Premiership and KPMG Women’s Premiership standings are beginning to firm up while coaches use the first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3111947/hong-kong-premiership-week-four-round-champions-being-champions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3111947/hong-kong-premiership-week-four-round-champions-being-champions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Nov 2020 09:37:15 +0000 Hong Kong Rugby Premiership fans have already been treated to chaotic starts and major upsets – yet we are barely a third into the Covid-19-shortened 2020-21 season. As the city continues to tighten up amid increased case numbers, coaches and players will likewise want to put in disciplined performances and avoid the “silly” mistakes from previous rounds. Simply put, round four is a test of team character. The fixtures have pitted titans-versus-titans in both first divisions. In the Saxo Markets... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3111571/hong-kong-premiership-round-four-preview-big-one-we-have-been?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3111571/hong-kong-premiership-round-four-preview-big-one-we-have-been?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Nov 2020 02:00:21 +0000 More than half of Hong Kong’s rugby players are Chinese but there is still much work to do in the women’s game, which constitutes just 28 per cent of players, says the Hong Kong Rugby Union. Findings from its “Rugby Participation in Hong Kong” survey – conducted primarily by partners KPMG on 12,514 members of the rugby community – concluded that 54 per cent of its playing population is Chinese and the average player lives in the New Territories and plays for “health, fitness and friendship”. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3111420/hong-kong-rugby-union-survey-reveals-promising-ethnic-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3111420/hong-kong-rugby-union-survey-reveals-promising-ethnic-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Nov 2020 06:00:15 +0000 It was a memorable week for the underdogs as both the Hong Kong men’s and women’s Premierships saw dramatic comebacks and the ending of losing skids. As the city continues its fight against Covid-19, mask wearing and social distancing protocols remained mandatory in week three. Following two rounds of feeling out and gauging this year’s league standard, the Saxo Markets Men’s Premiership and KPMG Women’s Premiership are now expected to press on – there is simply no time for excuses in this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3110999/hong-kong-premiership-round-three-round-goodbye-losing-skids-hello?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3110999/hong-kong-premiership-round-three-round-goodbye-losing-skids-hello?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Nov 2020 07:56:09 +0000 Hong Kong domestic rugby is roaring back. As players increasingly familiarise themselves with new surroundings and coaches ease last-minute recruits into their line-ups, the 2020-21 season is ready to show more than just glimpses of a never-before-seen standard of rugby in the city. Having sized up a couple of opponents by now, round three promises deeper understanding of team tactics and chemistry can become cold-blooded ruthlessness on the field on Saturday. Those who want to extend leads have... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3110515/hong-kong-premiership-week-three-preview-those-points-are-going-be?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3110515/hong-kong-premiership-week-three-preview-those-points-are-going-be?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Nov 2020 08:05:07 +0000 With the city still cautiously handling its dozen-or-so daily new coronavirus cases, Hong Kong men’s and women’s Premiership organisers continued to ensure players and staff strictly adhered to Covid-19 protocol going into round two. That by no means affected the level of rugby however, as teams were desperate to secure early success in their postponed and stunted seasons. After fiery openers to the Saxo Markets Men’s Premiership and KPMG Women’s Premiership 2020-21 seasons two weeks ago, this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3110138/horror-starts-and-major-upsets-hong-kong-mens-and-womens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3110138/horror-starts-and-major-upsets-hong-kong-mens-and-womens?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Nov 2020 04:00:24 +0000 Following successful openers in the Saxo Markets Men’s Premiership and KPMG Women’s Premiership domestic leagues last weekend, those who failed to get off to winning starts are desperate for a swift turnaround. Previewing round two, which promises sharper performances both in terms of rugby and hygiene, coaches explained how preparations are going ahead of bounce-back season and outline the importance of their upcoming games for team momentum and player mindset. In the men’s league, Bloomberg... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3109557/hong-kong-mens-and-womens-premiership-week-two-preview-coaches-aim?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3109557/hong-kong-mens-and-womens-premiership-week-two-preview-coaches-aim?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Nov 2020 08:55:28 +0000 Balls, beers and bagpipes. In some ways, it truly felt like rugby had made its return to Hong Kong after 274 days without action. The Saxo Markets Men’s Premiership and KPMG Women’s Premiership 2020-21 seasons got off to fiery first rounds last weekend, with reigning champions Natixis Hong Kong Football Club and Societe Generale Valley Black Ladies demonstrating that an ongoing global pandemic would not stifle their title defence campaigns. But unlike the Hong Kong Rugby Union’s (HKRU) 67... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/mens-hkru-premiership/article/3109094/temperature-checks-and-plenty-tries-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/mens-hkru-premiership/article/3109094/temperature-checks-and-plenty-tries-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Nov 2020 10:25:19 +0000 The KPMG Hong Kong Women’s Premiership 2020-21 season kicks off on Saturday, November 7 after an unprecedented nine months off. While players and coaches had brief spells of training before stricter Covid-19-related measures were implemented in the summer, most savoured their first taste of rugby at last weekend’s Valley Fast Fifteens preseason tournament at King’s Park. Counting down their final week of the Hong Kong Rugby Union’s four-week return-to-play protocol, all six teams are raring to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3108256/hong-kong-womens-premiership-2020-21-season-preview-coaches-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3108256/hong-kong-womens-premiership-2020-21-season-preview-coaches-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Nov 2020 08:52:12 +0000