HKRFU chief Trevor Gregory raises hopes of future visits by Lions
Chief Gregory says after success of Saturday's visit to city ahead of Australia tests, HKRFU is keen to schedule trips in 2017 and 2021
The British & Irish Lions could be stopping over again in 2017 on their way to New Zealand, and in 2021 before South Africa, if ambitious plans by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union bear fruit.
HKRFU chairman Trevor Gregory yesterday revealed there was every intention of hosting the Lions in the future on their way to play against the giants of southern hemisphere rugby.
"We have had a successful first stopover and we hope there will be many more," Gregory said. "From talking to the Lions management after the game, the initial feeling I got is that this is something they will definitely look at again.
"The only slight negative was the weather, but apart from that everyone from coaches to players loved Hong Kong."
Gregory said weather would not be a factor once the stadium at Kai Tak was built. The complex at the old airport site is expected to be ready by 2019.
"The new stadium will have a roof and the temperature inside the stadium can be controlled," Gregory said. "We will push for a game every four years. The target now is to put it on the calendar as a regular fixture. Once the tour of Australia is over, we will start talking once again and see how big an appetite there is for the Lions to return."