We want a Hong Kong player in our Super Rugby side, say Waikato Chiefs
Top New Zealand outfit see alliance with HKRU as springboard to
international club competition for city’s players
The Chiefs development squad are in town this week for their annual tour and, while the four Chiefs players that have relocated to Hong Kong won’t become eligible to represent the territory until next year, Tindall is bullish about what lies ahead.
Josh Dowsing, Nate de Thierry, Turoa Stephens and Tau Koloamatangi have spent two seasons in the Hong Kong Premiership and Tindall believes they – or other Hong Kong representatives – could use the national stage as a springboard to Super Rugby.
“It’s quite possible and it’s part of the vision for the partnership to have a Hong Kong-connected player play for the Chiefs,” he said.
“There is real progression [in Hong Kong rugby] and we have seen that on the field, particularly in the last two years. We are trying to help Hong Kong get ready for their big [World Cup qualifiers] coming up.”