Rugby World Cup: Hong Kong can take advantage of Asian rugby’s moment in the sun
- Japan 2019 and Tokyo 2020 put focus on HKRU’s youth programmes
- Investment hoping to cultivate a new generation of men and women
As the sun set on another Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens it begins to rise on the 2019 World Cup in Japan, Asia’s time in the rugby spotlight has officially begun.
Throw in a compelling men’s and women’s sevens competition at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and there is no better time for the game in the area.
Andrew Forrest’s Global Rapid Rugby, while only able to pull together a condensed showcase series for 2019, just landed broadcast rights on multiple Asian channels for its remaining seven matches.
The Hong Kong-based South China Tigers, who dropped their first match against Forrest’s Western Force in Perth, Australia, will make their home debut on April 21, adding another element to the region’s sporting landscape.
All this adds up to increased attention for both sevens and 15-a-side programmes all the way from the Aberdeen Sports Ground, where the Tigers will make their home debutto Yokohama Stadium, the 72,000-capacity stadium which will host the men’s World Cup final in November.
In Hong Kong, World Rugby’s new rule changes requiring five years of residency to suit up for a country outside the Asian Games and the Olympics where a passport is required, puts the focus on the next generation of talent.