Hong Kong Union appoints Craig Hammond to spearhead Rugby World Cup qualification campaign

Two-time defending champions Hong Kong must win postponed Asia Rugby Championship to enter Oceania qualification play-off

Experienced coach Hammond eyes ‘a third straight win in the ARC, advancing our World Cup qualification and building a winning environment’

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Craig Hammond in a training session ahead of an Asia Rugby Championship game in Hong Kong in 2019. Photo: HKRU

Published: 10:01am, 14 Apr 2021Updated: 10:29am, 14 Apr 2021

The Hong Kong Rugby Union has appointed a new interim head coach to oversee the national men’s 15s Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifying campaign scheduled for the end of the year.

Hong Kong Scottish and former South China Tigers head coach Craig Hammond will take over Andrew Hall’s duties in guiding the side through the Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) and subsequent play-offs, which are still postponed indefinitely.

Hammond is extremely familiar with the Union and its men side, having served as assistant to former national coach Leigh Jones, successor Hall, and the now-axed Elite Rugby Programme professional set-up. He is also transitioning from HK Scottish coach to director of rugby, having been with the club since 2012.

Hall will take up Jones’ previous general manager of rugby performance role on an interim basis alongside Jo Hull of the women’s contingent. The Union is searching for a permanent replacement for Jones, who is moving to Premiership outfit Leicester Tigers next month.

Former Hong Kong men’s 15s national team coach Leigh Jones (centre) with his coaching assistants including Craig Hammond (third from right) and Andrew Hall (second from right) after winning the Asia Rugby Championship in 2019. Photo: Handout

“This was a role that I have shown great interest in over the past few years being involved in the set-up and coaching the Tigers and Hong Kong team,” Hammond said