Hong Kong make change of head coach, 6 weeks after qualifying for 2027 Rugby World Cup
Andrew Douglas will move aside to focus on job as head of technical rugby, with assistant Logan Asplin stepping up to take team to Australia
Little more than six weeks after qualifying for a men’s Rugby World Cup for the first time, Hong Kong have changed their head coach.
After leading the city’s successful Asia Ruby Championship campaign to reach the 2027 tournament in Australia, Andrew Douglas is to focus on his role as head of technical rugby, with assistant Logan Asplin making the step up.
Douglas had been juggling both positions since being appointed in 2023, but will now take on an expanded role that includes overseeing a new full-time men’s programme.
Alongside Asplin’s promotion, Lewis Evans will stay as assistant coach, while Hong Kong China Rugby are working on recruiting a new scrum coach to replace Alex Allan, who has returned to the UK.
“Logan played a key role in the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship campaign as a coach, driving our attack and instilling an expansive style of play. He is widely respected by the coaching staff, playing group and across the rugby community in Hong Kong,” Douglas said.
“I believe this move is a natural progression for Logan and also a testament to the pathway that exists for coaches coming into rugby in Hong Kong. He will bring great energy and enthusiasm to his new role, and we all look forward to seeing him coaching at the World Cup.”