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Rugby World Cup 2027

Rugby World Cup 2027
The men's Rugby World Cup will be held in Australia from October 1 to November 13. Hong Kong qualified for the tournament for the first time after winning the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates Men's Championship.
Japan’s players celebrate their win over South Africa in Brighton at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The Japanese then had to face Scotland with only four days’ preparation and lost. Photo: AP

Japan coach Eddie Jones says Rugby World Cup schedule ‘fair’, helps small teams

He says that, unlike in previous tournaments, the fixtures for next year’s event give all teams equal preparation time between matches.

Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong rugby head coach admits surprise at playing Australia in World Cup opener

All Blacks fire coach Robertson less than two years before World Cup

Hong Kong China Rugby

Rugby World Cup 2027: can Hong Kong close gap before facing Wallabies, All Blacks?

City’s rugby chiefs filling next two years with matches they hope will equip players to make the step up for World Cup debut in Australia.

Ben Axten-Burrett takes on South Korea during last year’s Asia Rugby Championship, a tournament Hong Kong now dominate. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Hong Kong China Rugby

2027 Rugby World Cup draw: Hong Kong welcome clashes with Australia, New Zealand

‘Everybody loves an underdog, and giant-killers,’ captain Josh Hrstich says after debutants are drawn in Pool A with two rugby superpowers.

Hong Kong China Rugby

2027 Rugby World Cup draw: when is it, how do I watch, who won’t Hong Kong play?

The city’s men have qualified for the tournament for the first time and are in Band 4 for the ceremony in Sydney.

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Asia Rugby

Coach Eddie Jones tells his Japanese rugby players to beef up after bruising tour

Australian says he wants to see those who hope to play for national side to work harder, says his team can make last four of next World Cup.

Japan full-back Yoshitaka Yazaki makes a break during the Autumn Nations Series match against Ireland in Dublin on November 8. The Irish won 41-10. Photo: AFP
World Rugby

Samoa last team to reach 2027 Rugby World Cup after winning qualifying event

They join Hong Kong and 22 other teams in the draw on December 3 following tense draw with Belgium in Dubai.

Hong Kong International Test Rugby

Rugby chiefs unveil ‘watershed’ Nations Championship to crown top team, hemisphere

Top 12 teams to play in international windows of July and November, while 12 more teams including Hong Kong will play in second-tier Nations Cup.

Samoa

Belgium on brink of surprise Rugby World Cup spot, but must beat Samoa to make it

The Belgians will face the Pacific Islanders for a spot at the 2027 tournament after both teams get two wins in the qualifiers in Dubai.

Belgium’s Felipe Geraghty pounces on a loose ball during the Rugby World Cup 2027 final qualification tournament match against Brazil in Dubai on Thursday. Photo: Getty Images
Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong rugby’s Luke van der Smit facing long ban after failing drugs test

The No 8 reportedly tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance after Asia Rugby Championship clash against Korea in July.

Hong Kong’s Luke van der Smit runs through the Sri Lanka defence during an Asia Rugby Championship clash at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. Photo: Sun Yeung
Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong handed 9-try Rugby World Cup reality check by Japan A

City’s men lose Kai Tak Stadium encounter 59-14, with coach Andrew Douglas ‘pretty disappointed’ with team’s performance.

Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong name side with eye on Rugby World Cup future for Japan A clash

Andrew Douglas looking to ‘build something’ with 23-man squad that includes some different combinations in forwards and backs.

Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong rugby coach ‘pretty happy’ with new-look side despite loss to Japan club

Andrew Douglas impressed by performances of six debutants in fast-paced display, with only blip an injury to young scrum-half Eric Chui.

Scrum-half Eric Chui (centre) was “going well” against the Japanese side before going off with an injury. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Hong Kong China Rugby

Japan tour set to gauge Hong Kong’s progress on road to 2027 Rugby World Cup

Players and coaches relishing trip, which features two matches, to see how far they have come since qualifying for 2027 tournament.

Hong Kong captain Josh Hrstich in possession during training. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Japan must beat global giants to earn rugby world’s respect, says Eddie Jones

Head coach wants his side to change minds as they prepare for Tests against Australia and South Africa.

Hong Kong China Rugby

Rugby World Cup 2027: Hong Kong to learn identity of group opponents in December

Hosts Australia to kick off expanded 6-week-long tournament, which will feature a round of 16 for first time.

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Hong Kong China Rugby

New faces, old heads and surprise omissions as Hong Kong enter professional era

Bosses name 35-strong group of contracted players ahead of training camp in Japan that marks start of 2027 World Cup preparation.

Josh Hrstich is expected to lead the side during the training camp and against Japan A next month. Photo: HKCR
Hong Kong China Rugby

Rugby World Cup looms large as Hong Kong aim to get up to speed for 2027

Amid countdown to tournament debut in Australia, coaches working to ensure the city can be competitive.

Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong to take on Japan A in first for men’s rugby at Kai Tak Stadium

Hong Kong to begin journey to 2027 Rugby World Cup with debut clash at city’s new 50,000-seat venue.

Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong change head coach, 6 weeks after qualifying for 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.

Incoming head coach Logan Asplin (right) putting the Hong Kong team through a warm-up session ahead of an Asia Rugby Championship match. Photo: HKCR
World Rugby

Want to watch Hong Kong at 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia? Here’s how

Fans can register now, with several important dates to note in the coming months.

Hong Kong players celebrate winning the Asia Rugby Championship in South Korea this month, which clinched their place in the World Cup. Photo: HKCR
Hong Kong society

Opinion | Hong Kong’s hard-won spot in Rugby World Cup is a dream come true

The city, famous for hosting the iconic Sevens tournament, finally made the men’s 15-a-side world cup after coming close previously.

Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong hero’s emotional journey to 2027 Rugby World Cup

Tom Hill thought his chance had gone but, now 35, has helped his team seal a spot among the elite.

Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong can qualify for 2027 World Cup, win or lose in South Korea, here’s how

A look at the permutations if Hong Kong fail to win their final Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship match in Incheon on Saturday.

Hong Kong’s Paul Altier receives a pass in the match against Sri Lanka at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground last month. Photo: Sun Yeung
Hong Kong China Rugby

World Cup news could advance Hong Kong rugby, after year of near-misses

Hong Kong women 2025 World Cup bid fell short, while in sevens both city teams could not replicate continental success on bigger stage.

Jubilant Hong Kong celebrate their last-gasp success in Brazil this summer. Photo: Handout
World Rugby

Jones pays tribute to France’s ‘hungry’ Dupont as Japan’s rugby plans face reality

In overnight rugby internationals, the Japanese and Italians were reminded of the tough physical challenge of playing against the elite.

Hong Kong China Rugby

Rugby residency ruling may give Hong Kong options on pathway to World Cup

Players can now become eligible via five years of ‘rugby registration’ with a club or union, without needing unbroken residency.

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