Hong Kong China Rugby China qualify for Rugby World Cup 2027

Hong Kong China Men’s 15s overcame Korea 70-22 in Incheon this afternoon, and in doing so lifted the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship Trophy for a sixth consecutive time.

More importantly for this year, the Asia Rugby title has rewarded Hong Kong China with automatic qualification to the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, as World Rugby’s flagship tournament expands to 24 teams for the 2027 edition and beyond. 

In 2027, history will be made as a Hong Kong China Men’s 15s team – currently 23rd in World Rugby’s rankings – plays for the first time on the world’s biggest rugby stage. The team follows in the footsteps of Hong Kong China Women’s 15s, who appeared at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 in Ireland.

Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) Chairman, Chris Brooke, shared his delight at the team’s achievements: 

“I would like to congratulate the team upon this wonderful achievement. We have always said that potential Rugby World Cup qualification marked a huge opportunity for the four teams competing in this tournament, and indeed for rugby in Asia as a whole – and we are very proud to be joining Japan as a second Asian team at a Men’s Rugby World Cup.

“Our sport has thrived in Hong Kong in recent years, thanks to the continued global success of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the tireless efforts of our senior, community, youth and mini clubs, as well as the continued expansion of school and summer programmes, touch rugby leagues and our Official Charity Rugby For Good. Qualifying for a Men’s World Cup is a historic moment that will act as a further catalyst for growth at all levels of the game.”

HKCR CEO, James Farndon, highlighted the squad’s efforts in preparing for this year’s Asia Rugby Championship:

“I would acknowledge the commitment of Andrew Douglas and his coaching and support staff, as well as Joshua Hrstich as captain, along with a wider training squad of over 40 players who have been involved in this campaign.

“This is a tremendously exciting time for our entire organisation, and the wider rugby community in Hong Kong. It’s important to recognise the contribution made by our domestic clubs, notably those in the Nan Fung Group | AIRSIDE Men’s Premiership, who play a huge role in the development of many players in the current squad.”

Salom Yiu Kam Shing – who has 49 caps for Hong Kong China 15s, including in the repechage for the Rugby World Cup 2019 (as well as being a double Asian Games Gold Medallist for the 7s representative team) – now leads several key HKCR programmes that identify, recruit and develop local talent into rugby. He spoke of the significance that a World Cup appearance can have on the next generation of players:

“Having our men’s team at a Rugby World Cup will grow the profile of the sport in Hong Kong even further. In the tournament, Hong Kong China will be playing against the world’s best-known teams and biggest superstars, and I believe that boys and girls across Hong Kong will watch these matches and be inspired to play the game.”