Hong Kong China secured their ticket to Australia with a resounding 70-22 victory over Korea in the 2025 Asia Rugby Men’s Championship, cementing their dominance in the competition.
While they enter the tournament as newcomers, their recent success has fostered a fearless brand of rugby.
They face an immense challenge against elite Pool A opponents Australia and New Zealand but will be aiming for a first Rugby World Cup win against Chile.
Players to watch
Joshua Hrstich
As the captain and a dynamic number eight, Hrstich has been the heartbeat of Hong Kong China’s long journey to Australia.
Known for his leadership and physicality, he expertly controls the base of the scrum and has proved to be a prolific try-scorer in critical qualification matches.
Harry Sayers
A versatile back who represents Hong Kong China in both sevens and 15s, Sayers is celebrated for his attacking ability and raw speed.
Having significantly bolstered the team’s offensive capabilities, he remains a key figure in the backline, consistently contributing points in high-stakes matches.
Pierce MacKinlay-West
A highly reliable forward, MacKinlay-West brings stability and strength to the Hong Kong China pack.
Having made multiple tournament appearances at the Hong Kong Sevens, he is both dangerous in open-play attack as well as lightning quick to a jackal in defence.
His consistent performances have made him a fundamental part of the squad as they prepare for their Rugby World Cup debut.
Head coach
Hamilton-born Logan Asplin arrived in Hong Kong in 2022 off the back of a successful decade of age-grade coaching in New Zealand, notably leading the prestigious Hamilton Boys’ High School to five regional titles while also gaining experience coaching New Zealand U18 sevens.
After coaching in the Hong Kong Premiership, Asplin joined the Hong Kong China set-up in August 2025.
He played a pivotal role in the coaching team that secured their first-ever Men’s Rugby World Cup qualification.
Most memorable match
The most iconic match in Hong Kong China men’s rugby history is undoubtedly their 70-22 victory over Korea in the final round of the 2025 Asia Rugby Men’s Championship, which delivered automatic qualification to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
Hong Kong China ran in 10 tries, while fly-half Nathan De Thierry was flawless from the tee, converting nine tries, with Paul Altier slotting the final conversion.
Pool journey
1 October 2027 v Australia (Perth│Boorloo)
9 October v Chile (Townsville│Gurambilbarra)
15 October v New Zealand (Melbourne│Narrm)
Hong Kong China will have their sights on qualifying as one of the best third-place teams, which would likely mean playing the winner of Pool C (Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada) in the Round of 16.
Did you know…?
The name ‘Hong Kong’ translates to ‘Fragrant Harbour’ in Cantonese and is believed to refer to the aroma of agarwood, which was processed in the area for use in incense.
The first recorded rugby match in Hong Kong took place in 1873, making it one of the oldest rugby-playing nations in Asia. The Hong Kong Sevens is also one of the most prestigious and storied events in the world of rugby and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026.
How they qualified for RWC 2027
Hong Kong China secured their historic first Rugby World Cup qualification by winning the Asia Rugby Championship in 2025 for the sixth consecutive time.
Key stats
Hong Kong China are the only team making their Men’s Rugby World Cup debut in 2027, and the second from Asia, after Japan, to compete in the tournament.
Hong Kong China will make their tournament debut in the opening game against hosts Australia. They will become the second team to make their tournament debut against a host nation, after Samoa in 1991 (v Wales) and the second to make their debut in a tournament-opener, after South Africa in 1995 (v Australia), excluding the inaugural RWC in 1987.