Hong Kong have finally made it to the Rugby World Cup – now the real work begins
Asia’s second-ever qualifier to the four-yearly global tournament have two years to get their game to the next level, officials say
Hong Kong’s men made history in Incheon on Saturday, qualifying for the Rugby World Cup for the first time – now the real work begins.
A 70-22 victory over South Korea sealed a sixth consecutive Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship title and booked a spot at the global tournament in Australia in 2027.
Hong Kong will be only the second team from Asia to play in the World Cup after ever-present qualifiers Japan, who have already qualified for 2027 after finishing third in their pool at the 2023 tournament in France.
The 10 tries Hong Kong scored at the Incheon Namdong Asiad Rugby Stadium, after they ran in 12 against Sri Lanka two weeks ago, took the team’s total to 28 for the championship, underscoring the gulf that exists between the side and their regional rivals.
Once again they came from forwards and backs, with the former having the upper hand in the rout. Alex Post, the hooker, and Josh Hrstich, who started the game at No 8, scored a brace each, while James Sawyer and Luke van der Smit also crossed.
In the backs, Matt Worley’s individual score – created by man of the match Nathan de Thierry, who kicked nine conversions as well as pulling the strings from fly half – got things moving with just two minutes gone, and he was followed across the line by Paul Altier, Harry Sayers and Max Denmark.