INCHEON, South Korea — Hong Kong, China, etched its name in rugby history on Saturday, securing a maiden berth in the Rugby World Cup with a commanding 70-22 victory over South Korea in Incheon. The triumph clinched the Asia Rugby Championship for the sixth consecutive year and earned the Special Administrative Region (SAR) a spot in the expanded 24-team tournament hosted by Australia in 2027.
Known globally for its vibrant annual Sevens tournament, Hong Kong will now test its mettle in the 15-a-side format against rugby giants like world champions South Africa and New Zealand’s All Blacks. The victory marks only the second time an Asian team, after Japan, has qualified for the men’s Rugby World Cup.
“It’s pretty overwhelming, to be honest,” said Hong Kong’s captain, No. 8 Josh Hrstich, his voice thick with emotion. “Just super, super proud of our playing group, our management, coaching staff, and people behind the scenes. There’s a lot that goes into making a team successful.”
Hong Kong’s path to the World Cup was paved with dominant performances in the Asia Rugby Championship. The team topped the four-team table with convincing wins over the United Arab Emirates (43-10), Sri Lanka (78-7), and South Korea in the past month. The SAR’s relentless form left no doubt about their regional supremacy.
With Japan already securing a World Cup spot by finishing among the top three in their pool at the 2023 tournament, the continental championship offered a coveted ticket to the global stage. Hong Kong seized the opportunity, showcasing a blend of power, precision, and ambition.
“Thanks to everyone who has supported us,” Hrstich added. “We’re going to need them for the upcoming years because it’s going to get pretty special.”
As Hong Kong prepares to face the world’s best in 2027, the city’s rugby community is already buzzing with anticipation. For a team accustomed to the fast-paced Sevens circuit, the 15-a-side World Cup represents a new frontier—one they are ready to conquer.
