HKFC Sign Alana Thomas As Head Of Women’s Rugby

One of the leading rugby clubs in Hong Kong, HKFC, has announced the signing of Alana Thomas as their full-time Head of Women’s Rugby. This is the latest high-calibre coaching addition in the Asian region over recent months.

In a series of announcement over the weekend of 12-13 August 2023, HKFC, which also host the annual HKFC Tens tournament in the leadup to the Hong Kong Sevens, also confirmed that Andrew Hall PhD will join the women’s coaching team as their Forwards Coach.

Photo Credit – Rugby Australia – Alana Thomas joins HKFC as Head Of Women’s Rugby after coaching the Melbourne Rebels Super W side

The club’s women’s team, HKFC Natixis Ice, narrowly lost the domestic Premiership Grand Final in the 2023 season but did win the Nan Fung | SEWIT Women’s Premiership for the first time in over 15 years – under previous Head Coach Chris Garvey. Garvey remains part of the coaching team, with Pete Ayres and Ed Barker coaching the HKFC Natixis Fire’s Championship campaign in the 2023-2024 season.

Stephen Dowse, HKFC Rugby Section Director of Rugby, said of the appointment of Thomas; “We are delighted to welcome Alana to HKFC. Her appointment is another positive step in the development of women’s rugby at the club and demonstrates how important women’s and girls’ rugby is to our overall HKFC Rugby Strategy. Her experience at both the performance and community level is invaluable as we look to be recognised as the leading Rugby Club in Asia”

Alana Thomas – HKFC Head Of Women’s Rugby

Thomas previously competed for Australia at the 2006 Rugby World Cup in Canada and in total earned 7 caps for her country as a flyhalf for the Wallaroos.

As a coach, she was named Rugby Australia’s Community Coach of the Year in 2017 (winning the Premiership with the Melbourne Unicorns), and the following year was appointed the inaugural Head Coach of the Melbourne Rebels in the Super W competition.

Thomas also went on to be placed in World Rugby’s Coaching Internship Programme for the 2021 Rugby World Cup; and was part of Fiji’s management team. She was also previously the Head Coach of Australia A.

Paul Skurr, HKFC Rugby Section Chairman added, “This crucial move underscores our commitment to nurturing talent across all levels, from our junior girls to our elite adult teams. Alana’s expertise will be essential in driving skill development, fostering an inspiring environment, and propelling our teams to new heights.”

Asian Rugby Development & Coaching News

• HKCR Adds Members To Performance Team.
• SRU Appoint Sidney Kumar As New General Manager.
• Ada Milby Secures World Rugby Executive Board Seat.
• Henry Paul Joins Dubai Hurricanes As Head Coach & Academy Director.