Hong Kong China Men Look To Defend ARMC 2023

Following the victory of South Korea over Malaysia last weekend which got the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2023 (ARMC) underway, Hong Kong China will host back-to-back matches at home, their first since 2019, as they look to defend the title.

Although the match in Malaysia had several disruptions due to the poor weather, South Korea were worthy 27-3 winners, and despite having a new coach and a young team, they will be the most likely to try and challenge Hong Kong China for the title. The South Koreans will be eager to avenge the tight defeat at home last year which denied them a chance to qualify for the RWC 2023.

The two-match series for HK China against Malaysia (10 June) and South Korea (17 June) at Hong Kong Football Club are the first chance for the team to impress at home since 2019 due to the pandemic, and will also be the debut home test for Lewis Evans as Head Coach.

The Welshman was appointed to take the team to South Korea in the ARMC 2022 and then the Rugby World Cup Repechage after a loss to Tonga in Australia in what was a chaotic logistical series of matches – he has now coached the side through five matches to date.

Lewis Evans HKRU Men’s XV Head Coach in Australia recently

Evans recently spent some time with the ACT Brumbies in Australia for a week-long professional development and immersion experience as part of a rugby camp but is focussed on the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2023.

“It is a big occasion. The boys will want to set a standard at home and there could be some added pressure as well, but won’t it be great to have a big crowd there; seeing a game in a packed-out Football Club is always exciting.”

“It’s a new Rugby World Cup qualification cycle and we want to get fresh faces involved for the long term, but we also have a short-term goal of winning the ARC – that is our priority. We are confident that this is a good group of players for both goals,” Evans added.

On the challenge of the ARMC, he said: “But this team is a different animal because the players have had a chance to refresh and we have a longer-term ambition for the next repechage and making sure that that group of players can compete against the likes of Portugal, Germany or USA….. These are the guys we want to invest in longer-term because they could feature in future ARCs, so this is a great opportunity for them to come in bolster the squad and get exposure to that environment.

On the experience and the quality of players in the HKRU squad, Evans added: “Certainly we are not going to disrespect Malaysia, but we want to win absolutely and we are in a much better place than we were last year for this tournament…..We have been relying on our Hong Kong-based senior players like Tom Hill, Luke van der Smit and Patrick Jenkinson a lot in training. They communicate well and when they talk the players listen.”

There is also the return of overseas players including backs Gregor McNeish and Paul Altier, Nate deThierry, Alex Post and Ben Higgins.

“The impact of those guys returning is massive. They are key members of the squad and even though we would like to see them in Hong Kong, they are playing at a high standard elsewhere, and that’s positive for their development. We’re excited to see what they will add to our environment.”

Sevens players such as Seb Brien and Harry Sayers will also be featuring in the XVs squad, even though HK China does have squads playing in Europe this Summer. “They’re both quality players. Seb has done really well in the league and Harry has been phenomenal in his sessions with us – just a pure athlete with good skills. He will make a big impact on the team.”

Shane Barr will referee the Hong Kong versus Malaysia clash supported by Assistant Referees Katsuki Furuse and Tasuku Kawahara, both from the Japan Rugby Football Union.

Hong Kong China Men’s Squad vs Malaysia – ARMC 2023

The 23-man squad for the opening game with Malaysia has been announced on Friday 9th June 2023.

Tickets and Attendance – Hong Kong ARMC 2023

Fans interested in attending the matches in Hong Kong can scan the QR to get their tickets for the Hong Kong China vs Malaysia and Hong Kong China vs South Korea matches on 10th & 17th June 2023 at HKFC.

Entry to the match is free with the ticket issued through HKRU’s official ticketing app. There have been 1,200 registrations for free attendance for each match to date in Hong Kong.

• 10th June 2023 – Hong Kong China vs Malaysia – Hong Kong Football Club – KO 5PM (HK time)
• 17th June 2023 – Hong Kong China vs South Korea – Hong Kong Football Club – KO 5PM (HK time)

Photo Credit – Asia Rugby – ARMC 2023 – Malaysia lost to South Korea in the opening match

Asian Rugby Tournaments 2023

• Asian Rugby Championship Division 1 2023.
• Best International 2023 Rugby Tournaments In Asia.
• Hong Kong China Select World Rugby U20 Trophy 2023 Squad.
• 2023 World Wheel Rugby Asia Oceania Championship.