Hong Kong China Men XV Looking At Possible South America Tour

It was reported at the start of 2024 that the Hong Kong China Men XV could be embarking on a South American tour with possible matches against Chile and one more opponent.

We have spoken to our sources who tell us that although discussions are underway the tour is not yet confirmed, or approved by World Rugby.

If it goes ahead, the tour could see the second-ranked Asian men’s team head to South America in July 2024 and face Chile – who most recently were involved in the Rugby World Cup 2023. The potential two-match tour could also see Hong Kong China play another opponent in another country.

Chilean Head Coach Pablo Lemoine had made it known that the HKCR and Chile matches were going ahead but may have spoken prematurely. Americas Rugby News (ARN) added that they confirmed that the fixture for Chile is being prepared but is not yet finalized and that the second HKCR opponent will not be Chile, Uruguay or Argentina.

HKCR previously faced Chile in 2017 which they won 13-6, and the Chileans will have notched up matches against Asia’s top three ranked teams – having played South Korea in 2016 twice (a 1-1 drawn series in Chile), and Japan in 2023 at the Rugby World Cup.

The Hong Kong China men’s Sevens team, which includes players who were involved in defending their victorious Asia Rugby Championship XV 2023 campaign, have a busy 2024 – involved in the Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, Hong Kong Sevens 2024, the Olympic Repechage Sevens, and the Asia Rugby Sevens Series 2024.

Photo Credit: HKRU / Ike Li / Ike Images – Luke van der Smith had a great series for Hong Kong China

South America – 2024 Rugby XV Test Schedule

Other rugby union heavyweights could also be heading to South America with Uruguay potentially facing Argentina, Scotland and France in July 2024. Chile is also hopeful of facing the Scots on their tour.

Argentina has also confirmed two home matches against France in July 2024 and will host matches as part of the Rugby Championship 2024. ARN also suggested that Argentina will face a Tier 2 side after their series against France with the opponents TBC.

The French are rumoured to likely add a third test to their 2024 tour, with either Chile or Uruguay a likely opponent.

NANTES, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 30: A general view as players of Chile and Argentina compete in a lineout during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Argentina and Chile at Stade de la Beaujoire on September 30, 2023 in Nantes, France. (Photo by David Ramos – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Asian Rugby 2024

• Borneo 7s International Rugby Tournament 2024.
• Kyushu Women’s Sevens 2024 – Nanairo Cup.
• Monaco To Host World Rugby Sevens Repechage – Paris 2024 Olympics.
• World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 – Leg 1 Dubai Pools.