Hong Kong China Rugby CEO Robbie McRobbie Stepping Down In 2024

HKCR (Hong Kong Rugby China) confirmed that its Chief Executive, Robbie McRobbie, has notified the Board of Directors that he intends to step down from his role in mid-2024.

McRobbie is a popular figure in Asian rugby circles and he joined the then HKRFU as Community Rugby Manager in 2003 but has since worked across a number of roles including overseeing the Sevens, before being appointed CEO in 2017.

Robbie McRobbie said; “After 20 years in one organisation, it was time to explore other opportunities in Hong Kong. I have thought about this for some time and believe that it is time to hand over the reins to a new CEO who may bring in new ideas and approaches for the move to Kai Tak Sports Park and the development of rugby in Hong Kong, including our famous Hong Kong Sevens.”

HKCR Searches For New CEO

Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium – will be used for the HK Sevens from 2025

HKCR Chairman Chris Brooke said that this early indication from Robbie “would provide the Board with sufficient time both to identify a suitable successor as well as to manage a smooth handover in relation to this pivotal role” and that a global recruitment exercise would be initiated to fill the position.

Brooke said, “Robbie has dedicated 20 years of his career to the development of rugby in Hong Kong and has been a highly competent and well-respected CEO since taking up his current role in 2017. We are of course disappointed that Robbie has decided to step down, but we respect his decision and wish him all the very best in the future.”

An official statement from the HKCR confirmed that McRobbie plans to stay in Hong Kong for the long term. He was instrumental in setting up the Community Foundation, now called Rugby for Good, and has been an advocate for grassroots development in Hong Kong and the region.

McRobbie added, “It has been an honour and privilege to have been able to work in a sport I love and with people who are committed and passionate about sport and its potential as a driving force for good in society. 

While we have endured some tough times in recent years because of COVID, I can honestly say that I could not have asked for a more fulfilling and enjoyable career over the past 20 years. I will forever be thankful that I have been able to combine my love of rugby with earning a living while also having a lot of fun along the way.”

Rugby Asia 247 interviewed Robbie McRobbie recently and discussed a range of issues and will publish the interview soon. Below is a snippet of that interview as he reflected on the HKCR post-pandemic

Robbie McRobbie: “We’ve definitely been able to stabilise the financial situation and stabilise the organisation. On the back of that we have, we’ve taken a very conservative approach to turning the taps back on. But we have gradually identified the areas of priority and greatest need. I suppose we are quite a different organisation in many respects in comparison to the beginning of 2020.”

We would like to thank Robbie for all of his support to us over the years and wish him the best of luck in whatever he does next. In the meanwhile, he remains fully focused on ongoing initiatives, including the delivery of both a successful domestic season as well as the 2024 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens!

Hong Kong Rugby News

• HKCR Extends Partnership With Nan Fung Group.
• World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 Dates And Venues Announced.
• Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024.
• HKRUCF Rebrands To ‘Rugby for Good’.