World Rugby U20 Trophy 2023 – HKCR vs Spain Preview

The World Rugby U20 Trophy 2023 action gets underway in Nairobi on Saturday 15th July and Asian contendors Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) open their account in Pool B against Spain.

Hong Kong China lost 24-34 to the U20 Netherlands in their one-preparation match before heading to Kenya for the tournament – this is the 6th time Hong Kong will be involved in the U20 Trophy.

Hong Kong China’s best finish in the U20 Trophy was sixth place in 2018 and their 2023 Pool B includes Spain, Kenya and Samoa.

HKCR Head Coach Logan Asplin said “Being bold and brave is a key focus. In the big moments, it is time for our team to step up, and we know they are capable of achieving big things.”

Hong Kong-born forward Tyler McNutt captains the HKCR side, and said of the opening match; “This is a big test for our young team and we’re really looking forward to the opportunity. Our opposition has some big boys with a lot of skill – it’s up to us to come out firing and meet that level.”

Asplin has stacked the reserves bench with impact players, while starters Julien Bourron (flyhalf) and Max Threlkeld (outside centre) will hope to showcase their ability to read the game and lead the attack.

In total, seven players return from the side that won the Asia Rugby U19s championship in 2022; including Threlkeld, Camill Cheung, Blake Elliott, Marco Conti, David Bennett, Callum Fitzhenry, Fritz Mahn and Dominic Hedley.

World Rugby U20 Trophy Match I

Hong Kong China Squad versus Spain – 15 July 2023

1.Sam MARTIN, 2. Jude HARDING, 3. David BENNETT, 4. Callum FITZHENRY, 5. Theo MAG, 6. Tyler MCNUTT (Captain), 7. Marco CONTI, 8. Dominic HEDLEY, 9. Camille CHEUNG, 10. Julian BOURRON, 11. Josh EUSTACE, 12. Oliver PYLE, 13, Max THRELKELD, 14. Blake ELLIOT, 15. Dylan MCCANN Reserves 16. Takuma YAMAUCHI, 17. GLENN HUI, 18. Billy RIGBY, 19 Ciaran DELANEY, 20. Fritz MAHN, 21. Adam BABER, 22. Jamie BLAIR, 23. Joe DENMARK.

Spain squad versus Hong Kong China – 15 July 2023

1-Cristian Moreno 2- (c) Alvaro Garcia 3-Jacobo Ruiz 4-Jaime Borondo 5-Antonio Suarez 6-Ignacio Pineiro 7-Borja Ibanez 8-Manex Ariceta 9-Pablo Perez 10-Marcel Sirvent 11-Noah Canepa 12-Daniel Catanzaro 13-Martin Sorreluz 14-Eloy De La Pisa 15-Gabriel Rocaries Reserves: 16-Diego Gonzalez 17-Rodrigo Pelaz 18-Aniol Franch 19-Martin Pena 20-Valentino Rezzo 21-Alvaro Vilchez 22-Beau Finnian Peart 23-Yago Fernandez

How To Watch the 2023 World Rugby U2o Trophy

All matches are due to be streamed live on Rugby Africa and Kenya Rugby social platforms.

Rugby 2023 Tournament News

• We speak with HKCR U20 Head Coach Logan Asplin.
• World Rugby U20 Championship Japan vs Italy Preview.
• Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 – Japan vs New Zealand XV Preview.
• Sakura Fifteen To Tour Spain in 2023.