Rugby News from unexpected places

[WorkingClassRugger]

Nope - I read (I'll try and find link if interested) that HK will try and join in 2025 (December) / 2026, post 2025 ARC (if they win it), as the Japan League are already preparing to admit non Japanese sides (League 3 only).

Hong Kong need way more competitive games (if they win ARC) - going pro in the Japan League is one way to do that - basically have the National Team based in Hong Kong and fly to Japan for each game. They have Cathay Pacific as a sponsor, so that will help with costs.

Korea (as you note) are planning to join post 2027.

I've only seen mention of 2027, so I would be interested in seeing something about HK entering earlier. Which would be a smart move given their ambition and the need to play more competitive games. Money must be the issue for the Koreans as I know both Hyundai and OK Man have expressed interest in entering the Japanese structure in the past.