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Rugby News from unexpected places

WorkingClassRugger

Michael Lynagh (62)
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.
 

Steve_Grey

Billy Sheehan (19)
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.
 

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WorkingClassRugger

Michael Lynagh (62)
Cheers. Doesn't explicitly say they will be entering a team just that the JRL are open to entrants from 2026. Though that may be their intent. Which I support and hope the Koreans manage something similar.
 

Steve_Grey

Billy Sheehan (19)
Cheers. Doesn't explicitly say they will be entering a team just that the JRL are open to entrants from 2026. Though that may be their intent. Which I support and hope the Koreans manage something similar.
Correct - I'll ask around when I go to Hong Kong this month - my guess it is very dependent on winning the ARC in 2025 to qualify for RWC 2027.

I heard that with potentially no U20 Trophy in 2025, that Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) are taking a squad to Europe to play Netherlands and maybe other T2 U20 Nations.
 

WorkingClassRugger

Michael Lynagh (62)
Correct - I'll ask around when I go to Hong Kong this month - my guess it is very dependent on winning the ARC in 2025 to qualify for RWC 2027.

I heard that with potentially no U20 Trophy in 2025, that Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) are taking a squad to Europe to play Netherlands and maybe other T2 U20 Nations.

Unless Korea can pull off a miracle and get a squad full of Japan based eligible players like they are trying to do I cannot see anyone stopping HK from qualifying. So they should be looking at the logistics of entering Japan's 3rd div. Which I'd expect them to win fairly comfortably. But at least for the led in to 2027 it would be more about getting as much game time as possible as a centralised squad that would matter most. So it would suit their purposes.

The Trophy is gone for 2025. That seems to be everything coming out of all sources at present. So it's good to read HK are looking to play some of their peers on tour.
 

Steve_Grey

Billy Sheehan (19)
Unless Korea can pull off a miracle and get a squad full of Japan based eligible players like they are trying to do I cannot see anyone stopping HK from qualifying. So they should be looking at the logistics of entering Japan's 3rd div. Which I'd expect them to win fairly comfortably. But at least for the led in to 2027 it would be more about getting as much game time as possible as a centralised squad that would matter most. So it would suit their purposes.

The Trophy is gone for 2025. That seems to be everything coming out of all sources at present. So it's good to read HK are looking to play some of their peers on tour.
Looks like HK are building towards that - they have a tour to ACT to play the Brumbie Runners lined up for April - they'll be collecting a few HK Born who play in Australia on the way.
 

Adam84

John Eales (66)
A decade long promise between a grandfather and grandson came to fruition as the pair laced up the boots for the same grade rugby match.
Dennis Bree (73) and his grandson Hamish (17) ran out together at Palmerston Crocs home field on Saturday against South Darwin Rabbitohs in the DRU B-grade competition.

The pair and the rest of the Crocs played their hearts out in the muggy and rainy conditions but were unable to contain the visitors, losing 27-15.

Dennis Bree throwing a lineout. Picture: From The Sideline Sports Photography
Hamish making a run during his first grade rugby match with his grandfather Dennis Bree. Picture: From The Sideline Sports Photography

Despite the result Dennis and Hamish could not have been more thrilled with the days play.

It was a rough introduction to men’s rugby for the teenager who copped a high tackle in his first play as well as a nasty eye-gouge in the first half.

Apart from those two blips Hamish slotted right into the side, making a number of gutsy carries and clutch try-saving defensive efforts at fullback.

As for Dennis, the old warhorse played the entire game, and was in the thick of the action throughout.

At hooker he took the lineout duties despite the wet gilbert and packed in the middle of every scrum on the day.

After it was all said and done Dennis and Hamish couldn’t stop smiling; Dennis proudly parading his lack of front chompers.

“That was just unreal,” Dennis said after the game.

“We didn’t win but I don’t really mind, I’m so happy that this day finally came and I got to play with Hamish finally.

“He was pretty good too I reckon. He got hit around a bit but he looked right at home so I think that means I’ll have to play again next season.”

Hamish, like his grandad, also couldn’t get his grin off his face.

“That was so good,” he said.

“That was a fun game in the end too.

“I got hit high my first carry and a finger to the eye but other than that it wasn’t that bad.

“And obviously getting to make my senior debut with him (Dennis) is so special and something I won’t ever forget.”

 
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