Hong Kong head coach change motivated by importance of Rugby World Cup quest

Andrew Douglas said his appointment as women’s head coach underlined Hong Kong’s desire to achieve 2025 Rugby World Cup qualification, and potentially transform the sport in the city.

The New Zealander, who led Hong Kong’s men to 2024 Asia Rugby Championship success, said he was overseeing a harmonious camp, after replacing Royce Chan Leong-sze at the helm.

Chan, who has been appointed programme lead, guided Hong Kong to the six-team WXV3 competition in Dubai, beginning this month, where two 2025 World Cup spots are up for grabs.

And Douglas said Chan had “not been sidelined” and the pair shared a “solid relationship”.

The reshuffle stemmed from Hong Kong wanting to arm themselves with all available ammunition for their World Cup quest.