Hong Kong China: Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
Rugby heads to Australia in 2027 for the biggest tournament the sport has ever staged — and it will feature a first-time nation. Hong Kong China make their long-awaited debut at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, drawn into a daunting Pool A. Here is your complete guide.
1. Hong Kong China’s Rugby World Cup history
This is uncharted territory. After years of dominating the Asia Rugby Championship but falling agonisingly short in qualifying, the expansion to 24 teams gave Hong Kong China the breakthrough they craved.
By claiming a sixth consecutive Asia Rugby Championship title, they became only the second team from Asia, after Japan, to reach a men’s Rugby World Cup — the 27th nation ever to do so.
2. Hong Kong China’s Pool A fixtures: who, where and when
Here is where and when Hong Kong China play, with all kick-off times in local Australian time:
● Hong Kong China v Australia — Perth Stadium, Perth | Boorloo — Friday, 1 October, 2027 — kick-off 18:45 local (tournament opener)
● Hong Kong China v Chile — North Queensland Stadium, Townsville | Gurambilbarra — Saturday, 9 October, 2027 — kick-off 20:15 local
● Hong Kong China v New Zealand — Docklands Stadium, Melbourne | Narrm — Friday, 15 October, 2027 — kick-off 17:15 local
Few debuts come tougher: Hong Kong China face hosts Australia in the tournament opener in Perth | Boorloo, then three-time champions New Zealand in Melbourne | Narrm. The match to target is against Chile in Townsville | Gurambilbarra — described by their coach as “winnable” and a shot at a famous first World Cup victory.
3. Players to watch
Captain Josh Hrstich leads a tight-knit group into the unknown. Full-back and wing Matt Worley is a key strike runner, with 17 tries in just 15 Tests, while Pierce Mackinlay-West brings leadership across both the fifteens and sevens sides.
Sevens crossover talent Harry Sayers and centre Max Threlkeld add pace and attacking intent to a squad relishing its moment on the world stage.
4. Current form: where Hong Kong China stand
Head coach Logan Asplin, who helped guide the side to qualification, has spoken of building a programme that lasts beyond a single World Cup, targeting sustained growth towards 2031 and beyond.
The Nations Cup has given Hong Kong China their most consistent run of fixtures against top opposition, invaluable preparation for the step up to Australia 2027.
5. Back the tournament with Gilbert
Gilbert designed the official match ball for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, and the Rugby World Cup 2027 Replica Ball brings that same iconic design to your back garden, your club, or the trophy shelf. Explore the full Rugby World Cup collection, and keep an eye out — our Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 range is growing, with more tournament and nation product landing through the season.
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More from the Gilbert news hub: Want the story behind the ball every side will play with in Australia? Read Everything You Need to Know: The RWC 2027 Ball, and follow the news hub as we profile all 24 nations heading to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
