Hong Kong rugby coach overhauls squad in World Cup qualifying push
Andrew Douglas said squad selection for first Asia Rugby Championship game in Dubai this weekend most ‘challenging’ yet
Hong Kong have named a much-changed squad for their first Asia Rugby Championship game in Dubai this weekend, with Andrew Douglas calling it his “most challenging squad selection” as head coach.
With the city’s sevens players making themselves available for the tilt at a fifth consecutive title, which this year comes with a place in the 2027 World Cup, Douglas’ team is unrecognisable from the one that beat the United Arab Emirates 52-5 in last year’s competition.
There are 12 changes from that match, and six from the one that beat Brazil 38-17 in the second of two Tests last November.
In the backs, Guy Spanton and Charles Higson-Smith are replaced on the wings by sevens pair Max Denmark and Harry Sayers, while their teammate Jack Combes comes in for Jamie Lauder at scrum half.
There is a more settled pack, with Alex Post reprising his role at hooker alongside Sunia Fameitau and Keelan Chapman, while Josh Hrstich will again captain the side at No 8.
Among the replacements, former Kowloon coach Joe Barker could make his debut at 34 years old, having recently completed his five-year residency qualification.