HKCR PUSH USA TO THE LIMIT IN UNLUCKY LOSS AT NATIONS CUP
PUBLISHED ON 11 NOV 2026
[Hong Kong, China, 9 November 2026]: Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) men’s XV were within minutes of handing first placed USA their first loss of the World Rugby Nations Cup before falling to an unlucky 28-26 loss at the Stade Marcel-Verchère in Bourg-en-Bresse, France.
Marcus Ramage scored a brilliant solo try when charged down USA fullback Perry Mayo’s clearance kick attempt deep in US territory for the game’s opening try after six minutes. Flyhalf Nathan De Thierry’s conversion put HKCR up 7-0.
Mayo would make amends for his earlier miscue when he scored a nice crash try to capture a period of intense US pressure minutes later to level the scores at 7-all approaching the 10-minute marker.
Disaster struck for HKCR on the restart after wing Harry Sayers was sent to the sinbin for a poor tackle on the receiving kicker to put Hong Kong at a man disadvantage for the next 10 minutes. Despite a brave defensive stand, USA would score again with less than a minute remaining in Sayers’ penalty to push ahead 14-7.
De Thierry added a penalty down the stretch to close the gap to 14-10 before a second solo effort score from flanker Josh Barlteett gave Hong Kong back the lead late in the half.
Bartlett, who played himself back into contention after being left out of the summer Nations Cup tour showed great vision and game nous to pick and go from an HKCR ruck at halfway. He emerged from the heart of the ruck just past halfway to flash for 40 metres for the try after shrugging off two defenders to cross the line. De Theirry’s conversion was successful and Hong Kong China led 17-14 at the break.
Despite massive imbalances in possession and territory assisted by the yellow card to Sayers, HKCR had consistently frustrated the Eagles in the opening half, generating four turnovers against the Eagles’ one. The second half would prove more of the same as HKCR pushed the US to the limit down the stretch.
The second half saw HKCR captain Josh Hrstich sin-binned for a dangerous tackle after one minute of play. HKCR’s penalty killing effort was nothing short of immense as they controlled the ball for large patch of play during the sin bin to hold the Eagles scoreless until Hirstich’s return.
De Thierry’s second penalty extended Hong Kong’s lead to 24-14, but the advantage was short-lived. The Eagles overpowered Hong Kong’s scrum on the try-line to earn a penalty try and regain the lead for the second time, moving ahead 21-20 as the match entered its final quarter.
Fullback Dylan McCann added a penalty to claw back the lead for Hong Kong China at 23-21 in the 65th minute. He extended that margin to 26-21 with a second strike in the 70th minute.
USA broke Hong Kong hearts with a barreling try in the 76th minute to level the score at 26-all before Chris Hilsenbeck’s game winning conversion saw USA win 28-26.
HKCR had eliminated the gap between the sides from their last meeting, a 47-7 loss in Dubai in 2023. Despite the loss, Hong Kong China Rugby continues to find its form in the Nations Cup with tbe belief amongst the team visible now when competing against these sides.
“USA and Georgia are the two form teams in this tournament and we pushed one of them right to the 80th minute,” said captain Josh Hrstich after the match.
“Obviously we’re disappointed but I’m really proud of the group and it was a massive step forward for us.”
Hong Kong's next leap of faith will be against Canada next Saturday, before they return to face Tonga in a men’s and women’s doubleheader at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground on 21 November.
World Class Rugby Returns to Hong Kong on 21 November
The finale of the Nations Cup will see HKCR host Tonga on 21 Nov. at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. Fans can purchase tickets via the HKCR fanzone. Reserved seating for the matches is HK$250, with Adult prices at $180, Students at $140, Children at $100. Registered HKCR club members are eligible for a HK$50 discount across all ticket classes.
Hong Kong China Rugby Nations Cup Squad vs USA. 8 Nov 2026
1. Sunia FAMEITAU; 2. Alex POST; 3. Faizal SOLOMONA-PENESA; 4. James RIVERS 5. Maximilian MURPHY; 6. Jack BARTLETT; 7. Callum MCCULLOUGH; 8. Josh HRSTICH (Captain); 9. Jack COMBES; 10. Nathan De THIERRY; 11. Harry SAYERS 12. Isaac CAMPBELL-WU; 13. Marcus RAMAGE; 14. Seb BRIEN 15. Dylan McCANN Charles HIGSON-SMITH; 15. Paul ALTIER; 16. Harry BARON; 17. Thomas CONCU; 18. Keelan CHAPMAN; 19. Lachlan DOHENY; 20. Dana FOURIE; 21. CHUI Wai Lap 22. Joe BARKER 23. Thomas HILL Coach: Andrew DOUGLAS
