[16 July 2024] Following qualification in June, Hong Kong China Rugby Women’s XVs have welcomed confirmation of their fixtures for the upcoming global WXV tournament, to be held in Dubai from 27^th September to 12^th October 2024. 

Having been to the Rugby World Cup in 2017, Hong Kong China will begin their quest for Rugby World Cup 2025 qualification by taking on Fiji, Saturday 28^th September, followed by matches against Madagascar on the 4^th October and the Netherlands on 12^th October. 

There are two spots available for Rugby World Cup 2025, and with Fiji already qualified, the remaining two places will be competed for by Hong Kong China, Spain, Samoa, Madagascar, and the Netherlands. 

Excitement is mounting for the WXV tournament, which will be Hong Kong China’s first foray after the competition format was launched last year. After a positive Asia Rugby Championship campaign, the squad has had a small break to recharge, and are now back to working on their strength and conditioning, with full trainings to resume in late July.  

Chief Executive Officer James Farndon is enthusiastic about Hong Kong China’s participation in the tournament: “Our HKCR Board of Directors, staff team and rugby community are hugely proud of the players, coaches, and support staff for their recent performances in the ARC and to qualify for the WXV. Given the significant sacrifice, hard work, and commitment from this group over a concerted period of time, they fully deserve to be competing for a place at the Women’s 2025 RWC.”

Meanwhile, Hong Kong China Rugby’s General Manager of Performance Jo Hull is equally proud of the team: 

“This is a fantastic group of women who worked hard to deliver good results in the recent Asia Rugby Championship and secure themselves a place in the WXV. To be able to play such good quality opposition on a global stage outside of Asia is really important for the continued development of our programme, and I have no doubt that the squad will continue to keep up their positive attitude and seize the opportunities that are on the table.”

Veteran scrum half Jessica Ho Wai-on was present at the Rugby World Cup in 2017 and knows how much Hong Kong China would relish the chance to be there again: 

“The WXV is a huge opportunity to test the team and take positive steps forward. When you add a potential World Cup qualification into the mix, going to the World Cup was the best few weeks of experiencing the highest level of rugby on the planet, and qualifying for 2025 would be a massive achievement and reward for the girls who have given so much over the last few years.” 

For more information on the WXV, including all tiers and fixtures, please click here.