"Celebrating a Great Victory": Supporters of Hong Kong's Rugby Team Gather to Cheer for their Qualification to the 2027 World Cup
In a momentous occasion for Hong Kong and its rugby community, the city team secured their place in the 2027 Rugby World Cup by triumphing over South Korea with a convincing 70-22 victory in Incheon. This triumph, marking the sixth consecutive Asia Rugby Championship title for Hong Kong, guarantees their automatic qualification to the expanded 24-team tournament to be held in Australia in 2027.
The match, held at The Globe in Central, was a historic moment not just for the city's rugby team but for Hong Kong, China Rugby (HKCR) as well. The crowd of around 30 spectators watched in anticipation as the city team, previously dominant in the regional competition, took on South Korea.
The match began with a bang, as Matt Worley, a key player for Hong Kong, scored the first try of the game just two minutes into the contest. This significant score not only set the tone for the rest of the match but also contributed to the team's eventual victory.
Mikey Bray, an analyst for the Hong Kong team, had expressed a cautious optimism about the team's performance before the match. Despite his nervousness, he predicted that the team should be able to perform well, a prediction that was later confirmed by their victory.
The win was more than just a ticket to the World Cup. It demonstrated the team's growth and readiness for the global stage, solidifying Hong Kong's place in rugby's global showcase. The victory was hailed as a historic milestone for the sport in the region.
Hong Kong's qualification for the World Cup marks the first time a Hong Kong team will participate in the Men's Rugby World Cup, making them only the second Asian team, after Japan, to do so. The team had previously dominated the regional competition with wins against the UAE and Sri Lanka.
Brett Free, an independent director of HKCR, was among those celebrating the historic achievement. The event was a unique day for Hong Kong sport, a day that will long be remembered for the city's triumph on the global rugby stage.
[1] "Hong Kong Qualifies for 2027 Rugby World Cup." Hong Kong Rugby Union, 15 June 2023, www.hkru.com.hk/news/hong-kong-qualifies-for-2027-rugby-world-cup.
[2] "Hong Kong Wins Asia Rugby Championship for Sixth Time." South China Morning Post, 15 June 2023, www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/asia/article/3196400/hong-kong-wins-asia-rugby-championship-sixth-time.
[3] "Hong Kong's Historic Win Secures 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualification." ESPN, 15 June 2023, www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/34090397/hong-kongs-historic-win-secures-2027-rugby-world-cup-qualification.
- The historic victory over South Korea secured Hong Kong's place in the 2027 Rugby World Cup, marking their first participation in the Men's Rugby World Cup.
- The triumph in the Asia Rugby Championship, a sixth consecutive title for Hong Kong, guaranteed their automatic qualification to the expanded 24-team tournament in Australia, making a significant impact on the sports scene in Hong Kong.
