Hong Kong China name 28-player squad for first home WXV campaign since 2024

Hong Kong China have named a 28-player squad for the WXV Global Series Challenger, with the side set to host Fiji, Samoa and Brazil at Kai Tak Sports Park across three weekends in September — their first home fixtures since 2024.

The tournament, which also features Spain, the Netherlands and Fiji, will see nine matches played over consecutive weekends, beginning with Hong Kong China’s opener against Brazil on 13 September. Fixtures against Fiji and Samoa follow on 19 and 26 September respectively.

Beyond the immediate competition, the series carries long-term significance. World Rugby’s qualification pathway for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 begins in earnest in 2027, when eight teams will secure spots through regional competitions. The two highest-ranked non-qualified sides at the end of the 2027 international window will also advance, before the 2028 WXV Global Series Challenger acts as a final qualification tournament.

Hong Kong China Rugby Hall of Famer Royce Chan, speaking in April, highlighted what playing at home means for the programme. “There is nothing quite like playing in front of a home crowd,” Chan said. “I remember in 2024 when our Women’s XVs played at home to qualify for the WXV 3 competition, the raw emotion on the field and the smiling faces in the stands were incredible.”

Chan also pointed to the broader impact on player development. “For our players — most of whom balance elite rugby with full-time jobs — playing three representative matches at home against world-class opponents will be a real highlight. Seeing the senior team compete on a global stage in Hong Kong makes the dream feel ‘real’ and attainable for future stars across Hong Kong.”

The squad of 28 is: Rosie Down, Tsz Yau Wan, Lara Schats, Hoi Ching Fung, Lauren Knowler, Georgia Cutt, Abigail Chan, Lucia Bolton, Zoe Smith, Ching Yi Shek, Ella Lynam, Sabay Lynam, Nga Wun Lau, Ka Shun Lee, Kea Herewini, Ki Sum Ng, Kirstie Stevenson, Iris Lam, Tanya Dhar, Fion Got, Mei Nam Chow, Roshini Turner, Chloe Baltazar, Isobel Littlehailes, Jenna Potgieter, Grace Hood, Wai Yan Pun, Wing Ni Winnie Siu.