Hong Kong China Rugby targets growth on and off the pitch after hosting WXV Challenger 2026

Hong Kong China Rugby have declared their hosting of the WXV Global Series Challenger a success on multiple fronts, pointing to on-field progress and a wide-ranging legacy programme that reached deep into the local game.

The union’s women’s side played their first home matches since 2022 during the six-team competition in September, finishing fourth after one win and two defeats. That victory came on the opening weekend against Brazil at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, where 2,900 supporters watched — a result that carried particular weight given Brazil’s participation at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Hong Kong China last appeared at that tournament in 2017.

“In the WXV we’ve learnt what we’re capable of,” said Tanya Dhar, the team’s leading points scorer at the tournament. “If you saw us three months ago, I don’t think you would have thought that we would even put up a fight against teams like this. The way we’ve come along, and the fight we show — we’re really a never-say-die team. We might not be the biggest, or the fastest, but we are a bunch of girls that are willing to put their body on the line and work for each other.”

Beyond the elite level, the tournament generated tangible grassroots impact. Across three weeks, 250 girls aged Under-9 to Under-12 took part in a Mini WXV festival. The event also created 80 shadowing opportunities in coaching and strength and conditioning, while four local performance analysts gained hands-on experience.

A Women in Rugby Summit ran alongside the competition, bringing together leaders and advocates to discuss the direction of the women’s game.

“This legacy programme demonstrated how international events can strengthen the local game by creating meaningful opportunities for participation, learning and leadership,” said Jamie Farndale, Hong Kong China Rugby’s General Manager of Club Development and Sustainability. “The experiences and connections created through WXV will continue to benefit the rugby community long after the tournament has ended.”

The union’s next fixture comes on 21 November, when a Hong Kong China Women’s XV faces Tonga at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground in a double header alongside the men’s side.