Hong Kong China name WXV squad ahead of long-awaited home return

Hong Kong China have named a 28-player squad for their home WXV Global Series Challenger campaign in September.

It will be the first time that Hong Kong China’s women have played on home soil since 2024.

Over the next three weekends, Kai Tak Sports Park will see Hong Kong China, Fiji, Samoa, Brazil, Spain and the Netherlands play nine fixtures.

Hong Kong China will play fixtures against Brazil, Fiji and Samoa across three challenging weekends.

The tournament will not only provide the team with high-quality fixtures, but will also open the door to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 qualification.

In 2027 eight teams will qualify for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 in their regional competitions. The best two non-qualified teams, decided by the World Rugby rankings, will also qualify at the end of the 2027 international window.

The 2028 WXV Global Series Challenger will then act as a final qualification tournament.

Royce Chan, Hong Kong China Rugby Hall of Famer, said in April: “There is nothing quite like playing in front of a home crowd. 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.

“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.

“Our development programmes are all about building a bridge, including our new Dragons programme which provides opportunities for both emerging players and female coaches to elevate their game, preparing us for the next level of league and international competitions.”

Hong Kong China 2026 WXV Global Series Challenger squad

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

Hong Kong China WXV Global Series Challenger fixtures

• Sunday 13 September | Hong Kong China v Brazil
• Saturday 19 September | Hong Kong China v Fiji
• Saturday 26 September | Hong Kong China v Samoa