Toby Booth set for World Cup mission after announcing return to rugby

Former London Irish, Bath and Ospreys coach Toby Booth has announced via LinkedIn that Hong Kong China Rugby have appointed him as a high-performance and technical consultant.

Booth will assist the current coaching setup in the build-up to Hong Kong China’s World Cup debut in Australia in 2027

Following their first-time qualification as champions of Asia, Hong Kong China haven’t wasted any time in changing their elite game structure.

The news of Booth’s involvement follows on from Andrew Douglas stepping down from his role as head coach of the team to concentrate on implementing and delivering the newly created men’s full-time playing programme.

Fellow Kiwi Logan Asplin has been promoted from within to fill the vacancy and will lead the team at the World Cup.

Whether Booth’s involvement with Hong Kong China will continue into the tournament remains to be seen.

Booth wrote: “Following the successful qualification for the men’s XVs World Cup in 2027, I am happy to share that  I’m starting a new position as High Performance Strategic and Technical consultant at Hong Kong China Rugby.

“Really good to contribute further to this journey and support and challenge the group’s journey towards the tournament.”

Bath-based Booth has been looking for new opportunities in elite rugby since he left the Ospreys in December 2024 after nearly five years as head coach of the region.

During his tenure, Booth led the team to significant achievements, including winning the URC Welsh Shield in both the 2021/22 and 2023/24 seasons. He also guided the Ospreys to the EPCR Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals and the URC Play-offs in the 2023/24 season.