World Cup newcomers change head coach 2 years out from tournament

Andrew Douglas, the man who led Hong Kong China’s successful World Cup campaign, has moved ‘upstairs’ and been replaced as head coach by fellow Kiwi Logan Asplin.

Former New Zealand U18s coach Asplin has been involved in the Hong Kong China coaching setup since 2022, alongside his role as club coaching officer at Hong Kong Football Club and will now lead the team into the World Cup in 2027 in Australia.

“There will be 24 teams at the World Cup, and it’s obviously a privilege for me to be one of the 24 people who get to lead a big coaching and playing group there,” said Asplin.

“It’s all probably come around quicker than I would have ever expected, but I pride myself on knowing the players really well. We have respect that goes both ways between me and the players, as well as the rest of the management group.

“I think excitement has got to be the driving part of our experience at the World Cup. As coaches, we talk about it not only being the first time for the players, but the first time for all of us as well. We’ve got to go celebrate that and make sure that we make the experience memorable, and we have to make ourselves visible as well.”

Alongside Asplin’s promotion, Lewis Evans will stay as assistant coach, while Hong Kong China Rugby are working on recruiting a new scrum coach to replace Alex Allan, who has returned to the UK.

Douglas, meanwhile, will transition into a head of technical rugby role. Douglas will oversee a new full-time men’s programme, which will include a centrally contracted group of players. Douglas has essentially fulfilled both roles since coming on board in 2023.

“Logan played a key role in the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship campaign as a coach, driving our attack and instilling an expansive style of play. He is widely respected by the coaching staff, playing group, and across the rugby community in Hong Kong,” said Douglas.

“I believe this move is a natural progression for Logan and also a testament to the pathway that exists for coaches coming into rugby in Hong Kong. He will bring great energy and enthusiasm to his new role, and we all look forward to seeing him coaching at the World Cup.”

Douglas added: “Since qualifying for the World Cup, we have already contracted 26 full-time players to a programme that is designed to give us the best possible preparation for the tournament, with more set to join in the coming months.

“This programme obviously requires a full-time devoted coaching team, which we have not had in recent years. Lewis Evans will continue in his role as a full-time coach, and we will also bring in a scrum coach and an additional S&C coach – and I’m excited to see the group come together.”