The HKRFU has been actively promoting rugby in Hong Kong's tertiary institutions for over 10 years.  Initially the focus was on touch rugby but a growing increase in interest from students in the contact game encouraged the Union to change development direction in the 2003/04 season.

Touch and Tag rugby was introduced into Hong Kong’s tertiary institutions in 1998, and proved a popular addition to the student sporting scene. In 2004 the HKRFU decided to encourage participation in contact rugby, and since then the tertiary rugby scene has exploded!.

In that year, Hong Kong University overcame a spirited but inexperienced Combined Universities side to win the first ever 15-a-side Heller Ehrman Varsity Cup. This year 6 teams will compete in the Standard Chartered Bank League, culminating in a final in mid May. At stake will be the same Varsity Cup, donated by Oxford University RFC and presented to the HKRFU by IRB Head of Rugby Services and former Oxford University captain Mark Egan. In 2008/09, Hong Kong Polytechnic University overcame a strong HKU team in the finals to claim the Varsity Cup for a second time.

All 20 of Hong Kong's tertiary institutions also compete in two annual 7-a-side tournaments, which for the 2010/11 season will again be sponsored by Standard Chatered Bank.

So what continues to drive the growth of student rugby? HKRFU Assistant Community Rugby Manager Brandon Huang has no doubts. "Students are generally very open-minded and keen to try new experiences," explains the former City University student, "and rugby is an exciting and adventurous sport. By next year I expect the number of participating teams will be in double figures, and we'll likely have a ladies match as well!.

Matches in the Varsity League are likely to be closely contested affairs delighting the spectators.  One thing is for sure, for the players running out to play for the Varsity Cup it will be an experience to remember for the rest of their lives.