The HKRU 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 direction in 2003/04. Since then the tertiary rugby scene has exploded.

All 23 of Hong Kong's tertiary institutions can compete in the Standard Chartered Tertiary XVs League as well as two annual 7-a-side tournaments including the Standard Chartered Tertiary Beginner's Tournament and Standard Chartered Invitational Tournament. Universities that are a part of the University Sports Federation (USF) also take part in the annual USF Sevens Tournament.