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Hong Kong China Men’s XVs overcame the UAE, Sri Lanka and Korea to lift the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship Trophy for a sixth consecutive time.

More importantly for this year, the Asia Rugby title has rewarded Hong Kong China with automatic qualification to the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, as World Rugby’s flagship tournament expands to 24 teams for the 2027 edition and beyond.

In 2027 history will be made as a Hong Kong China Men’s 15s team – currently 23rd in World Rugby’s rankings – plays for the first time on the world’s biggest rugby stage.