The Hong Kong China squad to face Spain in the opening match of the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2023 has been announced.

 Coach Logan Asplin has unveiled the men in charge for Hong Kong China’s opening game against Spain on Saturday, as the long-awaited World Rugby U20 Trophy kicks off at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi after a four-year absence. 

 “Being bold and brave is a key focus,” Asplin said from Nairobi.

 “In the big moments, it is time for our team to step up, and we know they are capable of achieving big things,” he added.

It is the sixth straight U20 Trophy appearance for Hong Kong’s elite aspiring players since hosting the tournament in 2014. Scotland is in Pool A with Uruguay, USA and Zimbabwe.  Hong Kong China are pooled in group B with Spain, Samoa and hosts Kenya.  

Hong Kong China’s best finish in the U20 Trophy was sixth place in 2018. Pool B promises to be a big ask, with Spain, Kenya and Samoa all looking to finish on top.  Samoa has a near-perfect record in this competition, while the Kenyans will be wanting to deliver for their home crowd.  

Hong Kong China will face Spain at 21.00 Hong Kong time on Saturday, 15 July; Samoa on Thursday, 20 July, and Kenya on 25 July with the finals round on Sunday, 30 July. The team already has a match under its collective belt after an opening friendly against the Netherlands U20, which will provide important seasoning for the group.

Led by imposing Hong Kong-born forward Tyler McNutt, Asplin’s side features a dangerous attack, with the likes of Julien Bourron and Max Threlkeld impressing with their ability to read the game and get on with their work. 

Asplin has rewarded several players for their performance against Netherlands U20s, and has stacked the bench with impact players, as well as putting faith in Hong Kong’s speedsters. Seven players return from the side that won the Asia Rugby U19s championship last year with Threlkeld - who captained the team at the Asian championships - joined by play-makers Camill Cheung and Blake Elliott, and forwards Marco Conti, David Bennett, Callum Fitzhenry, Fritz Mahn and Dominic Hedley.

“We know Spain will be a level up and we’re coming in with the mindset that we want to win at all costs. We’re expecting a physical game, Spain will be really motivated, but we know we can go out and get this one.”

McNutt was equally chipper about Saturday’s match up: “This is a big test for our young team and we’re really looking forward to the opportunity. Our opposition has some big boys with a lot of skill – it’s up to us to come out firing and meet that level.” 

Live stream available to watch here.

World Rugby U20 Trophy Match 1: Hong Kong China versus Spain 15 July

1. Sam MARTIN, 2. Jude HARDING, 3. David BENNETT, 4. Callum FITZHENRY, 5. Theo MAG, 6. Tyler MCNUTT (Captain), 7. Marco CONTI, 8. Dominic HEDLEY, 9. Camill CHEUNG, 10. Julian BOURRON, 11. Josh EUSTACE, 12. Oliver PYLE, 13, Max THRELKELD, 14. Blake ELLIOT, 15. Dylan MCCANN, 16. Takuma YAMAUCHI, 17. GLENN HUI, 18. Billy RIGBY, 19 Ciaran DELANEY, 20. Fritz MAHN, 21. Adam BABER, 22. Jamie BLAIR, 23. Joe DENMARK.