The Hong Kong China women’s XVs training squad is set to depart for Amsterdam this evening to test their mettle in two international test matches against Sweden on the 1^st May and The Netherlands on the 6^th May 2023. 

Supported by World Rugby, a 32-strong squad will be making the trip. Featuring 8 currently uncapped players, this series provides a springboard for developing the next core group of women’s talent, braced by a veteran leadership group within the playing team including experienced campaigners Chow Mei Nam and Lee Ka Shun. The squad will also relish the depth the Hong Kong China Sevens players will add to the mix once the World Rugby Challenger Series is completed this weekend. The likes of Natasha Olson-Thorne, Jessica Ho, Melody Li and Nam Ka Man are likely to feature and will add a gritty skill set and wealth of nous to a fairly untested wider group. 

Hong Kong China will be looking to examine themselves against the physicality and speed of their opponents, largely in part as vital preparation ahead of the Women’s Asia Rugby Championship, set to be held in Kazakhstan on the 23^rd and 28^th of May 2023.

Currently ranked 15^th in the world off the back of two gutsy wins against Kazakhstan in December, Head Coach Royce Chan Leong-sze is hoping to maintain both momentum and ranking for a team that has struggled for international minutes over the last few years and was heavily impacted by the pandemic.

“We want to emphasize our strengths and focus on believing in ourselves. We got the job done in December, now it’s time to re-group and reorganize for the next challenge”.

“This is a huge opportunity for a special playing group and we are looking forward to seeing what they bring to the table over the next few weeks.”

Chan is supported in the coaching group by ex-Plymouth Albion back row and Societe Generale Valley RFC Assistant Coach Sam Hocking, while Edinburgh Rugby & Dragons RFC veteran centre Sam Beard oversees the attack. 

Hong Kong China Women’s International Training Squad: AU King To, AU YEUNG Sin Yi, BALTAZAR Chloe, CHAN Abigail, CHAN Chloe, CHAN Hiu Tung, CHOW Mei Nam, CUVELIER Nadia, DHAR Tanya, FONG Rachel, GOT Fion, HO Jessica Wai On, HO Tsz Wun, HEREWINI Kea, LAM Tsz Yan, LEE Ka Shun, LI Nim Yan Melody Blessing, LO Wing Yin, NG Ki Sum, NAM Ka Man, OLSON-THORNE Natasha, SO Yee Kei Cherly, PUN Wai Yan, QIAN Jiayu, RICHARDSON Megan, RYAN Aileen, SIU Wing Ni Winnie, TSANG Ching Man, TSANG Hoi Laam, TURNER Roshini, WRIGHT Rosanna, WONG Sze Ying