New-look Hong Kong side heads for tour of Kenya
With as many as 22 top-liners out on Asian sevens series duty, opportunities aplenty are available across two matches next week
Hong Kong coach Leigh Jones is expecting his new-look side to come under a thorough examination as they embark on a two-game tour of Kenya.
The team left on Thursday and will next week play a friendly and a test match against the host nation in the Hong Kong 15s side’s first tour outside of Asia since 2012.
With a host of top-line players staying home to prepare for the upcoming Asia Rugby Sevens Series, Jones is looking forward to testing his 28-strong squad.
“We need high intensity games for the non-eligible players in the elite rugby programme,” Jones said.
“This unique group needs a test. They have been working very hard and doing everything asked of them but they want to play rugby. This tour gives those players a rare opportunity to play together as a team.”
The “unique group” will be made up predominantly of players from the programme, but Jones also had an eye on the future at selection, including four players who are either in the under-20 programme or have recently graduated.
