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Hong Kong rugby tour: city’s men fight back to stun Brazil and send World Cup message

  • Win completes a tour that has made Hong Kong’s potential inclusion in 2027 World Cup seem a little less far-fetched

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Hong Kong’s James Sawyer stands tall during a maul in the Sao Paulo heat. Photo: Hong Kong China Rugby

The never-say-die Hong Kong men’s rugby team summoned a grandstand finish to stun Brazil and complete their South American tour with a roller-coaster 26-25 victory in Sao Paulo.

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Head coach Andrew Douglas’ team were on the brink of defeat at 25-19 down entering the closing minute.

When the nervy hosts kicked into touch from inside their own 22, however, Hong Kong ruthlessly capitalised on the error. A cross-field kick following the line-out invited Seb Brien to steal over close to the corner.

The nerveless Nathan de Thierry landed the conversion to spark euphoric scenes, as Hong Kong secured their second straight win following last week’s annihilation of Paraguay.

Jubilant Hong Kong players celebrate their last-gasp success in Brazil. Photo: Hong Kong China Rugby
Jubilant Hong Kong players celebrate their last-gasp success in Brazil. Photo: Hong Kong China Rugby

“It means a lot to nail that kick, for me and the boys,” De Thierry said. “We have been together for three weeks on a tough tour, so to get that win just topped it off so well.”

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