Hong Kong set for World Rugby U20 Trophy tilt

Hong Kong head coach Stephen Dowse has announced a 26-man squad to compete at the upcoming World Rugby U20 Trophy in Romania.

World Rugby U20 Trophy >>>> Fixtures and Results

Mark Coebergh and Sam Tsoi will co-captain the side, with their first match the tournament opener against Samoa on 28 August.

Dowse’s side will also face Namibia and hosts Romania in pool play knowing that only one of the four sides will compete in the final against either Uruguay, Fiji, Portugal or Canada.

With a spot in next year’s World Rugby U20 Championship the competition will be fierce, and Coebergh is expecting it to be a tough, but exciting championship.

“In terms of my expectations, it will be a very tough tournament, especially with Samoa first up, then Namibia and Romania,” said Coebergh.

“Strategically and technically we have to be very smart to put in a performance that will help us win. We are all looking forward to and if we can put in a performance like we have in training we should go well.

“To qualify for the Championship next year, it would be great. As rugby players we strive to play against the best of the best, so for that we know we need to win all our games here. It will not be easy but if we stick to what we have practised I am in no doubt we can do very well.”

Hong Kong qualified for the event in December 2017, beating Sri Lanka 37-8 away from home before a 40-7 victory at the Hong Kong Football Club in the Asia Rugby U19 Championship.

With the confidence still brimming in the side, Coebergh believes his side can have an impact in Romania.

“The team is feeling confident,” added Coebergh. “We have worked very hard. We have had to sacrifice our summer for this but all the boys are very excited to play in the tournament. We have a great blend, which we will need for the three-week tournament”