men’s
rugby-world-cup-tournament
With just twelve months remaining before the tournament kicks off in Australia, debutants Hong Kong China have appointed Andrew Douglas back to the role of head coach for the Men’s Rugby World Cup.
After guiding the Asian squad through successful qualification for RWC 2027, Douglas had stepped aside shortly after their place in Australia was secured, shifting his attention to his position as Head of Technical Rugby for the Hong Kong China Rugby Union.
Although Logan Asplin—formerly Douglas’s assistant—was elevated to lead coach to succeed him, the more seasoned New Zealand tactician has now reclaimed the top position.
Having guided Hong Kong China to a narrow 42-40 win over Uruguay during his fourth and final Test in July, Asplin remains with the national set-up as the attack coach, while Toby Booth rejoins the staff to oversee defense and lineouts.
Last year, Booth worked in an advisory capacity with Hong Kong China before he was signed to the coaching staff of the Harlequins.
That brief tenure with the London-based club concluded this past June, allowing the ex-Ospreys manager to return to the national team setup ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Alongside Booth’s homecoming, Hong Kong China have secured the services of athletic performance specialist Allan Ryan, who arrives from Toulouse to support the team as a consultant.
“It is fantastic to have Toby back in the group as we begin our final one-year drive toward a landmark event for Asian rugby. The impact of his prior work with the team still lives on among both players and coaches, and we couldn’t be happier to see him return,” remarked Simon Amor, the Executive Director of Performance Rugby.
“Furthermore, we are thrilled to bring Allan Ryan, a top-tier strength and conditioning expert in global rugby, into our system. Allan’s background in training elite international athletes will prove essential as we strive to unlock vital improvements in the physical performance of our players.”
