The stage is set for the Tradition HKFC 10s rugby tournament, which kicks off at Hong Kong Football Club tomorrow after an absence of three years.
Adding to the tournament's appeal is the launch of a competition for women for the first time in its history.
"This is the inaugural women's tournament, which is a huge achievement," said Rochelle 'Rocky' Clark, one of the most-capped English players of all time with 137 appearances for the Red Roses.
"I'm proud to be one of the first women to play in the event," added the England icon, who is in Hong Kong as both coach of RKS Legal Samurai and official tournament ambassador.
Billed as the world's best tens, the event returns for the first time since 2019 and blends emerging talent with international veterans in a two-day festival of fast-running, hard-hitting rugby. It will feature 12 men's and five women's teams.
Former England No 8 Nick Easter, who will coach the Samurai RFC Warriors, said: "From the perspective of a 15s coach, you see more of a player in tens than you do in sevens. More collisions, the breakdown is hotly contested and there's the set-piece part, too.
"Samurai scouts young talent worldwide and has grown massively since it started 25 years ago. We've got Aussies, Kiwis, Samoans, Fijians, some Welsh lads and a couple of English.
"It's an opportunity. Samurai have had the likes of Beauden Barrett and Sam Cane who have gone on to represent their country with 50 caps for a tier-one nation."
HKFC chairman Neil Jensen said: "It's been challenging with a new committee, funding and so on but when this stadium's full, it will be one of those 'wow' moments."
Gates open at 8.30am tomorrow. Tickets cost HK$120 per day and are available at the gate or online through www.hkfc10s.com and www.zicket.co.
