Hong Kong coach Logan Asplin called it “a dream come true” after the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw yesterday pitted the Asian debutants with New Zealand and hosts Australia.
Asplin and Hong Kong captain Josh Hrstich were born in New Zealand and their eyes lit up as they watched the draw in Sydney on a live stream in Hong Kong surrounded by the squad.
A cheer from the players greeted Hong Kong first being pooled with the Wallabies, then a bigger roar went up when the All Blacks completed the group. Chile are the other team.
"We actually messaged last night and we predicted what a dream result would be,” said a beaming Asplin.
"And that was it.”
He added: “To play the host nation, to play the nation – for a few of us – of our birth, it’s pretty important and pretty special.”
Hong Kong qualified for the first time in their history when they romped past South Korea 70-22 to become Asian champions in July.
The victory gave Hong Kong a sixth consecutive Asia Rugby Championship and with it a place in the expanded 24-team tournament to be hosted by Australia in 2027. The World Cup will run from October 1 to November 13 and feature a bumper 24 teams and 52 games.
"Hugely exciting,” said back-row forward Hrstich, who added his side would be targeting Chile for a maiden World Cup win.
"What an occasion to celebrate, to pull two of the powerhouses of world rugby is a huge opportunity for us.
"We now understand where we are and where we need to be for 2027,” he said, before urging global rugby fans to make Hong Kong their “second team” in Australia.
"So just a huge, huge occasion for us to promote the city, but also help grow the game here in Hong Kong.”
Holders South Africa were pitted with Italy in Pool B, which includes Georgia and Romania. England, the 2003 champions, are in Pool F with Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe, who last played a World Cup in 1991.
Ireland are in Pool D with Scotland, Uruguay and Portugal. France headline Pool E with Japan, USA and Samoa while Argentina are in Pool C and face Fiji, Spain and Canada.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
