Rugby World Cup debutants handed 'Group of Death' for 2027 tournament

This interview was conducted in conjunction with What’s All The Ruckus? — a weekly podcast featuring Tier 2 and 3 international rugby guests.

The draw ensures that Logan Asplin’s side will face two of rugby’s most formidable forces in their World Cup debut.

Their qualification—secured with a commanding 70–22 victory over Korea in the final round of the Asia Rugby Championship 2025—marked a watershed moment for the programme. As only the second Asian nation ever to reach a Rugby World Cup, after Japan, Hong Kong China are set to enter the global spotlight in a way never before experienced.

For many within the squad, reaching the World Cup has been a journey of persistence and patience. Few embody that as clearly as Alex Post, the Hong Kong China hooker who also plays for Richmond in the English Championship.

Reflecting on finally earning a place at the tournament, Post said the expanded format played a crucial role.

“Well, firstly, you need to thank World Rugby for increasing the number of teams that are available to play in the World Cup. You know, I'm coming up to 30 years old, but this was my third time trying to qualify. So I failed in the 2018 Repecharge against Canada in Marseille and then I failed again in the Repecharge when Portugal qualified in 2022… In terms of how we got there, it's been a lot of years in the making.”

Seeing Hong Kong’s flag among the qualified nations brought home the scale of the achievement.

“I had a pretty surreal and pinch-me moment the other day when I saw a list of flags showing all the teams that have qualified… you've got England, New Zealand, and then there's Hong Kong's flag there. That was pretty special.”

Hong Kong’s entry into Pool A places them on a collision course with two of the sport’s powerhouses. New Zealand’s combination of precision, pace, and physicality sets the standard in world rugby, while hosts Australia will be playing under the intense expectation of a home crowd eager to see the Wallabies reclaim their former standing on the world stage.

For Post and his teammates, however, this is precisely the type of challenge they have long wanted.

“It’s a Tier 2 nation… we’ve been for a long time wanting to push on. And there’s no disrespect to some of the opposition we play in the Asian comp, but winning some games 90–0… you don’t learn anything. Whereas, testing yourself against the very best on the highest stage with global exposure, it’s only a good thing for Hong Kong rugby.”

While matches against Australia and New Zealand will draw immense attention, Hong Kong China will likely view their meeting with Chile as the pivotal encounter. With the top two teams from each pool and the best four third-placed finishers advancing to the first knockout stage, this fixture represents Hong Kong’s most realistic chance of progressing.

Ranked near the bottom of the 24-team field—above only Zimbabwe and Canada—Hong Kong China enter the competition as clear underdogs. But their presence alone signals a major step forward not only for Hong Kong rugby, but for the sport’s growth across Asia.

For players like Post, the opportunity to challenge the world’s elite is transformative.

“Testing yourself against the very best… with global exposure, it’s only a good thing for Hong Kong rugby.”