“FEARLESS” HKCR OUT TO FINISH WXV GLOBAL SERIES CHALLENGER ON HIGH

[HONG KONG, 25 September 2026]:  The World Rugby WXV Global Series Challenger 2026 concludes on Saturday in Hong Kong with Round 3 action at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground as six ambitious international rugby unions battle it out for final spots on the table and in the world rankings.

The last two unbeaten teams, Fiji and The Netherlands, will face off in the trophy decider at noon, followed by Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) versus Samoa at 1530. The 1900 match sees Spain versus Brazil.

As the centerpiece competition for teams ranked 13 to 18 in the women's international game, the WXV Global Series Challenger provides meaningful annual Test rugby and a clear pathway within the evolving global women's rugby calendar. Hong Kong provides a fitting backdrop for the Series, with the city boasting a proud rugby heritage and a reputation for hosting world-class international rugby events. 

The atmosphere has been electric across the first two rounds with over 6,000 cumulative spectators across the gates to date, an invaluable endorsement of World Rugby's wider ambition to grow the women's game and create more meaningful international competition opportunities.

Hosts Hong Kong China Rugby have leaned into that objective this tournament, producing some memorable performances on the pitch while splitting their matches with a last gasp win over Brazil and a loss to Fiji - where HKCR fought hard to secure the crucial fourth try bonus point in the 81st minute.  

The performances on pitch, and the fan support off of it, have given the hometown side a sense of self-belief they will carry into Saturday’s Samoa test – and long after.

Sevens convert Grace Hood, who has anchored the backrow in the past two matches, spoke about the team’s experience ahead of Saturday: 

“We've come such a long way from the start of the campaign. I feel like we've really done everything we can to get in tip-top condition for the tournament, and it shows in how we performed. It's been super fun and beneficial.

“We're a fearless team and quite relentless on the field, and we are incredibly excited for this last game and ready to give it all we've got. 

“They're a big team; they put a lot of size on us, but at the end of the day, if we stick to our processes, do what we do best, and really Just believe, you know if we have that belief then we'll come away happy. Going into this next game against Samoa, we've got no doubt that we've got this,” said Hood of her sisters in arms.

HKCR Lead Coach Tumua Ioane proudly seconded his No.8’s confidence saying:  “In terms of what success looks like,we are chasing clarity in how we play Hong Kong rugby and identification of players that can play at this level moving forward into Rugby World Cup qualification. 

“We lost last week, but there were some really good signs in terms of the clarity in the way that we want to play, and that won't change this weekend. We want to play fast, we want to play to space, we want to have an efficient set piece, and we want to be really clear and clinical. If we show that again this weekend and we get a win, that would be massive for us.  It is a really exciting time for the programme.”

Ioane has opted for a settled squad with the only significant change the return of Kea Herewini from a knock after game one. Herewini, who captained the squad at the Asian championships earlier this year, will add even more strength to the HKCR forward pack which has been essential to the team’s performance in the Challenger Series. 

Tammy Lau and Tanya Dhar will start at prop and hooker respectively. Roshini Turner will once again partner Chloe Baltazar in the second row - earning her third straight start of the tournament - and what will be her 20th cap on Saturday. Hood is joined by another sevens crossover in Pun Wai Yan, vice captain for the XV this weekend, and Winnie Siu in the backrow.

Rosie Downs earns a second start at scrumhalf after making her HKCR debut this tournament, with captain Lara Schats again providing a steady hand and savvy boot at flyhalf. Lauren Knowler and Abigail Chan are the centre pairings. Ioane has kept faith with his powerful wingers with Lucia Bolton earning a second consecutive start while Georgia Cutt moves into the starting XV with Ella Lynam moving to the reserves bench for kick-off.  The impressive Sabay Lynam will again anchor the back three at fullback. 

With WXV Global Challenger Series being the first home tests for Hong Kong China Rugby since 2024 the momentum established this month has fuelled renewed passion in the rugby community.

Veteran HKCR representative Abigail Chan was effusive in her appreciation of the fans and called on the supporters to rally for the last push.

“Hosting world-class rugby at home is a huge dream come true for all of us, and I think Hong Kong have absolutely nailed it. The energy in the crowd has been unbelievable. I’m blushing with pride and maybe a little extra hype from all the loud home fans. The moment of the series for me is hearing the stadium go crazy when we run out onto the pitch, and seeing friends and family in the crowd holding signs and shouting our names. It has been top tier and I love it.

“Hong Kong will one hundred percent become a force to be reckoned. We're soaking up all this high-level rugby, learning fast and having a blast doing it. The world has to watch out, we're definitely up for the big stage. Our fans are absolutely the best, and I want to thank them for bringing the noise and keeping us filled with energy on the field. Keep cheering, keep being loud, and let's finish the series with a bang together!”

The World Rugby WXV Challenger Hong Kong 2026 is proud of being an “M” Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia’s sports event capital. The “M” Mark awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolising intense, spectacular and signature event in the territory sports calendar.

Tickets on Sale

Single round tickets are HK$180 for adults, HK$140 for students, and HK$100 for kids. Reserved seating starts at HK$250.  Tickets are on sale through the Hong Kong China Rugby Ticketing Platform and the HKCR Ticketing App.

HKCR Women’s XV for SAMOA (WXV Global Series Challenger; 26/09/26)

1. Tammy LAU Nga Wun; 2. Tanya DHAR; 3. Kea HEREWINI; 4. Chloe BALTAZAR; 5. Roshini TURNER; 6.  PUN Wai Yan (vice-captain); 7. Winnie SIU Win Ni; 8. Grace HOOD; 9. Rosie DOWN; 10. Lara SCHATS (captain); 11. Lucia BOLTON; 12. Lauren KNOWLER; 13. Abigail CHAN; 14. Georgia CUTT 15. Sabay LYNAM; 16. Iris LAM Tim Yeung; 17. NG Ki Sum; 18. LEE Ka Shun; 19. Isobel LITTLEHAILES; 20. CHOW Mei Nam; 21. Jenna POTGEITER; 22. WAN Tsz Yau; 23. Ella LYNAM.  
Management:  Selene COOPER (Manager); Tumua IOANE (Lead Coach).