PUBLISHED ON 26 MAY 2025
Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) today announced the final 23-player squad for the first match of the organisation’s re-launched Dragons Programme. The team was announced ahead of a training session at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, before the group heads to Singapore on Thursday (29 May) for a training camp, concluding with a competitive match against a Singapore Development Team on Sunday (31 May).
The Dragons Programme, established in 1990 by the former HKCR Board of Directors member George Simpkins, is dedicated to nurturing player development and creating clear pathways from community rugby to high-performance levels.
Salom Yiu Kam Shing, Hong Kong China Men’s 7s record cap holder and double Asian Games Gold Medallist, acts as Programme Lead for the Dragons. He said:
"Bringing back the Dragons Programme is crucial for our local players. It provides them with a structured pathway to improve their game and ultimately strive towards representing Hong Kong China at the representative level.
"Through systematic training and international exposure, we aim to advance local players’ skills, preparing them for domestic leagues and international competitions, while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of rugby in Hong Kong."
The traveling squad was selected from a 40-player training group, narrowed down from 140 nominees during initial tryouts. All players, aged 18–28 and Hong Kong passport holders, reflect a strong commitment to developing local talent.
Head Coach of the Dragons Programme, Brendan Ireland, commented:
"This squad, refined through their experience in domestic leagues, has shown exceptional potential and determination throughout a very competitive selection process. The upcoming match in Singapore will provide an excellent platform to showcase their skills and cohesive team dynamics. As the players come from various local clubs, we’ve focused on fostering team spirit and establishing cohesive playing patterns.
"We’ve appointed five leaders to lead different positional groups – our captain CHUI Wai Lap alongside LAI Nok Hei Justin for attack, TO Pak Lim for defence, CHAN Kwun Ho for lineout and SUNG Wai Shing for scrum – ensuring attention to detail across all areas. Based on match footage, the Singapore Development Team includes several physically imposing players, so we expect a high-intensity defensive battle and a fast-paced game."
Notable Dragons Programme alumnus Rambo Leung, Hong Kong China’s first Chinese representative player, attended the announcement and participated in a jersey exchange, symbolising the passing of the torch to the next generation. He added:
“The Dragons Programme is a vital catalyst for advancing rugby in Hong Kong. It provides local players with a professional platform to train, grow, and excel, driving the sport’s long-term development. I’m excited to see the team’s performance in Singapore and hope they embrace both the journey and the game.”
The Dragons Programme is a long-term initiative, and the tour to Singapore represents just one part of its first phase. Following the tour, another camp is planned for the summer to prepare Dragons players for the domestic league season. The programme will continue to monitor each player’s performances closely, allowing them to apply their learnings in order to elevate their game.
Match Details
Date: 31 May 2025
Kick-Off: 6 PM
Venue: Jurong West Stadium, Singapore
Squad
Team Management (Role)
YIU Kam Shing Salom (Programme Lead)
Brendan IRELAND (Head Coach)
Joseph SZE-TO (Coach)
SO Hok Ken (Coach)
LAI Yiu Pang (Coach)
TONG Chak Lam Christopher (Physiotherapist)
NAM Ka Man (S&C Coach)
Michael BRAY (Analyst)
FUNG Kai Hang (Team Manager)
Player (Club)
CHEUNG Tak Lung (Kowloon)
YAU Wing Yat (USRC Tigers)
LAU Lok Kan Roentgen (HKU Sandy Bay)
ZHOU Tian Long (USRC Tigers)
SUNG Wai Shing (USRC Tigers)
WAT Chun Hin Isaac (HK Scottish)
CHANG Calvin Kroll (USRC Tigers)
YUM Ka Chun Tavon (Hong Kong Football Club)
CHAN Tsz Ngo Leo (USRC Tigers)
LEUNG Yik Hong Brian (USRC Tigers)
CHAN Kwun Ho (USRC Tigers)
SUEN Chun Wai Wesley (Tin Shui Wai)
TO Pak Lim (Kowloon )
CHUI Wai Lap © (Kowloon)
YUEN Kwok Hing (Kowloon)
LAI Nok Hei Justin (Tin Shui Wai)
WU Zhuojing King (HK Scottish)
Cayden DA SILVA (Hong Kong Football Club)
LAM Kwan Yiu (Kowloon)
CHEUNG Ho Lun (USRC Tigers)
MOK Tsz Hin Hugo (Tin Shui Wai)
YEUNG Chi Sum Samuel (Kowloon)
LEE Kwai Hau Max (Kowloon)