HKCR and Hysan Development Company Limited (Hysan) Extend Partnership Powering Youth Rugby in Hong Kong

Hysan Development Company Limited (Hysan) is supporting HKCR for the fourth consecutive year, supporting six youth and performance pathway programmes under the partnership.

A partner since 2022, their support has helped 5,000 students from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories participate in rugby, and simultaneously, 70 students have been provided with opportunities for specialised professional training through the Hysan HKCR Academy.

HKCR said that, “A wide range of programmes has evolved from introductory touch to elite performance academies, demonstrating Hysan’s deep and sustained commitment to promoting rugby for youth of all ages. The partnership is built around key elements of HKCR’s 2024-2035 Strategic Plan – including supporting rugby participation, retention and community engagement for young people across Hong Kong.”

Dean McLachan, HKCR’s Executive Director of Domestic Rugby, said, “A huge focus for us – driven by the support we receive from Hysan – is on our youth and performance pathway programmes. These are designed not only to best prepare players who can step into our senior representative teams in the future, but also to inspire boys and girls across Hong Kong with the opportunity to play rugby and strive to be a part of those programmes.

Photo Supplied (HKCR) – Action from the Finals of U16 Girls 2025_26 Hysan Youth Domestic League (December 2025)

Ricky Lui, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Hysan Development Company Limited, added, “Our partnership with Hong Kong China Rugby stems from a shared commitment to advancing the sport in Hong Kong. Rugby is a sport with both local roots and global reach – through our support of youth rugby, we aim to uphold its profound tradition and strengthen community participation.

The sport’s emphasis on teamwork, respect, and resilience aligns closely with the core values of the Lee Gardens community. This collaboration has long transcended mere sponsorship — it is a long-term ‘Youth Community Co-creation Initiative’.”

• 5,000 youths have been exposed to rugby
• 70 promising athletes have come through the Hysan Academy
• Following the Tin Shui Wai Regional Hub’s success, the program has expanded the model to Hong Kong Island, engaging 11 schools.

Photo Supplied (HKCR) – A rugby session takes place as part of the Hysan Secondary School pilot programme

2025-26 – HKCR and Hysan Partnership Programme Overviews and Updates

The Hysan HKCR Academy, the Hysan Youth Domestic League, the Hysan Youth Regional Hub Initiative, the Hysan Secondary School Pilot Programme, and the Hysan DARE (District Active Rugby Engagement) for Primary Schools all form under programs benefiting from the partnership

Hysan also proudly supported the recent Hysan New Year’s Day Tournament 2026, as the iconic event reached its 58th edition.

Hysan HKCR Academy

The Hysan HKCR Academy forms a key part of the Hong Kong China Performance Pathway to identify and nurture athletes who are skilful, confident and adaptable rugby players, preparing them to excel within senior Hong Kong China representative teams in the future.

• Academy players are selected from the top performers in the Hong Kong China Rugby domestic youth league.
• The programme operates across both U16 and U18 age groups for male and female athletes.
• Academy athletes continue their rugby and physical development through a structured weekly programme, including two gym sessions, one field-based rugby session, and a dedicated performance education session covering key areas such as nutrition, recovery strategies, and mental skills.

Photo Supplied (HKCR) – Boys on HKCR’s Hysan HKCR Academy programme take part in a gym session

Hysan Youth Domestic League

The league provides structured opportunities for children and youth across Hong Kong to compete in rugby in both 7s and 15s rugby.

• Leagues are organised by age groups and help bridge the gap between mini rugby and senior levels.
• A Fast 15s format is available to younger groups.
• Results and league tables are tracked through HKCR’s GameDay platform and published on the Hong Kong China Rugby website’s Match Centre.

Hysan Youth Regional Hub Initiative

Initially piloted in Tin Shui Wai by HKCR, the hubs have now expanded to Hong Kong Island with Hysan’s support.

• The hub ecosystems bring together schools, clubs, NGOs and other local organisations, helping to create smooth transitions from school-based programmes into development pathways.
• Hub programmes integrate leadership and resilience training alongside rugby training, including mentorship from local club players.

Photo Supplied (HKCR) – Hong Kong China 7s stars pose with young players at the Hysan x HKCR Hong Kong Island Regional Hub Fun Day

Hysan Secondary School Pilot Programme

The programme is designed to bridge participation gaps among secondary schools.

• Twelve schools are taking part in the 2025/26 season, each receiving two demonstration sessions and twenty training sessions.
• Participating schools are also encouraged to enter Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation (HKSSF) competitions.
• Students showing strong potential are invited to train at their Hysan Youth Regional Hub or progress to the Hysan HKCR Academy.

Hysan DARE (District Active Rugby Engagement) for Primary Schools

This introductory initiative provides non-contact touch rugby opportunities, offering a fun and safe entry point to the sport for students from Primary 4 to Primary 6.

• DARE targets underserved districts across Hong Kong and provides structured pathways for continued participation.
• Key activities include the Hysan District Primary School Touch Rugby Series, which has engaged over 3,000 youth participants since its launch.
• The programme also supports schools to prepare for the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation (HKSSF) competitions.

Photo Supplied (HKCR) – Valley Fort U18 Boys lift the 2024_25 Hysan Youth Domestic League Trophy (February 2025)

Hysan New Year’s Day Tournament

The annual event expanded in 2026; The four traditional Hong Kong Dragons vs Overseas Lions matchups took place at U16 Girls, U16 Boys, U19 Girls and U19 Boys.

• Returning for 2026 (after last featuring in 2020), a U14 Boys and a U14 Girls match gave younger players the chance to be part of the tournament.
• Additional showcase matches were played at U16 Boys and U18 Boys levels.

Hong Kong China Rugby News

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• South Africa Women and Canada Men Win HSBC SVNS 3 Titles – Heartbreak for Hong Kong China.
• The Vengaboys Confirmed To Perform at 50th Anniversary Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2026.
• Asian International Rugby Tournaments 2026.