Hong Kong China Men’s XV Will Play Two November 2026 Nations Cup Tests in Europe & One Home Test

World Rugby confirmed the match schedule for the second phase of the World Rugby Nations Cup 2026, which will take place across Europe and in Hong Kong from 6-21 November – the itinerary requires most teams to travel, with many not having any home Tests in this debut of the Nations Cup.

Feature Photo Credit – HKCR / World Rugby

Hong Kong China travelled the long journey to South America for the July Tests & their opening three matches, as did the likes of Samoa, while Zimbabwe and other European nations also ventured to the Americas.

The second half of the format will see Hong Kong China play both the USA and Canada in France, before hosting their final game at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground against Tonga.

Zimbabwe will play all three Tests in England – as many as 17 fixtures involving 12 teams will take place across Europe and one in Hong Kong.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “November now promises a thrilling climax, with 18 fixtures across Europe and Hong Kong, 12 ambitious teams chasing silverware, and two inaugural Nations Cup titles on the line. For every union involved, this is more than a competition; it is an important step on the journey to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, providing the intensity, certainty and opportunity they need to grow, inspire and perform on the world stage.”

All of the 12 competing teams in the Nations Cup will be participating at Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, and the competition is intended to give them all much-needed Test match rugby.

According to World Rugby, it offers a “structured environment designed to accelerate competitiveness and create certainty of meaningful annual fixtures with revenue opportunities. The schedule balances geographic spread, player welfare, logistics cost and developmental opportunity, providing fans with clarity, teams with certainty, and unions with commercial opportunities.”

You hope the number crunchers have got their numbers right.

Following the July segment of the Nations Cup, the USA and Georgia lead Pool A and B respectively as both teams remain undefeated. Uruguay and Zimbabwe both are yet to win.

Hong Kong China has only played the USA once before – in 2022. USA Head Coach Scott Lawrence said, “The Nations Cup gives us valuable lessons. Competing against top international teams sharpens our game model and the discipline, habits and bonds that define us. Every test match, training and travel day together pushes our growth, on and off the field.”

Hong Kong China lost heavily to Samoa (19-66), and a red card in the match against Chile (17-38) denied them a fighting chance in the loss. They pulled off a remarkable 42-40 comeback to end on a high and defeated Uruguay.

Sitting in Pool A, with Georgia, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Zimbabwe, they all face teams in the other Pool A consisting of Canada, Chile, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay and USA.

The teams finishing top of each pool will be crowned the inaugural Nations Cup champions.

Hong Kong China – November 2026 Nations Cup Test Schedule

The HKCR Men’s XV has seen a coaching reshuffle since the matches in July.

Toby Booth has returned, and Strength & Conditioning (S&C) Coach Allan Ryan also joined from Toulouse in France on a consultancy basis. As a result, Logan Asplin shifted to Attack Coach and Head of Technical Rugby, and Andrew Douglas returned to the Head Coach position.

31 players were used in the three Nations Cup matches in July. Ten players featured in all three matches: Pierce Mackinlay-West, Kyle Sullivan, Rory Cinnamond, Sunia Fameitau, Jack Combes, Matteo Avitabile, Paul Altier, Max Threlkeld, Marcus Ramage and Matt Worley

Interestingly, fullback Paul Altier, who was the team’s player of the July matches, previously played in Chambery, which is where they will host Canada in the second of three Tests in November.

It should be noted that Hong Kong China is also due to play Belgium (venue TBC) on October 31st before the Nations Cup run of fixtures.

• Sunday 8 November – Hong Kong China vs USA – Stade Marcel-Verchère, Bourg-en-Bresse, France
• Saturday 14 November – Hong Kong China vs Canada – Chambery Savoie Stadium, Chambery, France
• Saturday 21 November – Hong Kong China vs Tonga – Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, Hong Kong

Photo Credit – HKCR / World Rugby

Hong Kong China Rugby News 2026

• Toby Booth Rejoins Hong Kong China Men’s XV Coaching Setup Along with S&C Coach Allan Ryan.
• Hong Kong China Rugby CEO James Farndon Leaves Role.
• Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. Extends Support to 2026 WXV Global Series – Fixtures Confirmed.
• Hong Kong China Defeat Uruguay 42-40 In Nations Cup 2026.