Hong Kong China Rugby Confirm Rugby Sevens Squads for 2026 Asian Games

The Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 have been confirmed, with both teams looking to place among the medals.

The Men are the two-time defending champions, while the women claimed bronze four years ago in Hangzhou, China (their first podium finish).

Photo Credit – HKCR – Chloe Chan – HKCR Women’s 7s Captain – Asian Games 2026

With the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series first leg played recently, the HKCR Men’s 7s team won gold beating Japan in the final – their biggest rival again, especially as hosts. Only Japan, HKCR and South Korea have placed for Men’s 7s medals since 2010.

The Hong Kong China women came in 4th at ARESS 2026 Leg 1 – pipped by Thailand, who are going to be their biggest obstacle for bronze, with Japan and China considered as the front runners – both have placed in the top two the past three events.

At the Asian Games Rugby Sevens 2026, which will be held from 1-3 October at the Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium in Nagoya, 12 Men’s and 8 Women’s national sides will be competing.

Hong Kong China Men are in Group A with China, Malaysia and Uzbekistan, while the HKCR Women are in Pool B with China, India and Malaysia.

HKCR Men’s 7s – Asian Games 2026

Men’s captain James Christie said, “It was nice to get a hit out in Suzhou” (ARESS 2026 Leg 1). We played Malaysia and Uzbekistan, whom we also face at the Asian Games, so it was good to familiarise ourselves with them, and then of course, the teams you have to advance past in the quarters, semis, and finals, like South Korea and Japan.

The win gave us confidence, but we always have to improve. We can’t get complacent because the nature of sevens is that anything can happen if you’re not on your game… if we focus on our game, getting our little things right and executing our basic skills, we’ll be in a good place,” Christie added.

Photo Credit – HKCR – Men’s Team – 2022 Gold Winners – James Christie (back right) & Cado Lee (front row third from right)

He said of his experiences four years ago when he was an emerging talent in the team, “My first Asian Games in Hangzhou was amazing. I didn’t understand the magnitude of the event then, but playing in it really opened my eyes to what it is – the best athletes in Asia under one roof, all vying for a gold medal. It happens every four years, so you don’t get many in your career, so it’s very special to be able to participate.

Returning to the Games as captain and leading the team out is a huge honour, but the experience in the team speaks for itself. Cado Lee Ka-to is going to his 4th Games, which is an unreal achievement. Max (Denmark), Ale (Alessandro Nardoni), and Liam (Herbert) are all going for their third Asian Games gold – that experience speaks for itself,” said Christie.

Among those making their Asian Games debuts are Bryn Phillips, Callum McCullough, Harry Sayers and Matteo Avitabile, who have also been participating in the XVs programme, as well as Julien Bourron, Matt Rickard, Juan Esono Mba Oyana and Rory Stewart-Cox.

HK 7s player Cado Lee with fans in 2019

Cado Lee said of playing in his 4th Asian Games, which might be his last, “We have won gold on the last two editions, so we are fighting to try for three in a row. There is pressure, but our expectations are aligned with that. For us it is more motivation than pressure.

Not many teams can win three golds in three consecutive games; Japan has done it in rugby, and now we have a chance to achieve the same feat….Both myself and the team are confident, and, while competing hard, we will also try to enjoy the experience.”

Hong Kong China SF&OC Men’s 7s Squad

James CHRISTIE (C); Matteo AVITABILE; Julien BOURRON; Max DENMARK; Liam HERBERT; LEE Ka To, Cado; Callum MCCULLOUGH; Juan Esono MBA OYANA; Alessandro NARDONI; Bryn PHILLIPS; Matthew RICKARD; Harry SAYERS; Rory STEWART-COX.

Men’s Staff: Paul JOHN (Manager); Jevon GROVES (Men’s Coach); Peter JERICEVICH (Asst. Coach); Tomos HOWELLS (Skills Coach); WONG Tsz Kit (S&C Coach); Stephen MUTCH (Physiotherapist); Mark Komar (ANALYST).

HKCR Women’s 7s – Asian Games 2026

In the HKCR Women’s 7s team, 8 players were in the team which won bronze in Hangzhou; Chloe Chan, Stephanie Chan Chor Ki, Chong Ka Yan, Shanna Forrest, Jessica Ho Wai On, Nam Ka Man, Natasha Olson-Thorne and Maggie Au Yeung Sin Yi.

Photo Credit: HKCR – Women 7s at Hangzhou Asian Games 2022

The side is captained by Chloe Chan, who, like James Christie, returns to a second Asian Games as a first-time squad captain at the Games.

Chan explained, “I am grateful and honoured to be going to my second Asian Games and this time as captain. I just hope to bring energy, bring the girls together and check in on the girls there for the first time as well. We want to enjoy the experience because it’s once in a lifetime, but also to keep our focus on us and on how we can earn that medal.”

Four players will make their Asian Games debut but have been core regulars in the side: Micayla Baltazar (vice-captain), Gabrielle Rivers, Au King To and Julia Mba Oyana (her brother Juan is in the Men’s team).

This is at least the third time a set of siblings has represented HKCR at the Asian Games: Mark and Rosanna Wright, and Rowan and Lindsay Varty.

Chan said of facing Thailand who they beat to claim bronze four years ago and have built a healthy rivalry with, “It’s always close against Thailand, but we’ve got that energy and fightback mentality going into Asian Games.”

Chong Ka Yan is one of six players who made their first appearance at the Asian Games in Jakarta in 2018 and will be a key asset to claim a medal.

Photo Credit – HKCR – Chong Ka Yan – Hangzhou Asian Games 2022

“The Hangzhou Games medal was a milestone for the team. It showcased all of our effort, all of the blood, sweat, and tears and work in the gym; it is a recognition that contains a lot of emotion. To medal at the Asian Games was a great moment for us and in the development of our sport; hopefully, because of that medal, we have inspired more girls to pick up rugby and to give it a go.

Compared to the last Games, we are stronger and more experienced. The form and understanding amongst the players is good, and we hope for even better results. We look forward to playing great in Japan and having a chance to go for a medal,” said Chong.

Hong Kong China SF&OC Women’s 7s Squad

Chloe CHAN (C); Micayla BALTAZAR (VC); AU King To; AU Yeung Sin Yi Maggie; CHAN Tsz Ching Agnes; CHAN Stephanie Chor Ki; CHONG Ka Yan; Shanna FORREST; HO Wai On Jessica; Julia Mibuy MBA OYANA; NAM Ka Man; Natasha OLSON-THORNE; Gabrielle RIVERS;

Women’s Staff: Paul JOHN (Manager); Andy VILK (Head Coach); CHONG Shing Hin (S&C Coach); Callum CHIA (Physiotherapist); Mark KOMAR (Analyst).

Asian Rugby 7s News 2026

• Asian Games 2026 Rugby 7s Pools & Teams.
• Asia Rugby 7s 2026 National Team Tournament Dates & Venues Guide.
• Japan Women and Hong Kong China Men Retain Top Spot in ARESS 2026 Leg 1.
• Thai Rugby Union Meets with NZ 7s To Strengthen Ties.