Hong Kong China Rugby Dragons Squad Announced As They Head To Face A Singapore Development Team

Hong Kong China Rugby announced the final 23-player squad for the first match of the organisation’s re-launched Dragons Programme as they head to play a Singapore Development Team on Sunday, 31 May 2025 at Jurong West Stadium in Singapore.

Feature Photo Credit –  HKCR – Dragons Alumni Rambo Leung presents a signed jersey to tour captain Chui Wai Lap

The Hong Kong China Dragons team was announced ahead of a training session at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, with alumni from the previous Dragons programme presenting jerseys to the new squad ahead of their tour to Singapore.

Hong Kong China Rugby Dragons

HKCR confirmed that the Dragons Programme was established in 1990 by the former HKCR Board of Directors member George Simpkins, and 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, and 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.”

Photo Credit – HKCR

For former HKCR 7s player added, “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 travelling 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.

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.

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.”

HKCR Dragons vs Singapore Development – May 31 2025

The Dragons head to Singapore on Thursday, 29 May, for a training camp before they play a one-off match against a Singapore Development Team.

Hong Kong China explained that 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.

Brendan Ireland added; “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.

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.”

The programme will continue to monitor each player’s performances closely, allowing them to apply their learnings in order to elevate their game.

Singapore Rugby Union said online, “Singapore Men’s 15s Development squad takes on our friends from Hong Kong China Dragons Development in a friendly match full of passion, pride, and probably a few bruises.”

At this stage, it is not confirmed if the game will be streamed live.

• Date: 31 May 2025
• Kick-Off: 6 PM
• Venue: Jurong West Stadium, Singapore

HKCR Dragons Squad – May 2025

• 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)

• 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)

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