Logan Asplin Steps Into Hong Kong China Men’s XVs Head Coach Role

Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) have announced that experienced coach New Zealander Logan Asplin has taken up the role of Head Coach for the Hong Kong China Men’s XVs, while Andrew Douglas will expand his role and oversee a new full-time men’s programme to prepare for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

Fellow New Zealander Andrew Douglas has been in the Head Coach position since he was appointed HKCR’s Head of Technical Rugby in 2023 and led the side to their first Men’s Rugby World Cup eariler this year, He said of the change and Logan’s appointment, “Logan played a key role in the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship campaign as a coach, driving our attack and instilling an expansive style of play. He is widely respected by the coaching staff, playing group, and across the rugby community in Hong Kong.

“I believe this move is a natural progression for Logan and also a testament to the pathway that exists for coaches coming into rugby in Hong Kong. He will bring great energy and enthusiasm to his new role, and we all look forward to seeing him coaching at the World Cup,” added Douglas.

Asplin previously led the prestigious Hamilton Boys’ High to five regional titles in NZ, and he has developed a strong background in developing pathway talent. He has coached:

• Both the New Zealand U18 Sevens and the Waikato Chiefs U18s.
• Hong Kong China at the World Rugby U20s Trophy in 2023.
• Part of the HKCR Men’s Asia Rugby Men’s Championship coaching team that defended the title in 2025 to qualify for RWC 2027.
• Won three HKCR Premiership League wins and two Premiership Grand Championship titles with Hong Kong Football Club.

HKCR said that Logas has always operated with a person-first philosophy, and the new Head Coach said, “When we moved here, my wife Anna was amazingly supportive, and at the time we had a three-year-old and an eight-month-old. The people around you also make that transition to Hong Kong easier, from friendships to rugby people to colleagues.

Photo Credit – HKCR – Andrew Douglas

I’ve got a lot to thank Hong Kong Football Club for because I inherited a group that was well-organised, that was passionate, and that had enjoyed success before. My goal was to take that to another level and try to leave the team in a better place than when I found it.”

Logan said of the new role and challenge, “There will be 24 teams at the World Cup, and it’s obviously a privilege for me to be one of the 24 people that get to lead a big coaching and playing group there. It’s all probably come around quicker than I would have ever expected, but I pride myself on knowing the players really well. We have respect that goes both ways between me and the players, as well as the rest of the management group.

He added, “I think excitement has got to be the driving part of our experience at the World Cup. As coaches, we talk about it not only being the first time for the players, but the first time for all of us as well. We’ve got to go celebrate that and make sure that we make the experience memorable, and we have to make ourselves visible as well.”

HKFC Seek New Coach

His move means that HKFC are also looking for a new Men’s Club Coaching Officer role for the new season.

Douglas, who manages the Men’s Club Coaching Officers (CCO) that work for the six Hong Kong Premiership Clubs, explained, “It is a fantastic opportunity that has been freed up for another coach, whether based in Hong Kong or overseas, to coach at Hong Kong Football Club. This will further strengthen the men’s game in Hong Kong, as well as play a key role in developing talent that may go on and wear the Hong Kong China jersey.”

Photo Credit – HKCR

HKCR Building On RWC 2027 Qualification

Andrew Douglas explained the changes being made to the men’s programme since they clinched their historic RWC 2027 qualification, “Since qualifying for the World Cup, we have already contracted 26 full-time players to a programme that is designed to give us the best possible preparation for the tournament, with more set to join in the coming months.

He said, “This programme obviously requires a full-time devoted coaching team, which we have not had in recent years. Lewis Evans will continue in his role as a full-time coach, and we will also bring in a scrum coach and an additional S&C coach – and I’m excited to see the group come together.”

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