Simon Amor Appointed as Hong Kong China’s Executive Director, Performance and Representative Rugby

Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) has confirmed that Simon Amor will be their new Executive Director, Performance and Representative Rugby. The former England 7s captian has, over recent seasons, been with the Japan and USA Men’s Sevens as the Head Coach and was formerly in Hong Kong as interim Head Coach of the men’s 15s in late 2021.

HKCR CEO James Farndon said of Amor’s appointment, “Given HKCR’s strategic ambitions and goals on the world stage, this is a critical position to drive world-class standards through relationships with our key stakeholders, ultimately striving for greater success on and off the field of play.

We are delighted to be able to welcome Simon back to Hong Kong to take up this role. His breadth of experience spans both 7s and 15s rugby – and strategically across men’s and women’s rugby, meaning he is a very good fit for the position.”

The Performance and Representative Rugby Department has a number of key strategic objectives on the horizon, including aiming to qualify for the Men’s and Women’s XVs World Cups and the Men’s and Women’s 7s Olympic Games, as well as making further progress in our excellent referee development initiatives. I am looking forward to supporting an ambitious and motivated team to drive excellence and alignment across our programmes,” said Simon Amor.

Photo Credit – HKCR – Men’s XV vs Japan XV 2025

Amor will take over from Pete Drewett, who has served as HKCR’s interim Executive Director, Performance and Representative Rugby since early March, and Farndon thanked him for his time in the role.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Pete for his continued efforts in the interim position, as he carries out a handover to Simon for the next four weeks. His contribution cannot be underestimated, and I know that the whole team at HKCR greatly values the contribution, support and impact that he has had.”

Of Amor’s suitabikity for the role, Farndon went on to say, “Simon’s qualifications are very well aligned with the responsibilities of the Executive Director role, including an MBA in Sports Management, an MSc in Executive Coaching and previously being part of the prestigious UK Sport Elite Coach Programme alongside current England Rugby Head Coach Steve Borthwick and former England Football Manager Sir Gareth Southgate, among others.”

Simon Amor’s Rugby Background

Photo Credit- HKCR – Melrose Claymores competition 2025 – Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens

In 15s rugby, Amor worked under Eddie Jones as England Rugby Men’s XVs Attack Coach & Coaching Coordinator. Farndon elaborated, “Simon has enjoyed success in Europe, North America and Asia, winning medals at World, Continental, Commonwealth, Olympic and Six Nations competitions – with a reputable track record of improving performance staff, coaches, players and teams throughout his career.

Simon is also well known in the rugby community in Hong Kong, having played and coached at the Hong Kong Sevens many times. This included captaining the England 7s team, where he holds an incredible record of four separate tournament wins – including in 2004 when he was also named IRB Sevens Player of the Year.”

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