TP ICAP First Nations & Pasifika Team Set to Make Tradition HKFC 10s Debut in 2026

Glen Ella will coach the TP ICAP First Nations & Pasifika Team as they make their debut at the Tradition HKFC 10s 2026, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year from 14-16 April.

Feature Photo – The British & Irish Lions defeated the First Nations & Pasifika XV 24-19 in Melbourne on July 22, 2025

Asia’s (and possibly globally) premier 10-a-side rugby tournament welcomes the side composed of “exceptional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent”, said the organisers.

Former Wallaby Glen Ella, a highly respected international coach (Australia, England and Fiji), will be the head coach of the team in Hong Kong, while former Australian 7s captain, Matt Sonter (First Nations Rugby Manager), will be assisting.

Glen Ella commented, “The Tradition HKFC 10s is a world-class competition, and it’s a privilege to bring this unique group of players together. The talent pool across First Nations and Pasifika communities is immense, and this tournament provides a vital platform for these players to showcase their skills on an international stage. We are focused on playing an exciting, expansive style of rugby that reflects the players’ heritage and honours the spirit of the game.”

Photo Credit- Rugby Australia – Matt Sonter

Brendan Nolan, Asia-Pacific Global Broking COO, TP ICAP (a market infrastructure and interdealer brokerage services firm) said, “This sponsorship reflects TP ICAP’s belief in the strength that comes from bringing diverse communities together, a principle that mirrors how our business operates globally across multiple brands, markets and cultures.”

“This is a globally recognised tournament, and we are proud to support a team that celebrates cultural heritage while providing a platform for rising First Nations and Pasifika players to showcase their abilities on an international stage”, Nolan added.

Matt Sonter highlighted several players to look out for during the tournament, notably Jordan Williams, Gage Phillips and Logan Oldridge. Phillips most recently played in Asia at the SCC 7s late in 2o25 with Lloyd McDermot Rugby, who lost the final to Shogun – another team set to compete at this year’s HKFC 10s.

HKFC Chairman, Neil Jensen, said of having the TP ICAP First Nations & Pasifika team involved, “We are incredibly excited to welcome the First Nations & Pasifika team, led by a figure as distinguished as Glen Ella, to this year’s competition

Their participation adds a fascinating dimension to the tournament, promising passionate performances and a beautiful display of rugby heritage. It truly enhances our position as one of the most prestigious short-form rugby events in the world.”

The British & Irish Lions defeated the First Nations & Pasifika XV 24-19 in a tight, physical tour match in Melbourne on July 22, 2025, at Marvel Stadium.

Tradition HKFC 10s 2026 Teams

Other confirmed teams for the tournament include the Chennai Bulls and defending champions Tradition YCAC in the Men’s section, as well as Shogun RFC (full list to be announced soon).

While the women will kick off the three-day tournament in 2026, sides such as the Nagato Blue Angels and Nanairo Prism Fukuoka from Japan have confirmed their attendance, as well as the defending champions NZ Legends (which features Hong Kong-based and overseas players, notably Portia Woodman-Wickliffe), and newcomers to the tournament, Oxford University Rugby Football Club Women.

Hong Kong Sevens Week 2026 News

• HKFC 10s Announces Title Sponsor Extension with Tradition Until 2028.
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• Hong Kong China Rugby & Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Announce Partnership With The Hong Kong Jockey Club & The Hong Kong Football Club.
• 2026 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens – Fan’s Guide On What You Need To Know