UAE And Hong Kong China Men’s XV To Host November 2024 International Tests

The UAE Rugby Federation have confirmed that their national men’s XV team will play two 2024  International tests in the United Arab Emirates with fixtures against Zimbabwe and Germany in November, and although unconfirmed by HKCR at this stage, their national representative team are due to play Brazil twice this November at home.

Feature Photo Credit: HKCR – Hong Kong China vs UAE ARMC 2024

Both Asian teams are involved in the Asia Rugby Men’s Championships with the HKCR side the serial title champions, again winning the ARMC 2024 beating all three sides in the top division in 2024. The UAE shocked their opponents by claiming the second spot with two wins over Malaysia and South Korea and a loss to HKCR.

The ARMC tournament takes on a more vital role in 2025 as it will serve as a direct qualification route for the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia which will guarantee two Asian teams in the tournament (as Japan has already qualified). The runner-up of the ARMC 2025 will still have a pathway to qualify.

There has been no news from either South Korea or Malaysia as of yet for additional internationals in the end-of-year test rugby window.

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UAE Men’s XV – November 2024 International Tests

Online, the UAERF said that this will be the very first time there will be an Autumn International Series in the UAE and both confirmed matches have full ‘test’ status.

The UAE beat the fancied Koreans in a game of two halves in June as part of the ARMC 2024 at The Sevens Stadium. The newcomers to the top-flight men’s rugby in Asia overturned a half-time deficit of 13-27 into a deserved 36-32 win.

UAE vs Zimbabwe – November 5 2024

The current Rugby Africa Champions Zimbabwe are the first side to visit The Sevens Stadium on Tuesday 5 November with a local kickoff time of 7:30 pm.

Zimbabwe won the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup by beating Namibia by 32-10 (the side which usually qualifies for Rugby World Cups from Africa) in the semi-final and then going on to defeat Algeria 29-3 in the final in Kampala, Uganda. It was the southern African national side’s first African title in 12 years, with the ‘Sables’ last winning the title in 2012. The win also took them to their highest WR ranking since 2015.

Players such as former Western Force captain Ian Prior have returned to the Zimbabwe side as they set their sights on qualifying for World Cup 2027. RugbyPass reported that centre Kyle Godwin, who plays at Lyon in France’s Top 14, will also turn out for the national team. Other players linked to feature for the Sables are former All Blacks and Highlanders loose forward, Gareth Evans, as well as Junior Springbok lock Eli Snyman.

The winner of the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 will earn qualification to RWC 2027.

• Zimbabwe World Rugby Ranking #28
• UAE World Rugby Ranking #51

UAE vs Germany – November 16 2024

On Saturday 16th November, Germany will face UAE at The Sevens Stadium with a 3:30 pm kickoff planned.

Germany finished in 6th place in the 2024 Rugby Europe Championship. The side did well against the Georgians at the Paul Greifzu Stadium in Dessau, losing 17-28 but also lost to the Dutch twice (0-45 & 13-39) and Spain 5-27 but beat the Belgians 21-11.

The Germans toured Hong Kong in November 2023 and lost both games in the two-match series 29-16 and 46-10.

• Germany World Rugby Ranking #31
• UAE World Rugby Ranking #51

HKCR Men’s XV November 2024 International Tests vs Brazil

Photo Credit: HKCR

Update* This was confirmed on October 3 by HKCR

The Hong Kong China men will face Brazil again (twice), after beating the South Americans 26-25 on their mid-2024 tour with the last kick of a dramatic test match.

The Brazil side proved to be a powerful opponent and the Confederação Brasileira de Rugby (CBRu) confirmed they will tour Hong Kong for two test matches in November.

• 1st match – Hong Kong China vs Brazil @ Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday 9 November 2024. (KO 4 PM local time).
• 2nd match –  Hong Kong China vs Brazil @ Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground on Saturday 16 November (KO 4 PM local time).

Prior to the Asian tour, Brazil will face Chile in a Rugby World Cup 2027 South America Qualifier in Chile on October 5, 2024.

• HKCR World Rugby Ranking #23
• Brazil World Rugby Ranking #29

World Rugby rankings correct at the time of publshing.

International Rugby 2024

• Asia Rugby Sevens Series 2024 Leg 2 China 7s.
• Fans Guide To HSBC SVNS Series 2024-2025.
• Pools & Schedule Confirmed For WXV 2024.
• JRFU Fixtures 2024 – Brave Blossoms, Japan XV, Sakura XV.