RWC 2027 Draw - HKG reaction (Asplin, Hrstich) - RWC 2027 Draw
Logan Asplin, head coach
On being drawn against Australia, New Zealand and Chile:
"There's a bit of buzz in the room. For me and Josh it's even more significant being Kiwis ourselves. For our players, playing the All Blacks is a massive task and a massive opportunity. To also play the hosts, as daunting as it is, you couldn't have scripted it better.
"We're staking a claim to be everyone's second favourite team. The opportunity to represent Hong Kong China 15s for the first time at the World Cup is significant. To draw both of those two team, playing in front of big crowds, is going to be a great experience, but also no better way to test yourself.
"This morning I said this would be my dream draw. We played Chile two years ago and lost by four points in a really winnable game. We've talked a little bit about that. We're really chasing that exposure of playing more meaningful games against those group 3 and group 4 teams."
On the Chile game being Hong Kong China's RWC 2027 final:
"Right from the get-go post qualifying we talked about finishing third in our pool. It's quite fitting that's it's a team that we've already played against and will be really targeting. It might be our first game if they open the World Cup with New Zealand v Australia. That is the game that becomes our focus. There are teams we match up against better than others, in terms of style of play and body types, and Chile is probably one."
On Hong Kong China's journey to the Rugby World Cup:
"It's significant because you don't get to do many firsts in life, so to be the first men's team to qualify for the Men's 15s is pretty significant. We played at the Kai Tak Stadium where the Hong Kong Sevens are hosted in front of a good crowd. That's a pretty motivating factor and to continue the challenge of getting more people in Hong Kong to play rugby.
"We're trying to seek as much support as possible. It's important for players to get as much exposure as possible in both formats and continue that growth. We have to celebrate being only the second team in Asia to qualify for this World Cup but we don't want it to be a one-stop shop, but to build a programme that is resilient enough to continue on to 2031 and beyond. "
Joshua Hrstich, captain
On the draw:
"We're obviously super excited, the challenge is huge. The boys can't wait to go to work tomorrow and try to change the gap between us and those powerhouses, and also get after Chile. We're under no illusions that it's going to be a massive task.
On messages from New Zealand since the draw:
"My phone was going ballistic in my pocket. The last game I played in New Zealand for my club, the opposition rolled out both Savea brothers and Ma'a Nonu. Ardie was just a puppy then and he was a real handful, so if he's playing against us at the World Cup, he's definitely full grown now. I've had lots of messages from friends and family in New Zealand and I'll be drawing on their support in 2027."
