HONG KONG CLAIM SEVENTH STRAIGHT ASIA TITLE

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Hong Kong China once again stamped their authority on Asian rugby, securing a remarkable seventh consecutive Asia Rugby Emirates Championship title with a commanding 45–9 win over Korea in Game 2 of the 2026 campaign.

After surviving a dramatic 15–14 escape against Sri Lanka in Colombo last week, Hong Kong returned home to the Hong Kong Football Club with a clear mission, finish the job in style. They did exactly that, producing a composed, clinical, and ruthless performance to seal the championship with one match still to play.

The first half was competitive, with Korea refusing to back down. Hong Kong led 12–9 at the break, with tries from Sunia Fameitau and Charles Higson-Smith, supported by a conversion from Dylan McCann. Korea stayed in touch through three well-taken penalties, keeping the contest alive.


However, the second half belonged entirely to the champions.

Hong Kong exploded into life with wave after wave of attacking pressure. Tries from Brendon Nell, Jack Bartlett, Higson-Smith, Dean Roussow, and Murray Brechin turned a tight contest into a dominant statement victory. McCann added four conversions to complete a polished display.

Bartlett’s outstanding influence across the field earned him the Emirates Player of the Match award, highlighting his impact in both attack and leadership during a crucial championship-clinching performance.

For Korea, the defeat was disappointing, but they showed resilience throughout the campaign. They will now look ahead to their final fixture against Sri Lanka at the Namdong Asiad Rugby Stadium in Incheon, where both sides will aim to finish their 2026 Asia Rugby Emirates Championship journey on a strong note.

We are RUGBY TRIBE

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