USA Rugby 7s star Liz Tafuna to boost defending champions in expanded women’s competition at Hong Kong 10s
- Tafuna added to RKS Shogun Rugby side for expanded women’s tournament at next week’s Tradition HKFC 10s
- Three teams, including China Five Star Women, Papua New Guinea Women and Shandong Rugby Club to make debuts at Football Club event
Teams from the Chinese mainland and Papua New Guinea have been added to the expanded women’s competition at next week’s 10s tournament at Hong Kong Football Club.
This year’s event will feature eight elite teams, with some of the best players in the world expected to take part.
Defending champions RKS Shogun Rugby, formerly RKS Legal Samurai Warriors, are favourites once again, and have bolstered their side with the inclusion of USA Rugby 7s star Liz Tafuna.
But they will face stiff competition from last year’s finalists Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix, who have enhanced their squad with several players who represented Japan at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2021 Rugby World Cup.
Also returning are the hosts HKFC Natixis Ice, who successfully defended their Women’s Premiership title this year, Find Rugby Now and Haywards Tropics.
Making their debuts will be China Five Stars Women, Papua New Guinea Women, and Shandong Rugby Club.
Adrian Bell, the Asia Pacific CEO for title sponsors Tradition, said the firm was “thrilled to continue our partnership” with the tournament.
“Following a highly successful inaugural women’s tournament, we’re excited to announce its expansion, introducing three new teams to an already competitive line-up,” Bell added. “This development not only raises the stakes but also enriches the tournament’s appeal and intensity.”
The Tradition HKFC 10s take place on April 3 and 4, with the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens starting the day after.
