Brumby Runners will face Hong Kong China tomorrow at GIO Stadium (kick-off 5.05pm), with the match preceding the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Round 12 fixture against NSW Waratahs.
There are nine full-time Brumbies squad members in the starting lineup, including prop Harry Vella, who made his return from ACL reconstruction surgery in the John I Dent Cup last weekend during Canberra Royals’ 36-31 win against Wests Lions.
From next month, Hong Kong China will play in the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship against the likes of Korea, Malaysia and United Arab Emirates. The winners will qualify directly for the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027, with the runner-up progressing to the Asia/Africa play-off.
Head coach Daniel Hooper was excited for his side to test themselves against an international team with aspirations of playing in the World Cup.
"Matches against International 'Test' teams are very rare in the modern game for players at this representative 'A' level, so the boys are very keen to face Hong Kong China (HKC) for the second year running,” Hooper said.
“We know this will be a much stronger HKC team with their side on the cusp of qualifying for the expanded 2027 Rugby World Cup, and it's exciting to be able to help them prepare for their final World Cup Qualifiers next month.
“We will roll out a strong team ourselves headlined by former Wallabies lock Cadeyrn Neville, who is one of nine capped Brumbies players in the side. 14 of our young EDS & Academy players will also feature with players like Toby MacPherson, Jarrah McLeod and Kye Oates sure to be heavily involved."
Brumby Runners vs Hong Kong China
GIO Stadium, kick-off 5.05pm.
Starting XV
- Harry Vella (Canberra Royals)
- Liam Bowron (Canberra Royals)
- Rhys van Nek (Uni-Norths Owls)
- Toby MacPherson (Uni-Norths Owls)
- Cadeyrn Neville (Uni-Norths Owls)
- Lachlan Hooper (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Jono Ryan (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Judah Saumaisue (Queanbeyan Whites)
- Harrison Goddard (Queanbeyan Whites)
- Austin Anderson (Wests Lions)
- Silas Pilot (Tuggeranong Vikings)
- Jarrah McLeod (Canberra Royals)
- Hudson Creighton (Queanbeyan Whites)
- Kadin Pritchard (Gungahlin Eagles)
- Kye Oates (Canberra Royals)
Replacements:
16. Chris Mickelson (Uni-Norths Owls)
17. Tangi Mafi (Uni-Norths Owls)
18. Drew Brndusic (Gungahlin Eagles)
19. Darcy Fogarty (Canberra Royals)
20. Jack Condon (Gungahlin Eagles)
21. Dan Nelson (Canberra Royals)
22. Jakob Biet (Queanbeyan Whites)
23. Dylan Bretton (Wests Lions)
24. Koko Salim (Queanbeyan Whites)
25. Samson Tuqiri (Tuggeranong Vikings)
