Top teams return for HKFC 10s with two new additions still to come for April’s Hong Kong Sevens appetiser

Early confirmation of invitational sides is a sign of how seriously teams take the tens, says tournament director

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New Zealand’s Tone Ng Shui competes for Penguins in the 2017 edition of the Hong Kong Rugby 10s tournament. Photo: Handout

Published: 5:40pm, 15 Jan 2018Updated: 5:40pm, 15 Jan 2018

The strongest teams in the “world’s most prestigious 10-a-side rugby event” will return for the 33rd edition of the GFI HKFC 10s on April 4 and 5.

Two-time champions Penguins, three-time runners-up Samurai International and twice finalists Tradition YCAC will lead the challengers at Hong Kong Football Club in the two-day event, which precedes the Hong Kong Sevens.

The three invitational sides will be among those looking to dethrone reigning champions UBB Gavekal who will again be coached by Matt Clarkin, former captain of Top 14 club Union Bordeaux Begles.

Penguins lost 10-7 to UBB Gavekal in last year’s final, having won the Cup in 2013 and 2016. Samurai are again looking to win for the first time after finishing runners-up in 2010, 2013 and 2016, while Tradition YCAC, a squad traditionally made up of top New Zealanders, were beaten finalists in 2014 and 2015.

Penguins manager Graeme Inglis said: “Last year we had a strong squad and played really well to reach the final, just edging YCAC in the semis. The final was really tight and it looked like we were heading for extra-time when they scored with a drop-kick and it was too late to come back.

“Small margins, the bounce of the ball or a bit of luck can make the difference. We only beat Samurai after extra-time in 2016 and also edged them in 2013 in a really tight contest. We’re looking forward to trying again this year.”

Tradition’s Mark Jackman kicks the ball in the 2017 HKFC 10s. Photo: Handout

Plate champions Kir Club Pyrenees of France, Australia’s King’s College at UQ, Scotland’s Projecx Waterboys and Hong Kong-based Scottish Exiles will also return after finishing in the top half of the 16-team competition last April.