Advertisement

Hong Kong Rugby Union appoints James Farndon to key performance role ahead of Asia title defence

  • Taking over from Leigh Jones, the Briton brings a wealth of rugby and sporting experience after finishing UK Sport position for Tokyo Games
  • Men’s 15s Asia Rugby Championship campaign ‘obviously a priority’ but women’s, sevens and age grade youth set-ups also ‘exciting’, Farndon says

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
The Hong Kong men’s rugby team celebrate another win in the Asia Rugby Championship after beating South Korea at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley in 2019. Photo: SCMP / Edmond So

UK Sport performance adviser James Farndon has been appointed to take over as general manager of performance rugby in Hong Kong.

Advertisement
Farndon, a prominent figure in the development of Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic programmes for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, replaces Leigh Jones who left the Hong Kong Rugby Union to become the general manager of Leicester Tigers last month.
“I am hugely excited about helping to lead the strategic direction of rugby performance for HKRU,” said Farndon, who will link up with newly appointed interim men’s 15s head coach Simon Amor when he arrives in August.

“I am passionate about developing people and seeing others achieve great things. The timing, nature of the job, location, everything about the post was of interest.

“Having worked full-time in rugby and also in support of a number of different high performance sports, I believe this multifaceted experience will be useful. I’m excited to return to rugby union because it is my sport and I love the game.”

Advertisement
Advertisement