Hong Kong chief stands by Leigh Jones before coach jumps ship
Trevor Gregory says he would not have allowed national team coach to stand down and expects the Welshman to show new bosses what he is bringing to the table when Hong Kong face Japan on Sunday.
Hong Kong chief Trevor Gregory has wholeheartedly thrown his support behind head coach Leigh Jones remaining in charge for the final Asian Five Nations game against Japan, despite the Welshman switching camps to the Brave Blossoms after the high-stakes clash in Tokyo on Sunday.
“Leigh is a proud Welshman and I know he will want Hong Kong to win this game more than ever to show his new bosses what he is bringing to the table,” Gregory said.
“I would not have allowed him to stand down. I don’t think there is a conflict of interest and I’m comfortable with his presence in the dressing room.”
We have already made history together by qualifying for the Rugby World Cup repêchage and I can think of nothing sweeter than to part with what would be a historic victory
Jones will take up the role of defence coach with Japan after the winner-takes-all game in Tokyo, which guarantees automatic qualification to the next year World Cup. The runners-up will go into the first stage of a repêchage against Uruguay.
“I am very mindful of the fact that I have one more job to fulfil with Hong Kong on Sunday,” Jones said. “I have always maintained that this is a unique group of players and coaches.
“We have already made history together by qualifying for the Rugby World Cup repêchage and I can think of nothing sweeter than to part with what would be a historic victory.
“At the same time, I am excited to pursue this fantastic opportunity with the Japan Rugby Football Union and I look forward to working with [coach] Eddie Jones,” Jones said.
Gregory said: “There is bound to be a lot of emotion in the dressing room before the game. I know the guys will want to give it all for him and I know he will only have the interests of Hong Kong at heart.”
