Advertisement

Tana Umaga hopes Dragons will breathe fire again at Hong Kong Tens

The Tana Umaga-coached BGC Asia-Pacific Dragons are favourites to defend their crown at the GFI HKFC Tens, starting on Wednesday at Hong Kong Football Club.

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Tana Umaga is hoping to coach BGC Asia-Pacific Dragons to another title at the GFI HKFC Tens. Photo: Reuters

The Tana Umaga-coached BGC Asia-Pacific Dragons are favourites to defend their crown at the GFI HKFC Tens, starting on Wednesday at Hong Kong Football Club.

Advertisement

The squad draws on some of the best talent from New Zealand and the Pacific Islands and All Black legend Umaga said: "Obviously, there is a lot of expectation this year. We have a similar side to last year but this is also a great opportunity for the lads who will be coming here for the first time."

Every year they call the Hong Kong Tens a festival; but it’s not a festival any more. There are some quality sides, quality players
Tana Umaga

With the standards and quality of players improving each year, Umaga expects an even tougher competition than last year's tournament, where his team beat Tradition YCAC 29-14 in the Cup final.

"The Penguins have some quality players, such as Rico Gear and Todd Clever, and Tradition YCAC will also be up there as a team to watch.

"Our first game is against the Allied World Forces Exiles, who are a youthful squad and will be exuberant and will be a tough first match," said the 74-times capped former All Black.

Advertisement

"Every year they call the Hong Kong Tens a festival; but it's not a festival any more. There are some quality sides, quality players."

Advertisement