Rugby World Cup 2023: injury-hit Hong Kong are down to bare bones for USA in qualifying clash
- Forwards Patrick Jenkinson and James Sawyer ruled out for rest of Dubai tournament after picking up injuries in loss to Portugal
- Charles Higson-Smith also out of Saturday’s game against Eagles, while Glyn Hughes and Callum McFeat-Smith have already left
Hong Kong have been hit by a spate of injuries ahead of their second game in the final qualifying tournament for next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Forwards Patrick Jenkinson and James Sawyer have been ruled out of the rest of the competition in Dubai, after picking up hamstring and thumb injuries respectively in the 42-14 loss to Portugal on Sunday.
Charles Higson-Smith, the wing, is also out of Saturday’s game against the USA with a knee injury, and could miss the final game against Kenya on November 18.
His loss would mean Hong Kong have had to replace five players so far, with fly half Glyn Hughes and prop Callum McFeat-Smith already leaving with knee injuries.
Sevens specialist Fong Kit-fung has been called in to replace Hughes in the backs, while Fong’s Kowloon teammate Sam Tsoi Kin-sun will come in to provide cover in the back row for Sawyer.
Jenkinson’s departure opens the door for Kyle Sullivan to return to the squad, while Keelan Chapman has arrived to fill in for McFeat-Smith.
