Rugby World Cup side announce fresh coaching appointments as ex-URC boss lands key role
Toby Booth (pictured) has landed a key role at Rugby World Cup newboys Hong Kong China
Rugby World Cup newcomers Hong Kong China have announced a major coaching reshuffle ahead of the showpiece event in Australia.
The moves come after they beat a top 15-ranked side for the first time, downing Uruguay 42-40 in the World Rugby Nations Cup campaign back in July, and marks the start of preparations for their first-ever World Cup campaign next year.
Hong Kong China make key coaching appointments ahead of Rugby World Cup debut
As part of the wider restructure, former Ospreys head coach and Harlequins consultant Toby Booth will join the extended coaching ticket. In his new role, he will help the continued development of the coaching team, as well as run both the defence and lineout.
Booth previously worked for Hong Kong China back in 2025 as a high-performance strategic and technical consultant.
Strength and conditioning coach Allan Ryan also joins the wider staff as a consultant, after previously working with French Top 14 champions Toulouse.
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Elsewhere, Andrew Douglas has been reappointed as head coach, while Logan Asplin shifts over to attack coach.
“We welcome the return of Toby to the set-up and as we prepare for our one-year push to one of the biggest moments in the history of rugby in Asia,” said Simon Amor, executive director of performance rugby.
“His previous time with the squad has continued to resonate with the playing and coaching staff, and we are delighted to have him back.
“We are also delighted to welcome one of the premier Strength & Conditioning coaches in World Rugby to the programme in Allan Ryan.
“Allan’s experience working with the very best players in the world will be invaluable as we look to continue to make the critical gains in our players’ athletic development.”
Hong Kong China will now begin preparations for their maiden World Cup campaign, after beating Korea 70-22 in the final round of the Asia Rugby Championship in 2025.
The World Cup debutants have also been drawn into Pool A and will face Australia in the opening game of the tournament, Chile and the All Blacks across the opening stage.
