Warren Gatland could be set for a surprising return to the international stage, with sources suggesting he may take up an advisory role with\u00a0Hong Kong China Rugby\u00a0as the team prepares for its historic debut at the\u00a02027 Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n
Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel\u00a0<\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n The New Zealander, who left his post as Wales head coach midway through the 2025 Six Nations following a run of poor results, has remained active in the game. Since his departure, Gatland has taken on a short-term consultancy role with\u00a0Pe\u00f1arol Rugby\u00a0in Uruguay and has been linked with broadcast work for\u00a0Sky Sports\u00a0ahead of the next British & Irish Lions tour. Now, fresh reports claim he could lend his experience to Hong Kong China in a similar advisory capacity.<\/p>\n Hong Kong China\u2019s Historic Qualification<\/p>\n Hong Kong China secured their place at the 2027 World Cup by winning the 2025\u00a0Asia Rugby Championship, defeating Korea 70\u201322 in the decisive fixture. It marks their\u00a0first-ever qualification\u00a0for the men\u2019s tournament, achieved under the expanded 24-team format that guaranteed Asia one automatic spot (Asia 1).<\/p>\n The qualification has transformed Hong Kong\u2019s rugby landscape. The union has moved quickly to assemble a squad of 34 players on full- or part-time contracts, transitioning toward a more professional program to ensure they are competitive in Australia in two years\u2019 time. <\/p>\n Head coach\u00a0Logan Asplin\u00a0and Director of Rugby\u00a0Andrew Douglas\u00a0have been tasked with building a side capable of holding its own on the world stage.<\/p>\n Gatland\u2019s Potential Role<\/p>\n If confirmed, Gatland\u2019s involvement is expected to be strictly advisory, complementing Hong Kong China\u2019s existing coaching structure rather than replacing it. With decades of international experience, including guiding Wales to multiple Grand Slams and leading the British & Irish Lions on three tours, his insight would be invaluable for a developing rugby nation navigating its first World Cup cycle.<\/p>\n The partnership, however, would not be without challenges. Gatland\u2019s base outside Asia, coupled with other professional and media commitments, may limit how hands-on he can be. Nonetheless, even a part-time or remote consultancy could provide Hong Kong China with a significant boost in expertise and profile as they prepare for the global stage.<\/p>\n EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n Four Springboks and one England star in 2025 World XV<\/p>\n The British & Irish Lions may have returned from Australia with a 2\u20131 series victory, but selection into the current World XV has been far less generous. <\/p>\n Despite Maro Itoje leading the side to glory as captain, only four Lions make the cut\u2014evidence that while the tour was successful on the scoreboard, it didn\u2019t necessarily produce a team packed with the form players of world rugby. <\/p>\n South Africa and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.<\/p>\n 2025 World XV<\/p>\n 1. Ox Nch\u00e9 (South Africa \u2014 Loose-head Prop)<\/p>\n The Springboks\u2019 scrum weapon. Ox Nch\u00e9\u2019s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He\u2019s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa\u2019s physical dominance.<\/p>\n 2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland \u2014 Hooker)<\/p>\n Ireland\u2019s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025\u2014scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan\u2019s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.<\/p>\n 3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand \u2014 Tight-head Prop)<\/p>\n Now firmly established as the All Blacks\u2019 anchor on the tight-head side, Lomax offers brute force in the scrum and strong contributions in the loose. His work rate around the field complements his set-piece reliability.<\/p>\n 4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa \u2014 Lock)<\/p>\n A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth\u2019s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.<\/p>\n 5. Maro Itoje (England \u2014 Lock)<\/p>\n Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless\u2014dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.<\/p>\n 6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland \u2014 Lock\/Back-Row)<\/p>\n A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne\u2019s versatility makes him a coach\u2019s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.<\/p>\n 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa \u2014 Lock\/Back-Row)<\/p>\n Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.<\/p>\n 8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand \u2014 No. 8)<\/p>\n A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE 2<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n