Hong Kong China, making their debut on the Rugby World Cup stage, have confirmed the sacking of South African number eight\u00a0Luke van der Smit\u00a0following a failed drugs test from four months ago.<\/p>\n
Join the RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n The side booked their spot in\u00a0Australia 2027\u00a0with a commanding\u00a070-22 victory over South Korea\u00a0in the Asia Rugby Championship on\u00a0July 5.<\/p>\n The Namibian-born, South African-raised Van der Smit, who previously played for\u00a0Western Province\u00a0and\u00a0Eastern Province, came off the bench in Incheon to score Hong Kong China\u2019s\u00a010th try\u00a0in that qualifier.<\/p>\n Just\u00a026 days after sealing the historic win, the Valley club\u2019s No.8 was\u00a0banned from all rugby activity on July 31\u00a0and now faces a potential\u00a0four-year suspension, despite insisting he did not knowingly break any rules.<\/p>\n In a statement, Van der Smit said:<\/p>\n \u201cI have been notified that I may have committed an anti-doping rule violation by World Rugby. I have never knowingly or intentionally used a prohibited substance. I always pride myself on my integrity, and I value clean sport.<\/p>\n \u201cI am shocked and devastated by this news. I am treating this situation seriously and doing all that I can to cooperate with World Rugby and determine the source of the positive test.<\/p>\n \u201cRepresenting Hong Kong China Rugby is the biggest honour of my rugby career, and I am disappointed that this has arisen at an important time for Hong Kong China Rugby and my teammates.<\/p>\n \u201cI look forward to putting this behind me and being out on the field again. Out of respect for the process, I will not be commenting any further whilst the matter is ongoing.\u201d<\/p>\n 2027 RUGBY WORLD CUP DRAW<\/p>\n Organisers have confirmed the\u00a0Rugby World Cup Draw will take place on 3 December 2025\u00a0\u2013 and it\u2019s set to be a blockbuster<\/p>\n With the new six-pool format confirmed, here\u2019s a projected draw based on current World Rugby Rankings \u2014 with Wales sitting in Band 2. <\/p>\n 2027 Rugby World Cup draw<\/p>\n Pool A \u2013 \u201cThe Powerhouse Pool\u201d<\/p>\n South Africa (Band 1)\u00a0\u2014 Reigning World Champions, famed for their physical dominance and tactical brilliance.<\/p>\n Australia (Band 2)\u00a0\u2014 Rugby hosts with a rich history and a passionate home crowd.<\/p>\n Japan (Band 3)\u00a0\u2014 High-paced attackers who stunned the world in 2019.<\/p>\n Portugal (Band 4)\u00a0\u2014 Rising force in European rugby, known for their scrappy determination.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udccc\u00a0Storyline:\u00a0South Africa vs Australia could be a World Cup final preview \u2014 Portugal and Japan will battle for third place.<\/p>\n Pool B \u2013 \u201cThe Six Nations Clash\u201d<\/p>\n Ireland (Band 1)\u00a0\u2014 Consistently at the top of world rugby, masters of strategic play.<\/p>\n Scotland (Band 2)\u00a0\u2014 Brave and battle-hardened, with a history of giant-killing performances.<\/p>\n Spain (Band 3)\u00a0\u2014 Emerging side bringing flair and unpredictability.<\/p>\n Romania (Band 4)\u00a0\u2014 Rugby stalwarts with physical forward packs.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udccc\u00a0Storyline:\u00a0Ireland and Scotland renew their rivalry in a high-stakes pool. Spain could cause an upset.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n