The national XVs women’s teams of Hong Kong, China and Kazakhstan are set to clash this afternoon, kicking off the 12th Asia Rugby Women’s Championship at the Almaty Sports Training Complex in Abaya Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Head-to-head, the hosts are ahead, the teams have locked horns five times, Kazakhstan’s won three and Hong Kong China two.
The teams played their first test in November 2009 in Singapore: Kazakhstan prevailed in the debut match 58 – 14.
Overall, in the five encounters Kazakhstan’s scored 140 points vis-à-vis Hong Kong China’s 69; the average scoreline stands at 28 – 14 in the Kazakh women’s favour.
Moreover, Kazakhstan’s biggest margin of victory is 44 points (58 – 14 in November 2009) whereas Hong Kong China’s is 14 (31 – 17 in December 2022).
On the other hand, Hong Kong China’s is bridging the gap: the last time the teams clashed, in December 2022 in Hong Kong, Hong Kong China edged Kazakhstan – but only by the slimmest margin, a mere conversion’s worth, 14 – 12.
The inaugural Asia Rugby Women’s Championship in 2006 was hosted by China in Kunming, with the hosts taking gold in the first ever ARWC. Since then, Kazakhstan has won the Championship five times, Japan four times, and China and Hong Kong China once each.
The winner of this latest encounter this afternoon will face Japan – the third and top-rated team in the Championship (Japan are ranked 11th globally, Hong Kong, China 16th and Kazakhstan 19th) to determine the tournament champion on Sunday 28th May.
A special Message from the Asia Rugby President
“ I am honored to announce the upcoming Asia Rugby Women’s Championship, a celebration of strength, skill, and unity. We will see the best female rugby players in Asia compete for the ultimate prize, champions of Asia.
This championship embodies incredible growth and progress of women’s rugby in our region and globally. We are committed not only to empowering female athletes and showcasing their exceptional talent on the pitch but creating opportunities at all levels for women in rugby.
We aim to inspire generations and pave the way for a more inclusive and equal future. Join us as we witness the extraordinary display of athleticism and camaraderie in this exhilarating tournament”
“ I am honored to announce the upcoming Asia Rugby Women’s Championship, a celebration of strength, skill, and unity. We will see the best female rugby players in Asia compete for the ultimate prize, champions of Asia.
Both matches of the 2023 Asia Rugby Women’s Championship will be broadcast live on Asia Rugby’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, with highlights along with behind-the-scenes footage shared on Asia Rugby’s Instagram page. Click on any of the links above to catch all the action.
Starting Line ups:
Kazakhstan
- Yelena YUROVA
- Kxenya KIM
- Natalya KAMENDROVSKAYA
- Daiana KAZIBEKOVA
- Symbat ZHAMANKULOVA
- Liliya KIBISHEVA
- Anzhelika PICHUGINA
- 8 Karina SANZONTOVA
- Mariya GRISHINA
- Diana ABISHEVA
- Veronika STEPANYUGA,
- Anna MELNIKOVA
- Ludmila SHERER
- Amina TULEGENOVA
- Gulim BAKYTBEK
- Karina TANKISHEVA
- Moldir ASKHAT
- Darya SIMAKOVA
- Svetlana MALEZHINA
- Milana ALAYEVA
- Alyona DROBOVSKAYA
- Vlada ODNOLETOK
- Anna MELNIKOVA
- Manager – Nurlan BALBARAKOV
- Coach – Anna YAKOVLEVA
- Asst Coach – Svetlana KLUYCHNIKOVA
- Physio – Arli MENJHOU
- Doctor – Sergey GRANKO
Hong Kong , China
- Ki Sum NG
- Tim Yeung, Iris LAM
- Ka Shun LEE
- Roshini Jane TURNER
- Mei Nam CHOW
- Wai Yan PUN
- Nim Yan Melody Blessing LI
- Tsz Yan LAM
- Jessica Wai On HO
- Aileen RYAN
- Ka Yan CHONG
- Jiayu QIAN
- Natasha OLSON-THORNE
- Ka Man NAM,
- Rosanna Jean WRIGHT
- Fion Yuei-Tein GOT
- Hiu Tung CHAN
- Megan Rachel RICHARDSON
- Chloe Noelle BALTAZAR
- Sin Yi AU YEUNG
- King To AU
- Hoi Ching FUNG
- Zoe SMITH
- Manager – Yuk Lin KWOK
- Coach – Royce CHAN LEONG SZE
- Asst Coach – Sam BEARD
- Asst Coach – Sam HOCKING
- S&C – lan BONNET
- Physio – Sophie RAINE
- Doctor – Jonathan Mitchell MOSES
- Analyst – Andy YUEN KIN HO
>> WATCH LIVE – Hong Kong , China v Kazakhstan, Asia Rugby Women’s Championship 🏆
