It will be Leon Holden’s first match as Waikato head coach. Photo: Waikato Rugby
Waipā will host an international rugby side as Hong Kong China face a Waikato XV in a mid-week fixture next week.
The free-entry match at Albert Park will give fans the opportunity to experience top-level rugby under the floodlights at Te Awamutu Sports.
Over the years several Waikato representatives have donned the Hong Kong China jersey, including Rodney McIntosh, Vaughan Going, Carl Murray and Tau Koloamatangi.
The matchday partner will be Waipā Networks. Photo: Waipā Networks
Te Awamutu Sports also has connections to Hong Kong China, as does Hautapu.
Former Te Awamutu Sports representatives Josh Dowsing, Ryan Meacham and Johnny Gordon – younger brother of Rob and Steve – played internationally for Hong Kong China.
Sports also won the club level tournament of the Hong Kong Sevens at one point.
As recently as 2023, Hautapu Sports forward Tyler McNutt was selected for Hong Kong China, the country of his birth.
Club stalwart Deano Herewini was also capped in the 1990s.
Former Hautapu captain, St Peter’s and Cambridge High School PE teacher Quintony Ngatai has been plying his trade for Hong Kong Rugby Football Club since August.
The clash will be head coach Leon Holden’s first match in charge following the departure of former All Black Ross Filipo.
A 1992 Thames Valley representative, Holden brings more than 20 years of high-performance rugby experience to the role.
He has a record of 13 championships in 26 years of coaching, from the Northern Hemisphere’s Heineken Cup to club titles.
He has coached in both New Zealand and International programmes, including stints in Japan, England and the United States.
Holden is no stranger to Waikato Rugby, having supported Waikato’s NPC Team in 2015 to a Ranfurly Shield victory and Waikato’s back-to-back premiership winning Waitomo FPC Team as forwards coach in 2025.
He is looking forward to bringing representative rugby into the Waipā district.
“The Te Awamutu area has some great clubs like Te Awamutu Marist, Te Awamutu Sports, Kihikihi, Ōhaupō and Pirongia and so it is awesome the district can host a game of this magnitude,” Holden said.
“Our club players have been preparing for this game with anticipation and excitement, and I look forward to them enjoying the occasion.”
“This squad will be selected based on performances in club rugby,” Holden said.
“The players will earn consideration through the work they’ve put in throughout the season, and this match will be an opportunity to reward that effort and see how they perform in a representative environment.”
It will be Leon Holden’s first match as Waikato head coach. Photo: Waikato Rugby
