The Scotsman reveals

The launch of Hong Kong Scottish was announced at the event attended by the Scotland Rugby Sevens team.

The template for the new team is London Scottish FC, formed over a century ago.

That club is supporting the new venture and Hong Kong Scottiish will wear the London Scottish badge and share their colours (red, white and blue) as a mark of the relationship. Former Scotland and British Lions captain Gavin Hastings is also supporting the project.

The new team will play in the Melrose Sevens next month, coached by former England Sevens player Joe Shaw and will include players of Scottish heritage as well as local Hong Kong and Chinese players drawn from Nomads RFC - the club now rebranded under the Hong Kong Scottish banner.

The squad includes ex-Scotland Sevens international David Tait, former Glasgow Hawks centre Ally Maclay, and Melrose old boy Dave Whiteford.

The team will enter the Hong Kong Premiership Division. and be joined by the Nomads' existing teams in Hong Kong's community leagues.

Current Nomads' chairman Jason Collelo said: "Nomads have been steadily climbing the leagues over the past few seasons. Boosted by the support of the Scottish community here, and the links back to London, we believe we'll be a force to be reckoned with."

Hong Kong Rugby Union Head of Community and Development, Robbie McRobbie, added: "This is a great concept and we look forward to Hong Kong Scottish's debut in our first division next season.

"It will certainly add some excitement to have a new team entering the fray."

This article was originally posted on 24-Mar-2011, 07:38 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 24-Mar-2011, 08:16.