Silverbacks given tough draw in Hong Kong 10s

Rwanda’s national rugby team, Silverbacks, have been drawn against top seed BGC Asia Pacific All Stars, newcomers YCAC of Japan and A-Trade Overseas Old Boys in Pool A of next month’s GFI HKFC Tens due to be played at Hong Kong Football Club.YCAC, seeded eighth, joined the 16-team lineup following the withdrawal of New Zealand Legends. Silverbacks begin their quest against the Cup defenders All Stars on March 20.Second seeds HSBC Penguins will be the favourites to top Pool B, ahead of Tag Heuer Eyewear Pyrenees of France, Wild Titans of Germany and hosts Newedge Club. Third-seeded ULR Samurai International, in Pool C, will take on Hill and Associates Scottish Barbarians, Lloyds of England and Irish Vikings. Fijian giants Nadroga and top Malaysian club Cobra are in Pool D, with Australian Country Invitational and Lloyd McDermott Warriors.Organisers of the 2013 GFI HKFC Tens are looking forward to seeing Rwanda make their debut in the famous tournament.Silverbacks – embarking on their fourth tour to Hong Kong – will make history by becoming the first national team to take part in the Tens.Rwanda have appeared for the last three years in the Kowloon RugbyFest, getting to the second-tier Plate final in their 2010 debut and then reaching the main Cup semi-finals in each of their next two visits.Now they are setting their sights on the 16-team HKFC Tens, where the standard is much higher and the Cup contenders will feature players with Rugby World Cup, Super Rugby and IRB Sevens experience.

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Silverbacks given tough draw in Hong Kong 10s