The China Lions is a professional rugby union team that was formed in 2020 to compete in the Global Rapid Rugby competition across the Asia-Pacific region.[1] It is a joint venture between the China Rugby Football Association and New Zealand's Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.[2][3]

China Lions
UnionChina Rugby Football Association           
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union
League(s)Global Rapid Rugby

History

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For their first season in 2020 the Lions intended to host three of their home games in China at Shanghai and two in New Zealand at the Rotorua International Stadium.[4][5] Due to health concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the Lions only played one match in the schedule,[6][7] a 29–22 away win over the Fijian Latui in Suva.[8]

Records

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Head coaches

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Captains

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Squads

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China Lions – 2020 Global Rapid Rugby[A]

Hooker
Prop
Lock
Backrow
Halfback
Five-eighth
Centre
Wing
Fullback

Notes:

  1. ^ The initial 35-man squad was named in March 2020.[9]

Bold denotes player is internationally capped. (c) Denotes team captain. 1 denotes marquee player.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "China Lions confirmed as the 6th GRR team". Rugby Asia 24/7. 31 January 2020. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020.
  2. ^ Savory, Logan (10 March 2020). "Southland Stags to run with China Lions in Global Rapid Rugby competition". Stuff. Archived from the original on 11 March 2020.
  3. ^ "China Lions complete six-team line-up for Global Rapid Rugby". The Australian. 31 January 2020.
  4. ^ Chadwick, Justin (25 February 2020). "Global Rapid Rugby won't travel to China". Yahoo. Archived from the original on 25 February 2020.
  5. ^ "China Lions rapid rugby team formed with help of BoP union". Otago Daily Times. 1 February 2020.
  6. ^ "All systems go for Global Rapid Rugby". Rapid Rugby. 25 February 2020. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020.
  7. ^ "Season One". amazon.aws. Rapid Rugby. 28 February 2020. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020.
  8. ^ "Lions surprise Fiji in season-opener". Rapid Rugby. 14 March 2020. Archived from the original on 18 January 2021. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  9. ^ a b c "China Lions ready to roar into competition". China Lions Rugby (Press release). 11 March 2020. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020.
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