Photo credit: Hong Kong Rugby Union
The fact that several Hong Kong players are of mixed heritage and upbringing is often an advantage, as they bring overseas experience and excel alongside local Hong Kong Chinese players.
However, the Men's U20 squad face something of a quandary this month as they roll into Brazil for the World Rugby U20 Trophy.
Upon the conclusion of the tournament, several members of the squad will have to make a choice - to forge a career path with a full-time professional contract playing senior rugby for Hong Kong, or explore options elsewhere.
Prior to that, they take on the challenge of improving on Hong Kong's best-ever finish at the tournament last year, where they finished sixth overall.
While a couple of familiar faces from said campaign have returned for a second bite at the cherry, assistant coach Stephen Dowse believes his charges have more strength in depth.
Photo credit: Hong Kong Rugby Union
“We managed to pull a very strong group together this year,” said Dowse.
“[We have] A combination of guys we are tracking overseas and local players who are putting their hands up in Colts and senior rugby.”
“Now that we are here again, it is about maximizing the opportunity presented by this tour, both on and off pitch."
His charges have been placed in a challenging pool that includes Tonga, Canada and 2018 Bronze medalists Portugal.
“Having played for a number of years at this competition, we know what to expect - it is a high level competition that we enter with eyes wide open,” he added.
"We don’t want this to be the end of these players’ journeys but a mid point on a longer journey that takes them into Senior and International rugby for Hong Kong."
With the holy grail of qualification for the Senior World Rugby U20s series beckoning, much is expected of this promising group of players - whether or not they decide their future lies in Hong Kong.