The 100-cap fullback is joined in an explosive line-up by fellow All Black Anthony Tuitavake and Fijian flyer Vilimoni Delasau, a RWC Sevens winner in 2005.

The Hong Kong-bound squad will be coached by another New Zealand great, former test captain Tana Umaga, and managed South Africa’s 1995 RWC winner Chester Williams.

The APBs will once again by sponsored by BGC Partners for their return to the Tens, where they reached the Cup final on their debut last year.

"I’m thrilled to be included in the APBs squad for the Tens and I’m very much looking forward to two days of exciting and competitive rugby,” said Muliaina, who now plays in Japan.

"I have some great memories of Hong Kong from playing in the Bledisloe Cup and Hong Kong Sevens.

"My teammate here in Japan, Takuro Miuchi, has told me what a great experience it is to play with the BGC APBs. It will be a pleasure to return to Hong Kong and pull on the boots again.”

The 2012 Tens will be held at Hong Kong Football Club from March 21-22 and Muliaina promised the APBs would be going all out to win the tournament.

"I know the APBs management and BGC Partners are putting together a world class squad and we are all hoping we can go one better this year and lift the Cup,” he said.

Umaga played in 74 tests - including 21 as captain - for New Zealand between 1997 and 2005.

"Having heard about the APBs from my fellow All Blacks who have been involved previously, I can’t wait to be part of this year’s set-up,” said the former centre. "I can promise fans we will be coming to entertain and play some explosive rugby.

"We will have a tremendous mix of Rugby World Cup greats and some highly talented individuals from around Asia Pacific. As a coach, I’m truly excited to be working with these players.”

Williams, meanwhile, carved his name in South African rugby history as the star winger in the team that lifted the 1995 World Cup.

"The amazing array of playing and coaching talent we are putting together for the Tens is a statement of intent with BGC Partners,” he said. "We are looking forward to playing at Hong Kong Football Club, meeting old friends and, hopefully, winning the Cup.

"For myself, it will be a fantastic experience to manage a team coached by Tana and featuring greats such as Mils, Anthony and Vilimoni. I’m looking forward to what should be a memorable tournament.”

The APBs management are currently finalising their squad for the Tens and say more star players will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Len Harvey, BGC Partners executive managing director for Asia Pacific, added: "After last year’s hugely successful debut in Hong Kong by the Asia Pacific Barbarians, we are delighted to be sponsoring the team once again.

"They won many friends last year with their brand of adventurous, attacking rugby on the pitch and their community spirit off it and we aim to build on that. We are enthusiastic about the concept of the APBs and are very happy to remain closely associated with them.”

About BGC Partners

BGC Partners, Inc. is a leading global brokerage company primarily servicing the wholesale financial markets with over 200 products, including fixed income securities, interest rate swaps, foreign exchange, equities, equity derivatives, credit derivatives, commercial real estate, property derivatives, commodities, futures, and structured products. BGC’s technology helps customers, including many of the world’s largest banks, broker-dealers, investment banks, trading firms, hedge funds, governments and investment firms, determine the value of a transaction through optimal pricing that reflects the market environment. Trades, conducted OTC or on exchange, are executed through BGC’s voice, hybrid, or fully electronic brokerage services. BGC also offers financial technology solutions, market data, and analytics regarding financial instruments and markets through its eSpeed, BGC Trader, and BGC Market Data brands, and provides clearing, processing, and other back-office services. Named after fixed income trading innovator B. Gerald Cantor, BGC has offices in New York, London and more than two dozen other major financial centres around the world. For more information, please visit www.bgcpartners.com.

About Asia Pacific Barbarians

Formed in 2010, the Asia Pacific Barbarians are designed to showcase the vast array of rugby talent in Asia Pacific, with the occasional invited player from outside the region. Each squad typically contains household names and Rugby World Cup stars mixed with up-and-coming players from the emerging rugby nations, all infused with a commitment to demonstrate a true spirit of playing entertaining rugby. Off the field, the APBs are sociable, approachable and accessible to fans, and promote the game to players of all ages and abilities through coaching clinics and interaction with the rugby community. Crucially, the APBs carry a strong sense of social responsibility, seeking to ensure that their high profile and wide corporate connections allow various charities benefit from their activities.

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Released on behalf of the BGC Asia Pacific Barbarians by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

The squad will convene for two training sessions at Mongkok Stadium on 7 and 14 February and Merrick is looking forward to working with the players for the first time.

“I’ve watched plenty of matches since arriving in Hong Kong last month and this has allowed me to see the players in a competitive environment,” said the two-time Australian A-League Coach of the Year.

“I’ve selected the squad based on what I’ve seen in those matches and the next step is for me to get a closer look at these players in training.

“I should emphasise that this is an expanded training squad only, for two training sessions, to give me a chance to assess players as we build up to our international friendly against Chinese Taipei at the end of this month.

“This should not be considered ‘the squad’ for that match and there is still a chance for players not included at this stage to force their way into the reckoning.

“I’ve gone for a squad that mixes experience with youth and I’m very much looking forward to working with the players for the first time on Tuesday.”

South China provide the biggest contingent with eight players while TSW Pegasus supply six and First Division leaders Kitchee provide five.

“We are still awaiting clarification on a couple of players’ eligibility and hopefully this will be done before the first training session,” added Merrick.

Hong Kong’s friendly against Chinese Taipei – Merrick’s first match in charge – will take place at Mongkok Stadium on Wednesday 29 February, kickoff 8:00pm.

Scotland-born Merrick, 59, took up his new role as the Hong Kong Football Association’s National Head Coach last month after a hugely successful coaching career in Australia, his adopted home since 1975.

In six seasons as coach of A-League club Melbourne Victory FC he guided the team to two Premierships, two Championships and a Pre-Season Cup.

Hong Kong squad for training sessions on 7 and 14 February 2012:

Goalkeepers: Wang Zhenpeng (Kitchee), Tse Tak Him (Citizen), Yapp Hung Fai (South China).
Defenders: Cheung Kin Fung, Ng Wai Chiu (both TSW Pegasus), Lee Chi Ho, Chan Wai Ho (both South China), Tsang Chi Hau (Hong Kong Sapling), Chak Ting Fung (Biu Chun Rangers).
Midfielders: Lee Hong Lim, Chan Ming Kong, Lau Nim Yat (all TSW Pegasus), Fong Pak Lun (Sham Shui Po), Lee Wai Lim, Leung Chun Pong, Bai He (all South China), Liu Songwei (Biu Chun Rangers), Huang Yang, Liang Zicheng, Lam Ka Wai, Lo Kwan Yee (all Kitchee), Leung Tsz Chun (Sunray Cave JC Sun Hei).
Strikers: Chan Siu Ki, Au Yeung Yiu Chung (both South China), Godfred Karikari (TSW Pegasus), Chen Liming (Wofoo Tai Po), Lau Cheuk Hin (Sham Shui Po).

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Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Football Association by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Only a narrow loss to Indonesia prevented Hong Kong finishing top of the table in the U17s category.

“The U17 players showed good mental and physical qualities during their three matches and I was happy to see that,” said Kim. “However, there is room for improvement in their technical skills and tactical knowledge. This is something we will be working on.”

Hong Kong U17s lost 1-0 to Indonesia in their opening match but bounced back with a 5-1 victory over Singapore thanks to an early Lai Hau Hei penalty, a double from Law Hiu Chung and further goals from Yip Ching Fung and Tsang Tsz Hin.

They completed the tournament with a 3-0 victory over Macau with Wong Chun Hin, Law and Yip getting the goals. Indonesia finished with a 100 per cent record to top the table.

Hong Kong may not have won the U17s category but they did carry off the individual awards with Law named Best Player and Li Yat Chun selected as Best Goalkeeper. In addition, the team captured the Fair Play trophy.

Hong Kong’s U14s found the going tougher in their competition. After overwhelming Qingdao 17-0 in their opener they succumbed 3-0 to Singapore and 5-0 to Thailand.

“The U14s were technically sound but they were at a disadvantage against Singapore and Thailand in terms of size and fitness,” said Kim. “We will need to improve the physical aspect of their game to match the standard of the other teams.” Thailand topped the table after winning all three of their matches.

The HKFA International Youth Invitation Tournament 2012 was played from 27-29 January at Po Kong Village Road Park in Diamond Hill.

The event was sponsored by Sun Hung Kai Properties and supported by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Home Affairs Bureau’s Arts and Sports Development Fund.

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Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Football Association by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

U14s competition

Hong Kong 0 Thailand 5 (Rattanan Raman 10, 57; Tawin Mahajindawong 48; Thanapat Khathipphatee 50; Narin Channarong 83).

Singapore 18 (Jordan Chan Zhi Wei 4, 49; Muhammad Syukri Mohd Bashir 13, 25, 54, 69; Muhammad Hami Syahin Said 14, 30, 61, 66, 78, 82, 89; Muhamad Danish Mohd Jefri 38; Muhamad Syahmi Muhamad Irwan 71; Muhammad Zulqarnaen Suzliman 72, 75; Muhammad Asshukrie Wahid 83) Qingdao 0.

Final standings

P    W    D    L    F    A    P
Thailand            3     3     0    0    29    0    9
Singapore         3     2     0    1     21    2    6
Hong Kong       3     1     0    2     17    8    3
Qingdao             3     0    0    2      0    57   0

U17s competition

Hong Kong 3 (Wong Chun Hin 44; Law Hiu Chung 74; Yip Ching Fung 90) Macau 0.

Singapore 1 (Illyas Lee Si Qin 37) Indonesia 3(FF Sabeq 55, 61; Evan Dimas Darmono 69).

Final standings

P    W    D    L    F    A    P
Indonesia         3     3      0     0    8    2    9
Hong Kong       3     2      0     1     8    2    6
Singapore         3     0      1     2     2    8    1
Macau                3     0      1     2     1    7    1

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Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Football Association by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

U14s competition

Hong Kong 0 Singapore 3 (Amirul Hakim Onn 8; Jordan Chan Zhi Wei 29, 83).

Qingdao 0 Thailand 22 (Rattanan Raman 4, 21, 30, 36, 88; Thanapat Wongpethpoon 13, 15, 26; Chinnatun Jugthong 33, 71; Thanakit Thongmee 39, 67; Nutwarrit Yodnuan 40; Panuwit Sriwichai 42, 81; Ariyapol Chanson 51; Teerapak Punboonchu 55, 68, 84; Apisit Meepan 61; Yu Jian (OG) 62; Narin Channarong 70).

Standings

U17s competition

Hong Kong 5 (Lai Hau Hei (pen) 14; Law Hiu Chung 36, 45; Yip Ching Fung 57, Tsang Tsz Hin 88) Singapore 1 (Muhammad Hazim Faiz Hassan 19).

Indonesia 4 (Samsul Pellu 34, Indra Kelana Nasution 39, Muhammad Hargianto 60, I Wayan Eka Nanda Wardana 70) Macau 1 (Kam Chi Hou 3).

Standings

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Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Football Association by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

U14s competition

Hong Kong 17 (Matthew Ho Shing Yuen 7, 51, 57; Hirokane Harima 9, 23, 46, 53; Ngan Cheuk Pan 13; Cheng Chin Lung 15, 86; Perry Ko Shing Yan 20; Yue Tze Nam 31, 55; Yu Wai Lim 60; Lee Kai Chi 67, 84; Ho Chik Hin 71) Qingdao 0.

Thailand 2 (Anan Surattanasin 19; Thanapat Khathipphatee 74) Singapore 0.

U17s competition

Hong Kong 0 Indonesia 1 (Indra Kelana Nasution 36)

Macau 0 Singapore 0.

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Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Football Association by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Kim’s first competition since taking up his post will see him supervise Hong Kong’s U14s and U17s in the HKFA International Youth Invitation Tournament 2012.

“This tournament is a vital part of the pathway we are building for young players to progress through the ranks to senior football and is a chance for us to assess our U14s and U17s players in a competitive environment,” he said.

“It will be an important learning experience for these youngsters and give them an indication of the standards required – on and off the pitch – to play international football.

“There promises to be some excellent football over the three days and we hope fans will come along and show their support for the next generation of Hong Kong players.”

Korean Kim is a familiar figure to Hong Kong fans after playing in the territory from 2000-04 and later managing South China and then the national squad.

In his new role with the Hong Kong Football Association, he is responsible for the identification, development and coaching of all players aged 18 and below.

“There has never been any shortage of talented young players in Hong Kong but they need to be given the right environment, training and facilities to maximise their potential,” he added. “It cannot be done overnight but myself and my staff are totally committed to improving player development.

“These are exciting times for Hong Kong football with major changes to the management and coaching structure and I’m excited about being so closely involved.”

The HKFA International Youth Invitation Tournament 2012, to be played from 27-29 January at Po Kong Village Road Park in Diamond Hill, will see some of the territory’s top teenage players take on their regional rivals.

The U17s competition will feature Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Macau while the U14s event will be contested by Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Qingdao.

“We are pleased to be able to attract a number of sponsors to help us stage this event including Sun Hung Kai Properties, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Home Affairs Bureau’s Arts and Sports Development Fund, and it is welcome news as we embark upon an exciting new era for the sport here,” said HKFA Chief Executive Officer Gordon McKie.

“Corporate sponsorship is an essential component of football and offers companies a chance to raise their profile, associate their brand with successful events and create a platform for networking and client entertainment.

“We are delighted to welcome Sun Hung Kai Properties into the HKFA family of sponsors and we look forward to working closely with them to make this tournament a successful and memorable one for all involved.”

The teams in each age group will play each other on a league basis.

U17s match schedule

27 Jan: Indonesia v Hong Kong (14:00, Pitch 1), Singapore v Macau (14:00, Pitch 2).
28 Jan: Singapore v Hong Kong (14:00, Pitch 1), Indonesia v Macau (14:00, Pitch 2).
29 Jan: Hong Kong v Macau (14:00, Pitch 1), Singapore v Indonesia (14:00, Pitch 2).

U14s match schedule

27 Jan: Qingdao v Hong Kong (10:00, Pitch 1), Singapore v Thailand (10:00, Pitch 2).
28 Jan: Singapore v Hong Kong (10:00, Pitch 1), Qingdao v Thailand (10:00, Pitch 2).
29 Jan: Hong Kong v Thailand (10:00, Pitch 1), Singapore v Qingdao (10:00, Pitch 2).

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Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Football Association by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

The site – www.rwandarugby.org – is the “Home of the Rwandan Silverbacks” and outlines the team’s history, development, tours, sponsorship and media coverage, plus a wealth of other information.

The launch is the latest initiative from Hong Kong-based sports PR, publishing and event management company Two Up Front, which has been assisting the Silverbacks on a pro bono basis since 2009.

During that time the team have played their first matches overseas, enjoyed access to elite coaching and won friends and admirers in the world of rugby and beyond.

“Rugby is a fast-growing sport and a huge force for good in Rwanda, so we are justifiably proud of the Silverbacks and their achievements,” said Dr Otto Vianney Muhinda, president of the Fédération Rwandaise de Rugby (Rwanda Rugby Federation).

“We are delighted to see the launch of the official website, which is an important step in the evolution of rugby in Rwanda and another excellent channel of communication for telling the world about the progress we are making as a nation.”

The new website also features extensive photo galleries, including the Silverbacks’ tours to Hong Kong in 2010 and 2011 and domestic tournaments in Kigali, as well as information about how to sponsor and invest in Rwanda’s rugby future.

“The site takes Rwandan rugby in general and the Silverbacks in particular to a new level in terms of access to information,” said Dave Hughes, organiser of the Silverbacks’ overseas tours.

“In this age of instant global communications it is essential that Rwandan rugby is seen to be well organised, modern and progressive, and an official website is vital for making first impressions count. These are exciting times for Rwandan rugby.”

Two Up Front’s rugby portfolio also includes the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens souvenir programme and pocket guide, which it has published since 2005. In addition, the company handles PR, publishing and event management in a variety of other sports, including football, golf and motor racing.

The site – www.rwandarugby.org – is the “Home of the Rwandan Silverbacks” and outlines the team’s history, development, tours, sponsorship and media coverage, plus a wealth of other information.

The launch follows two years of exciting progress by the Silverbacks during which they have played their first matches overseas, enjoyed access to elite coaching and won friends and admirers in the world of rugby and beyond.

“Rugby is a fast-growing sport and a huge force for good in Rwanda, so we are justifiably proud of the Silverbacks and their achievements,” said Dr Otto Vianney Muhinda, president of the Fédération Rwandaise de Rugby (Rwanda Rugby Federation).

“We are delighted to see the launch of the official website, which is an important step in the evolution of rugby in Rwanda and another excellent channel of communication for telling the world about the progress we are making as a nation.”

The new website also features extensive photo galleries, including the Silverbacks’ tours to Hong Kong in 2010 and 2011 and domestic tournaments in Kigali, as well as information about how to sponsor and invest in Rwanda’s rugby future.

Rugby is winning over countless new fans in Rwanda, including the country’s head of state, President Paul Kagame, who was recently presented with a Silverbacks tour shirt.

“The site takes Rwandan rugby in general and the Silverbacks in particular to a new level in terms of access to information,” said Dave Hughes, organiser of the Silverbacks’ overseas tours.

“In this age of instant global communications it is essential that Rwandan rugby is seen to be well organised, modern and progressive, and an official website is vital for making first impressions count. These are exciting times for Rwandan rugby.”

The new website has been put together by Hong Kong-based sports PR and publishing company Two Up Front, which has worked with the Rwandan national team on a pro bono basis since 2009.

The Silverbacks – named after Rwanda’s signature mountain gorillas – are currently training hard ahead of their third tour to Hong Kong in late March.

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Released on behalf of the Rwandan Silverbacks by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.