Jason Fairleigh announced as Thunder Coach

Hong Kong Rugby League is pleased to announce our representative coach who will take charge of the Hong Kong Thunder in 2015. Jason Fairleigh has a wealth of playing and coaching experience mixed with a sincere love for the game. Jason comes from the Central Coast of NSW in Australia and from a Rugby League family with three older brothers who also played the game.

Jason has been in Hong Kong for over a decade and in the absence of Rugby League has been playing Rugby Union with the Typhoons club. Jason is excited to be taking a leading role in the future development of Rugby League in Hong Kong. He will also be supporting the HKRL Schools program drawing on his coaching and teaching experience.

HKRL Chairman James Hall is enthusiastic about the appointment.

“We are delighted to have Jason on board as the Head Coach of HKRL. He comes from a strong Rugby League background and has a wealth of experience to bring. As well as getting the Thunder team in shape for their Inaugural fixture later this year Jason will help prepare the teams who are entering this year’s HKRL 9s competition on 25 April.”

The HKRL will be hosting a special Open Day on the 25th of April which will showcase many forms of the game such as touch, tag and 9s. More details of this launch event will soon be announced.

If you would like to get involved in HKRL please email us on getinvolved@hongkongrugbyleague.com

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JASON TREVOR FAIRLEIGH
“Born on the Central Coast in New South Wales, Australia, I began playing mini rugby league at the age of 5 for Ourimbah Wyoming Magpies. With 3 older brothers who also played, it was no surprise to my parents that I would!

I continued to play through primary and high school and on weekends, representing the Central Coast in rep games throughout my teens.

At the age of 17, I began to play First Grade Rugby League for Ourimbah Wyoming Magpies as 5/8 in which I played over 8 years of first grade. The opportunity to trial for a few Sydney based teams was lost due to 2 significant knee injuries, both requiring surgery and forced early retirement.

This opened the door into coaching junior teams at my local club and progressed onto coaching U17’s and U18’s levels with my greatest achievements including winning Premiership titles.

In 2005, I moved to Hong Kong, which I began playing for The Typhoons, after realising rugby league was not available.

Now that rugby league is here in Hong Kong I can see huge potential for our sport.”