Under the leadership of the Head of Women’s Rugby, Hannah Edwards is now in her second season and looking to improve on last season’s 2nd place finish and Grand Championship finals loss.
“We are excited to welcome our new players into our squad for the 25/26 season and special 30th year of our women’s section.
Niamh Orchard, Lauren Knowler and Georgina Tasker along with a number of exciting recruits bring a fantastic range of experience. The English trio developed their rugby in the English talent pathways, England U18 and U20 before transitioning from the PWR with Loughborough, Exeter and Ealing ties.
The experience and skill set added across our lineout, game management and strategic kicking game is an exciting prospect as we build into our competition window.”“
– Hannah Edwards, Head of Women’s Rugby, HKFC
A successful summer’s recruitment has seen HKFC sign 3 exciting talents from Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) – England’s domestic competition that is often regarded as the best in the world:
NIAMH ORCHARD
Back Row
Joining from Exeter Chiefs, Niamh Orchard has already tasted success as part of their 2022/23 Allianz Cup-winning side. She made since her debut against DMP Sharks in September 2022 in that same competition and had her first league outing against Leicester Tigers.
As a player selected for England U20s, Orchard is a powerful ball-carrier (capable of playing in both second row and back row) and offering excellent ball handling skills. She is a strong forward who combines physical presence in collisions with great technical and tactical knowledge in the lineout.
In 2015 she moved to England from Dubai, where she began her rugby career with Arabian Knights RFC. Since then, she’s played for Sutton & Epsom RFC, Gloucester-Hartpury College and Exeter Chiefs.
LAUREN KNOWLER
Fly-Half/Centre
Hong Kong Qualified Lauren Knowler is another exciting young addition to the team. A versatile centre with a sharp distribution game and fearless defence, she first picked up a rugby ball at the age of seven with the Sai Kung Stingrays.
Since then, Knowler has represented England U18s, starred for Henley College Women in the AOC Performance League (Association of Colleges in the UK) and earned high praise for her physicality and leadership qualities. Most recently, she has played with Ealing Trailfinders (PWR) and Henley Hawks (RFU Championship).
Knowler can play across the back line, adding a versatility to the HKFC Natixis Ice midfield for 25/26. With an impressive boot, we can’t wait to see what this young, up & coming talent has to add!
GEORGINA TASKER
Full Back/ Wing
HKFC fans will be familiar with Georgina Tasker – having already featured for HKFC Natixis Ice at the Tradition HKFC 10s this year. Comfortable at full-back or on the wing, she has built an impressive resume in the PWR with 51 appearances and 10 tries for Loughborough Lightning, and a recent stint at Exter Chiefs.
Originally from Mansfield, Tasker began her rugby journey at her local club before progressing through Lightning’s Centre of Excellence. Tasker has also represented England U20s and England 7s, experiences that have sharpened her attacking instincts and game awareness at the highest level.
With her mix of speed and skill, she is set to be an exciting addition to the HKFC squad and one to watch in the seasons ahead.
A New Era of Talent
With the Nan Fung | AIRSIDE Women’s Premiership just around the corner, the club has more than just momentum, but new talent that promises to add impact to an already strong squad. All 3 will also be sharing their knowledge in the youth pathway, so be sure to say hi if you see them at HKFC on a Sunday!
HKFC Natixis Ice kick off their 2025/26 Campaign against Causeway Sandy Bay on the 4th of October at Aberdeen Sports Ground (4:25pm KO).
