What is the Level of Rugby Like in China?
Players of All Levels Welcome
.png){kind=small}
Semi-Pro Rugby
Women's rugby
Social Rugby
4. Hong Kong "Community Leagues" AND China Mainland Social Club Rugby (Amateur Social Rugby)
Equivalent Level: Social Rugby in UK, SA, NZ, AUS
Mainland China Social Club Rugby (Club Rugby Below "All China Cup" Level) ⬆️
Some of our partner clubs:
Watch how one of our players is helping women's rugby grow in China:
What are the requirements?
For us to get you a work visa to come to China, you need to meet the following criteria.
-
University Bachelors Degree
-
Passport from UK, IRE, USA, CAN, AUS, NZL, RSA
-
Clean criminal record
"I had no teaching experience, but I loved the idea of playing rugby in China. After I initially spoke to the team at China Rugby Recruitment they got me a teaching contract within 3-4 days and held my hand throughout the visa process. I've been teaching in China for 2 seasons now and even ended up coaching the China national touch rugby team." Mark Tipple.
What is China like?
When you're not playing rugby you'll get an opportunity to enjoy the ancient history, rich culture, delicious food, thriving nightlife and nature escapes that China's megacities Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Beijing have to offer. Take a quick look through the gallery below for a showcase of what China is like ⬇️
"I joined the Beijing Ducks after having a crack at the USA Eagles & Major League Rugby in the US. I travel a lot and use rugby as my way of connecting with my new home. I stayed longer with the Ducks than I have anywhere else. I immediately felt connected to the Club and had some of the best years of my life with them in Beijing."
Rob. - Scrum-half (Beijing 2018-2019), Masters of Public Administration
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much will I get paid?
Salaries are paid by our partner school and are usually CNY16,000 - 20,000/ month. This equates to around £1700-2200/month (🇺🇸$2400-$3000/month，🇿🇦R40,000-45,000/month). You can earn much more on top of this if you take on a few private tutoring hours. (Currency Converter).
Rugby Match Fees:
Our top team in the Hong Kong Premiership pays match fees but these are only paid if players are good enough to merit selection. All other divisions in China are unpaid / amateur.
2. What is China like?
China is the centre of the universe and expats here live like kings. If you want it, it's here. We guarantee no lifestyle sacrifices - you'll have a ball. Check out TimeOutBeijing for inspo.
3. Are there VISA requirements?
Yes. For this opportunity, China requires that you:
i. Have a passport from either USA, Canada, AUS, NZ, UK, Ireland, or SA. AND
ii. Have a University Bachelors Degree or above (any degree qualifies) - Don't have a degree? (Don't have a degree? There is a work around for this) AND
iii. Have a clean criminal record
**NO TEACHING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED**
4. What are the jobs like?
Our schools offer great jobs with relatively low effort / high reward. All classes are taught in English. Most of the jobs are English teaching jobs. You can also select to teach any age group you'd like. Work hours are 8am-5pm Mon-Fri but the actual teaching hours are usually 15-25 per week only and no evening or weekend work so no clashes with rugby.
5. What's the deal with Accommodation?
You will have an accommodation fund as part of your salary package. Some schools will provide free accommodation although schools do not commonly offer this to players with less teaching experience. Shared accommodation with other club players is available.
6. Accommodation cost?
CNY3,000 - 4,000/month. (Currency Converter)
Most landlords require 2 months of rent in advance.
7. Any language barriers?
Living in China is definitely easier if you speak the language, but most of us can't. It's entirely possible to exist here super comfortably without language skills. If you want to learn Chinese then there's no better place to learn!
8. Can I bring my partner?
Yes. We can find work (and rugby) opportunities for your partner too! Spouse visas are also an option for partners who do not want to work / do not meet work visa requirements. Partners are made to feel welcome in our clubs.
9. What is the level of rugby in China?
The top level of club rugby is the Hong Kong Premiership which is semi professional. There are also competitive leagues that sit below the premiership including social leagues at the lower end of the scale. No matter your background, you will find a challenge on the pitch. Click here for more info regarding the level of men's rugby including game footage.
10. How many players do we need?
Rugby in China is expanding which gives us the capacity to take a large number of players on. Players will be placed in a team appropriate for their skill/experience level. If you are visa eligible and a decent human being we will have a place for you on one of our teams.
11. Training
Twice a week. Usually Tuesday and Thursday nights. Additional midweek touch rugby for those interested.
12. Living costs?
Beers: $0.5 (Convenience Stores) $1.5-4 (Bars)
30 min Taxi/Uber: $5-8 (super cheap)
Subway ride: $1-2
Western Restaurant Lunch/Dinner: $6-15
Chinese Restaurant Lunch/Dinner:$2-8
Weeks worth of groceries: $20
A night out on the town? ...We will leave that up to you ;)
13. Setup Costs
-
✈️ Flight cost to China is reimbursed by our parter employer.
-
🪪VISA COSTS: Authenticating visa documents + the visa application costs roughly:
-
🇬🇧 £400
-
🇿🇦 R8000
-
🇺🇸 ¥500
-
🇳🇿🇦🇺🇨🇦 $400
-