It is with mixed feelings that Kowloon RFC announce the departure of Head Coach Joe Shaw after 3 great and memorable years. It is with saddness that we say goodbye, but at the same time we are hugely excited for Shawsy on his next journey with Saracens RFC.

The 2011/12 Hong Kong Rugby Coach of the Year made his mark soon after arriving on the shores of Hong Kong, here on a mission to turn the fortunes of a side with potential but lacking in results.

During that first season 2009/10 Shawsy came in with several new players and an attitude which others around the country admired, turning the team around and picking up some big victories over the top sides in the country and 1st and 2nd XV level.

It was clear for all of Hong Kong rugby that Kowloon would soon become a force to be reckoned with, and again new faces joined during the 2010/11 season. With a mix of young and old, quality players from the likes of Newcastle, Sale, Leeds, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland (for you Hayesy (and Sid too)), Argentina and within Hong Kong, Kowloon's fortunes on the field improved again, with a league position of 3rd and a tightly contested defeat to eventual Grand Champions Valley RFC in the semi final. The 2nd XV won both the league and Grand Champs Finals, along with the Stingrays in Div 4.

The 2011/12 season will be widely remembered by club members as one of the most successful in Kowloon's history. Again, players flocked to join the club, with players from in and outside Hong Kong wanting to be a part of the family that was being created. Kowloon went on to with the Hong Kong Premiership and Premiership A leagues, alongside the Specials successive Double.

We now await the 2012/13 season and the family, onwards and upwards as the Loon continue to improve. The Joe Shaw legacy will live on and be remembered by those that were lucky enough to be a part of his fantastic three years in charge and as the season gets closer, the excitement builds for the club as a whole as we embark on our next step together!

Onwards and upwards Shawser