JAMIE Lauder’s bid to help Hong Kong to the Rugby World Cup has suffered a blow.
The former North Berwick High School pupil is part of the country’s squad at the final qualification tournament in Dubai.
Hong Kong, featuring Lauder, had opened the scoring against Portugal but trailed 21-7 at the half-time interval.
Portugal held the upper hand after the break and wrapped up a 42-14 win.
In the other match of the round-robin competition, the USA beat Kenya 68-14.
Ahead of the qualification tournament, 30-year-old Lauder told Courier Sport how playing at the tournament was “a childhood dream”.
READ MORE: Rugby World Cup spot in sight for Jamie Lauder
He said: “To have this chance is massive.”
Hong Kong will attempt to get their journey to the tournament in France next year back on track when they face the USA tomorrow (Saturday).
Lauder and his team-mates then wrap up their competition against Kenya next Friday (November 18).
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