The men's and women's rugby sevens squads of Hong Kong, China say they are ready to defend their Melrose Claymore titles, after this year's lineups were announced.

The Melrose Claymore is a relatively new competition exclusive to the Hong Kong stop of the top-tier Sevens series, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary when it returns to Kai Tak Stadium on April 17.

While the SAR men's will not be competing against the likes of New Zealand, South Africa and other powerhouses, they will get a chance to face China and Japan, two possible opponents at September's Asian Games in Nagoya.

"China, Japan and South Korea are all capable of winning Asian Games gold, so every match and tournament we play against them this year will help us prepare," said men's co-captain James Christie.

The SAR are the only men's Melrose Claymore champions, winning on back-to-back occasions in 2024 and last year.

The SAR women's, meanwhile, claimed the trophy for the first time last year following victories over Kazakhstan and Thailand.

The women's pool this year will feature its first non-regional competitor, with Denmark joining Hong Kong and Thailand.

Co-captain Natasha Olson Thorne said the squad is excited to play at home in front of friends and family as they aim to retain their title.

"We don’t know much about Denmark, but it's always exciting to play someone new," she said.

"We are very familiar with Thailand, having played them many times, but we just have to keep the focus on ourselves and play our game."

The 2022 Asian Games bronze medallist added the team has put in a lot of effort on strength and conditioning.

"We want to make sure that we are stronger and fitter than ever when we get to the tournament," she said.