Hong Kong are attempting to add some strength and depth to their scrum by prising prop Charlie Walsh away from Major League Rugby (MLR) side Seattle Seawolves – although money worries may stop that happening.

Meagre resources in some areas on and off the pitch are proving a major concern for officials, as the team prepares for its Rugby World Cup debut next year in Australia.

Limited depth in an ageing front row has not been helped by veteran Alex Post undergoing shoulder surgery, or Faizal Solomona Penesa’s continuing legal troubles, with the prop back in court on Monday to face charges of indecent assault and criminal damage in relation to an incident in a city bar last September.

While last week’s return of prop Keelan Chapman, who came out of retirement and has signed a part-time contract, has given the forwards a boost, the 24-year-old Walsh is seen as an essential ingredient in building a pack capable of withstanding the rigours of rugby at the highest level.

However, whether there is the financial means to do so is questionable, with sources suggesting Hong Kong China Rugby was unwilling or unable to fully commit to backing the squad’s historic campaign.

There has been regular contact with Walsh and it is believed he would return if a full-time contract was offered. But with some 35 players already on the books, the governing body is not believed to be in a position to give him one.