Advertisement

Q&A

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
0

How does HSBC feel the face of the Hong Kong Sevens will be different with their sponsorship?

The Hong Kong Sevens is the flagship of the bank's rugby sponsorship portfolio in Asia. We're excited to be back at its heart.

There was a lot of anger in the community when only 4,000 tickets went on sale to the public - 1,000 fewer than last year. The HKRFU defended the decision, saying the tickets went to rugby clubs and its stakeholders. Many people pointed fingers at HSBC?

Ticket allocation is the responsibility of the HKRFU and it is up to them how they distribute the limited number of tickets. We have no more or no less than other sponsors.

The HK Sevens undergoes a radical format change this year as the IRB plans ahead to the 2016 Olympics. Opinion seems to be divided, with critics saying the HK Sevens will lose a lot of its romance. Are you consulted in these changes and what do you think of them?

We are the co-sponsors and so are not involved with the tournament structure or format. That is down to the HKRFU to decide. Personally, I think the changes are exciting. It's just four years until the Rio Games and everyone is starting to have one eye on potential qualification. The opportunity to qualify for core world series team status is fantastic and will make for some thrilling rugby.

Advertisement