Figuring out the game plan for Sevens' fistful of dollars

IT was a thought which probably passed through the minds of many spectators at the Cathay Pacific Hongkong Bank Invitation Sevens last weekend: ''I bet the Hongkong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) really makes money out of this. I wonder how much?'' The answer is an estimated $22 million. But this doesn't mean that the HKRFU is wallowing in money because of the Sevens.

The union's flagship event generated income from ticket sales, corporate sponsorship, catering services and souvenirs. .

But the cost of organising the tournament and the money required to support the territory's union network, development and tour and training programmes will absorb most of the funds earned from the Sevens.

HKRFU Finance Director Mr David Bruce said this week that while the Sevens regularly makes a substantial profit, Hongkong is still the poor relation, in financial terms, compared to the major unions of Britain, New Zealand and Australia.

''Last year, the rugby union was a profitable concern,'' Mr Bruce said. ''However, costs are increasing all the time and to remain in profit there will have to be some tighter financial control.

''What has to be remembered is that unlike other countries, we have a development programme which is very expensive to maintain with 10 full-time staff.