The worst-kept secret in town was confirmed last night when Credit Suisse announced this is its last year as Hong Kong Sevens title sponsor.
Just minutes before Hong Kong were drawn with South Africa, Wales and Spain in pool E at next month's Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens, Dumith Fernando, chief operating officer for Credit Suisse (Asia-Pacific), confirmed the bank's links with the tournament will end on March 27 after the Cup final.
'Although this is the last year of our relationship, we are very proud of our partnership [since 1998],' said Fernando. 'We have thoroughly enjoyed our partnership.'
Fernando's words to the large crowd at yesterday's official draw, which included the chief secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen, all but confirms that former title sponsor HSBC is waiting in the wings to return.
The Hong Kong Sevens is the fifth leg of the IRB Sevens Series sponsored by HSBC.
As Credit Suisse is title sponsor, the presence of their rival will hardly be seen at the sold-out Hong Kong Stadium this year as England and New Zealand strive to take the upper hand in the series.
Both teams are joint top in the standings on 80 points, with Fiji and Samoa - the defending Hong Kong Sevens champions - tied in third place on 64.