Hong Kong rugby fans who have been unable to get a ticket for the Sevens have been dealt a further blow following the announcement yesterday that the tournament will no longer be aired on free television.
The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union struck a deal with Now TV, who will take over from longstanding broadcasters TVB to show all the action from the March 27 to 29 tournament on three dedicated sports channels, as well as its free TV apps.
Top HKRFU official Robbie McRobbie yesterday defended the move to switch from free TV to pay TV this year - the 40th anniversary of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens tournament - saying it will help "grow the game".
McRobbie also highlighted the benefits of dedicated sports channels, referring to the interruption of the cup final two years ago, when TVB cut to the news.
"It will be a better quality product across a wider range of platforms and this will enhance the viewing experience," he said.
"Also you [have] to remember that we pay for the broadcaster. There is no income from broadcasting rights for us," McRobbie added. A figure for the one-year deal was not revealed but the HKRFU said it was substantial.