https://www.scmp.com/rss/188970/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A fiercely proud and industrious First Nations & Pasifika team have been told they will be “playing to keep the jersey alive” on their Tradition HKFC 10s debut next month. Comprised of players of Indigenous Australian or Pacific Islander origin, First Nations & Pasifika gave the British & Irish Lions a tremendous fright in their inaugural fixture last year. While the side ultimately beaten 24-19 featured “the best of the best”, according to general manager Matt Sonter, it will be a younger but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3347474/first-nations-pasifika-aiming-unearth-international-stars-hong-kong-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3347474/first-nations-pasifika-aiming-unearth-international-stars-hong-kong-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:22:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ben Gollings believes world rugby chiefs still need to locate the “sweet spot that will bring the attractiveness back to sevens”, after a controversial overhaul last year shrank their marquee HSBC SVNS Series. Sevens royalty following a record-breaking playing career, Englishman Gollings is on the frontline of attempts to grow the sport in India, and he will lead the recently formed franchise team Chennai Bulls in this year’s expanded Tradition HKFC 10s. “We want to provide more opportunities... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3344368/rugby-7s-royalty-ben-gollings-bringing-chennai-bulls-play-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3344368/rugby-7s-royalty-ben-gollings-bringing-chennai-bulls-play-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:11 +0000 Exactly 25 years to the day after she won a stand-alone Hong Kong Sevens tournament with New Zealand, Anna Richards hailed the growth of women’s rugby since her 2010 retirement. Four-times World Cup winner Richards, who coached Hong Kong’s women’s sevens team for four years until 2017, is back in the city to lead RKS New Zealand Legends in this week’s Tradition HKFC 10s. The 10s introduced a women’s competition in 2023, the same year the elite HSBC SVNS Series began staging its men’s and women’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3303679/world-cup-winner-hails-womens-rugby-advances-leading-kiwis-tradition-hkfc-10s?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3303679/world-cup-winner-hails-womens-rugby-advances-leading-kiwis-tradition-hkfc-10s?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:00:17 +0000 International rugby referee Karl Dickson said his time in Hong Kong was key to him reaching the pinnacle of his sport. One of a handful of elite players who have successfully swapped competing for refereeing, Dickson, who was in charge of France’s Six Nations rout of Italy last Sunday, will return to the city for this month’s Tradition HKFC10s, after officiating in last year’s edition. Dickson’s relationship with the tournament, however, dates back to 2003. After becoming “demotivated” following... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3300683/hong-kong-refereeing-antoine-dupont-why-rugby-official-credits-city-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3300683/hong-kong-refereeing-antoine-dupont-why-rugby-official-credits-city-success?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Mar 2025 02:00:15 +0000 It’s been three more than years in the making, but the Hong Kong Football Club’s 10s rugby tournament will return in March as a curtain-raiser for the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, with a new women’s tournament taking centre stage. First played in 1986, the event will spring back to life over two days from March 29 to 30 at the Hong Kong Football Club, with a new title sponsor and expanded format. Paul Christopher, chairman of the Tradition HKFC 10s, said the inclusion of a women’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3203313/hong-kong-sevens-curtain-raiser-hkfc-10s-return-march-all-systems-go?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3203313/hong-kong-sevens-curtain-raiser-hkfc-10s-return-march-all-systems-go?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Dec 2022 00:45:07 +0000 They’re unashamedly large, and fitness might not always be at the top of their agenda, but Hong Kong’s Pot Bellied Pigs are serious when it comes to raising money for underprivileged children. This weekend, the rugby club’s annual fundraising powerhouse, the Fat Boy 10s Tournament, returns to King’s Park for a second year, with 32 teams going head to head for bragging rights in what is now one of the bigger social rugby tournaments on the calendar, and surely the most colourful. Saturday marks a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3191386/hong-kong-rugbys-pot-bellied-pigs-giving-underprivileged-kids-sense?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3191386/hong-kong-rugbys-pot-bellied-pigs-giving-underprivileged-kids-sense?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:30:24 +0000 As the city endures another month in this traumatic year, it must be remembered that – similar to the coronavirus – physical and mental challenges are not subject to tiredness or burnout. The causes and symptoms can range from mild headaches from work stress, to depression from being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. November, or Movember to many in the rugby community, is a month for men to open up and reflect on these so-called “delicate” or “uncomfortable” matters. Not that they are... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/rugby-community/article/3111905/hong-kong-cancer-survivors-their-personal-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/rugby-community/article/3111905/hong-kong-cancer-survivors-their-personal-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Nov 2020 05:28:14 +0000 The Hong Kong Football Club Tens rugby tournament scheduled for March 31 and April 1, 2021, has been cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, organisers said on Monday. The HKFC’s rugby section intends to bring the annual 10-a-side volunteer-run invitational – a prelude to the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens and opener to Hong Kong Rugby Week – back to the city in 2022. “The 2021 tournament has been cancelled due to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on visiting teams’ funding... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3104235/covid-19-claims-another-sporting-event-2021-hong-kong-football-club?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3104235/covid-19-claims-another-sporting-event-2021-hong-kong-football-club?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Oct 2020 09:43:41 +0000 He’s caught the eye of former Fiji coach Ben Ryan and now Sakeo Raloa is bound for next week’s GFI HKFC Tens. Raloa, one of five contracted Fiji Sevens who will line up for defending champions UBB Gavekal, prompted Ryan to tweet “I think we might have seen the next sevens star here today – Sakeo Raloa” during January’s Coral Coast Sevens in Sigatoka. Winger Samu Bale will line up alongside Raloa and has fond memories of the Hong Kong Football Club after scoring four tries in his side’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2139510/ben-ryan-says-hes-destined-sevens-stardom-and-fiji-flier-sakeo-raloa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2139510/ben-ryan-says-hes-destined-sevens-stardom-and-fiji-flier-sakeo-raloa?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Mar 2018 10:28:47 +0000 He was a hit at last year’s GFI HKFC Tens and enigmatic winger Wendell Sailor headlines a host of former Australia internationals in the Classic Wallabies side that is preparing to return to Hong Kong. Tim Horan, a World Cup winner in 1991 and 1999, will coach the Classic Wallabies on their second visit to the Tens, which kick off on April 4. Stephen Hoiles is another of the ex-Wallabies in the side and praised the role of the invitational team in helping to develop young talent. “One of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2133176/wendell-sailor-heads-host-former-stars-classic-wallabies-side-plotting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2133176/wendell-sailor-heads-host-former-stars-classic-wallabies-side-plotting?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Feb 2018 06:33:18 +0000 The strongest teams in the “world’s most prestigious 10-a-side rugby event” will return for the 33rd edition of the GFI HKFC 10s on April 4 and 5. Two-time champions Penguins, three-time runners-up Samurai International and twice finalists Tradition YCAC will lead the challengers at Hong Kong Football Club in the two-day event, which precedes the Hong Kong Sevens. The three invitational sides will be among those looking to dethrone reigning champions UBB Gavekal who will again be coached by Matt... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2128333/top-teams-return-hkfc-10s-two-new-additions-still-come-aprils-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2128333/top-teams-return-hkfc-10s-two-new-additions-still-come-aprils-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Jan 2018 09:45:30 +0000 The strongest teams in the “world’s most prestigious 10-a-side rugby event” will return for the 33rd edition of the GFI HKFC 10s on April 4 and 5. Two-time champions Penguins, three-time runners-up Samurai International and twice finalists Tradition YCAC will lead the challengers at Hong Kong Football Club in the two-day event, which precedes the Hong Kong Sevens. The three invitational sides will be among those looking to dethrone reigning champions UBB Gavekal who will again be coached by Matt... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2128332/top-teams-return-hkfc-10s-two-new-additions-still-come-aprils-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2128332/top-teams-return-hkfc-10s-two-new-additions-still-come-aprils-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Jan 2018 09:40:32 +0000 South Africa winger Cornal Hendricks is looking to put a heart condition behind him when he steps out for crowd favourites the Asia Pacific Dragons at Wednesday’s HKFC Tens. It will be the first time the 28-year-old, who played on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series for three years before earning 12 caps for the Springboks in 2014 and 2015, has played the 10-man format. “My condition is a thing of the past,” said Hendricks, who played in the Hong Kong Sevens twice. “I’m looking forward now to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/2084618/heart-condition-thing-past-cornal-hendricks-he-runs-out-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/2084618/heart-condition-thing-past-cornal-hendricks-he-runs-out-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Apr 2017 05:01:41 +0000 Imposing winger Wendell Sailor and 33-year-old scrum half Luke Burgess headline a host of big names preparing to suit up for the Classic Wallabies team at next week’s HKFC Tens. Morgan Turinui – like Sailor, part of the Australia squad that lost to England in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final – and 2007 World Cup duo Stephen Hoiles and Adam Freier are also among the stars in the side coached by former Wallaby forward Justin Harrison. An awesome sight in full flow, Sailor won 37 caps for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/2083500/wendell-sailor-sets-course-hkfc-tens-classic-wallabies-roll?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/2083500/wendell-sailor-sets-course-hkfc-tens-classic-wallabies-roll?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Mar 2017 09:00:39 +0000 Damien Traille will captain Pyrenees in next month’s HKFC Tens, while his long-time France teammate Imanol Harinordoquy and former World Rugby Player of the Year nominee will co-coach the team alongside Yannick Vignette. Both Traille and Harinordoquy retired after last season’s Top 14 and the two France legends will add vast experience to Pyrenees as the French touring team compete in the 10-a-side tournament at Hong Kong Football Club for a 10th straight year. Traille and Harinordoquy, both 37,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2076690/france-legends-damien-traille-and-imanol-harinordoquy-boost-pyrenees?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2076690/france-legends-damien-traille-and-imanol-harinordoquy-boost-pyrenees?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Mar 2017 05:44:05 +0000 A Classic Wallabies squad featuring former test stars, Australia Sevens players and Under-20s will make their tournament debut at the HKFC Tens. The 10-a-side curtain raiser to the Hong Kong Sevens will take place at the Hong Kong Football Club over April 5-6. Former Wallaby Stephen Hoiles, who made his test debut under Eddie Jones, will be among the squad coached by ex-Australia second row Justin Harrison. “We know it’s a really high standard of rugby at the GFI HKFC Tens so we’ve got some... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2073004/classic-wallabies-team-feature-hong-kong-tens-former-australia-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2073004/classic-wallabies-team-feature-hong-kong-tens-former-australia-test?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Feb 2017 07:34:27 +0000 Reigning HKFC Tens champions the Penguins will have to defend their title with a new-look side after a host of players from this year’s successful campaign have gone on to bigger and better things. 2016 stars Kylem O’Donnell, Solomon Alaimolo and Jackson Garden-Bachop have all secured Super Rugby contracts for next year, while co-coach Scott Waldrom and co-captain Antonio Kiri Kiri have been contracted by the New Zealand Sevens. “I’ll be looking at last year’s team to see who is available, but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2053925/penguins-out-defend-hong-kong-tens-title-without-super-rugby-trio?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2053925/penguins-out-defend-hong-kong-tens-title-without-super-rugby-trio?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Dec 2016 08:45:30 +0000 Changing lives – and savings lives – has become the norm for a group of Hong Kong rugby fanatics known throughout Asia for their outlandish dress sense. The Pot Bellied Pigs, who held their annual Fatboy 10s in Clark last weekend, are a social team in Hong Kong doing good things in the region and in the Philippines in particular. Lito Ramirez, a shy 21-year-old, and hundreds of other young Filipinos and Filipinas have been given new lives thanks to the Piggies, as they are affectionately... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2020234/saved-dark-side-how-hong-kongs-rugby-pigs-are-giving-philippine-street?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2020234/saved-dark-side-how-hong-kongs-rugby-pigs-are-giving-philippine-street?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Sep 2016 02:30:30 +0000 Former New Zealand sevens stars Rocky Khan and Ed Cocker and two-time MVP Kane Hancy will spearhead Tradition YCAC’s charge at the GFI HKFC Tens title next month as the New Zealand-packed squad bid to win the Cup for the first time. Three-time champions BGC Asia Pacific Dragons (APDs), 2013 winners Penguins and two-time finalists Samurai are among other top contenders at the 31st edition of the tournament, which will be held 6-7 April at Hong Kong Football Club, immediately ahead of the Cathay... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1926998/tradition-pack-tens-team-ex-all-blacks-sevens-bid-shake-bridesmaids-tag?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1926998/tradition-pack-tens-team-ex-all-blacks-sevens-bid-shake-bridesmaids-tag?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Mar 2016 06:45:15 +0000 This year’s Hong Kong Tens tournament will help children with life-threatening medical conditions after Make-A-Wish Hong Kong was appointed official charity. The charity helps grant the wishes of severely ill children – from meeting their heroes and taking trips to fulfilling long-held ambitions – and will receive proceeds from the entrance fees and all on-site donations at the GFI HKFC Tens, which will be held at Hong Kong Football Club from 6-7 April, immediately before the Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/community/article/1913453/hong-kong-10s-tournament-teams-make-wish-help-sick-kids?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/community/article/1913453/hong-kong-10s-tournament-teams-make-wish-help-sick-kids?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Feb 2016 06:30:00 +0000 Former Fiji star Seru Rabeni is seeing the Hong Kong Sevens from a different perspective this weekend - as a spectator for the first time. For any Fijian player, winning Hong Kong is the icing on your career as a sevens player. You want to get here and you want to win and it stays with you for the rest of your career Seru Rabeni Now living in Hong Kong, Rabeni was part of the Cup-winning team in 1999 and remembers it fondly. "I still cherish that win. It was one of the most memorable moments of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1749076/seru-rabeni-enjoys-life-other-side-fence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1749076/seru-rabeni-enjoys-life-other-side-fence?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2015 14:30:30 +0000 Fijian sevens player Waisea Nacuqu was the hero as the BGC Asia-Pacific Dragons made it back-to-back successes for the Bill Burgess Cup after a thrilling 12-7 extra-time triumph over Tradition YCAC in the GFI HKFC Tens final on Thursday night. The Dragons had to dig deep into their bag of tricks after it was all locked up at 7-7 after regular time, with Nacuqu busting through the Tradition defence and streaking to the line to score the winning try. Watch: SCMP Originals - Shandong team in action... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1748136/back-back-triumph-bgc-dragons-hong-kong-tens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1748136/back-back-triumph-bgc-dragons-hong-kong-tens?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2015 16:45:30 +0000 England sevens scrum-half Jack Walsh hopes a strong showing for Samurai at the GFI HKFC Tens will hold him in good stead in his bid to return to the national sevens side. Walsh, who is part of the England squad but has yet to play a game this season, was impressive as Samurai turned in a solid performance on day one at Hong Kong Football Club. The 22-year-old, who is on the comeback from shoulder surgery, played in the Hong Kong Sevens last year. It’s hard sitting behind the likes of Tom... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1747310/englands-jack-walsh-makes-sevens-statement-hong-kong-tens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1747310/englands-jack-walsh-makes-sevens-statement-hong-kong-tens?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2015 16:30:00 +0000 The Tana Umaga-coached BGC Asia-Pacific Dragons are favourites to defend their crown at the GFI HKFC Tens, starting on Wednesday at Hong Kong Football Club. The squad draws on some of the best talent from New Zealand and the Pacific Islands and All Black legend Umaga said: "Obviously, there is a lot of expectation this year. We have a similar side to last year but this is also a great opportunity for the lads who will be coming here for the first time." Every year they call the Hong Kong Tens a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1746535/tana-umaga-hopes-dragons-will-breathe-fire-again-rugby-tens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1746535/tana-umaga-hopes-dragons-will-breathe-fire-again-rugby-tens?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2015 15:00:00 +0000 The modern facilities at Hong Kong Football Club are a world away from downtown Kigali in Rwanda for the diehard GFI East Africans team taking part in the GFI HKFC Tens – in distance and in luxury. The squad of Rwandan, Ugandan and Kenyan players are more used to dodging potholes, rubbish and ant hills in their schoolyard training ground. The conditions you just would not believe, but the boys don’t worry about, they just get on with it Dave Hughes, assistant coach It is an achievement in itself... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1744135/rwandans-east-africa-team-overcome-hardship-fulfil-hkfc-tens-dream?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1744135/rwandans-east-africa-team-overcome-hardship-fulfil-hkfc-tens-dream?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2015 03:45:00 +0000 Penguins have added former All Black Rico Gear and American “player of the decade” Todd Clever to a fearsome squad looking to make amends for last year’s disappointing showing at the GFI HKFC Tens. The Penguins, seeded fourth, will be looking to Gear and former USA Eagles captain Clever to spearhead their challenge, alongside a host of youthful talent from New Zealand at Hong Kong Football Club next Wednesday and Thursday. With our experience and fire-power, we’re looking to go all the way to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1741852/rico-gear-and-todd-clever-add-power-penguins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1741852/rico-gear-and-todd-clever-add-power-penguins?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2015 05:15:15 +0000 If one person can gauge how far Asian rugby has come in recent years, George Smith is the man. Having spent the past three years playing in Japan's Top League with Suntory Sungoliath, Smith more than anyone can pass judgment. He took time out from playing with BGC Dragons at the GFI HKFC Tens at Sports Road to give his views on how the game is developing. Once I got on the field, I was impressed. It was a very fast game ... the work ethic of the Japanese players was second to none George... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1459619/its-improving-across-board?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1459619/its-improving-across-board?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Mar 2014 13:30:30 +0000 Tana Umaga's star-studded BGC Dragons were down and out early but stormed back to beat Tradition YCAC 29-14 in the Cup final of the GFI HKFC Tens yesterday. It was the second time in three years that the BGC Dragons had triumphed at the Hong Kong Football Club. Australia legend George Smith captained the multinational squad, which included former Wallaby Radike Samo, "Samoan bulldozer" Alesana Tuilagi and Fijian legend Rupeni Caucau, while Leo Naikasau - scorer of two tries in the final - was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1458720/tanas-men-keep-faith-triumph-again-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1458720/tanas-men-keep-faith-triumph-again-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Mar 2014 14:00:30 +0000 All Blacks legend Tana Umaga is determined to complete some “unfinished business” at this year’s GFI HKFC Tens. He tasted victory two years ago coaching BGC Dragons but they lost to Penguins in the quarters last year, and that rankles. The path to redemption was on course on Wednesday with the all-star BGC Dragons setting up a Cup quarter-final with fourth seeds Borneo Eagles on Thursday, after beating newcomers JML IRANZ 17-7 to top pool C. Fijian Apisalome Waqatabu scored two tries in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1457999/tana-umaga-path-redemption-tens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1457999/tana-umaga-path-redemption-tens?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Mar 2014 15:45:15 +0000 Insight and opinion on the players and teams taking part in this year’s GFI HKFC Tens, starting with interviews with Christian Lewis-Pratt and Tana Umaga (click the link above). The two-day tournament at Hong Kong Football Club gets under way on Wednesday, March 26, and concludes Thurday, March 27. To hear what George Stowers, Samiu Vahafolau and Alesana Tuilagi have to say, click on the link below. To hear what Radike Samo and Didier Tison have to say, click on the link below. To hear what... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1457620/video-penguins-insight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1457620/video-penguins-insight?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Mar 2014 04:00:45 +0000 Christian Lewis-Pratt believes he and England sevens colleagues Mark Odejobi and Callum Wilson can follow in the footsteps of their former teammates and help title-holders Penguins win the GFI HKFC Tens. Second seeds Samurai, who lost to Penguins in last year's final, have England Sevens duo Chris Cracknell and winger Mat Turner in their line-up, along with Ben Gollings, the all-time top scorer on the HSBC Sevens World Series and a four-time Hong Kong Sevens winner. Tana Umaga, head coach of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/1457083/penguins-bank-sevens-specialists-defend-hkfc-tens-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/1457083/penguins-bank-sevens-specialists-defend-hkfc-tens-title?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Mar 2014 13:00:00 +0000 Sevens legend Ben Gollings will make his debut at next week's GFI HKFC Tens as the Englishman bids to help two-time finalists Samurai win the Cup for the first time. Gollings, the all-time top scorer on the HSBC Sevens World Series, stars in a strong multinational squad that also features England Sevens duo Chris Cracknell and winger Mat Turner, the top try scorer in the 2011-12 Sevens World Series. Top seeds Penguins, who edged Samurai in last year's final, have also recruited from England... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1451906/england-sevens-legend-gollings-back-fray?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1451906/england-sevens-legend-gollings-back-fray?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:00:30 +0000 If you’re good enough you’re old enough, they say, and at this year’s GFI Hong Kong Football Club Tens an exciting young side from New Zealand plan to prove it. The International Rugby Academy of New Zealand (Iranz) team make their debut at Hong Kong Football Club (march 26-27) and nothing less than winning the tournament is on their mind. Founded and managed by former All Black Murray Mexted, the academy is an offshoot of his acclaimed Iranz and South African programmes. The side will consist... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1451653/all-black-great-murray-mexted-brings-academy-team-tens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1451653/all-black-great-murray-mexted-brings-academy-team-tens?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Mar 2014 10:00:00 +0000 Po Leung Kuk, the welfare organisation founded on the principles of protecting and supporting children, has been named as the official charity for next month’s GFI HKFC Tens. The charity will receive all proceeds from the HK$100 entrance fee charged on the second day of the tournament, as well as all on-site donations. Entry is free on the event’s first day. “We would like to express our pride in appointing Po Leung Kuk as the official charity for this year’s Tens,” said Chris Harker, chairman... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/community/article/1432931/po-leung-kuk-just-ticket-hkfc-tens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/community/article/1432931/po-leung-kuk-just-ticket-hkfc-tens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Feb 2014 15:26:31 +0000 Penguins have confirmed that they will defend their title at this year’s GFI HKFC Tens rugby tournament, which will be held from March 26-27 at Hong Kong Football Club. The star-studded Asia Pacific Dragons are also among the leading sides to confirm early as they look to add to their 2012 victory in their fourth straight appearance at the annual 10-a-side event. We [already] have players confirmed from New Zealand, England, Fiji and Samoa Penguins manager Craig Brown The Dragons were top... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1427845/top-teams-bolster-squads-return-hkfc-tens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1427845/top-teams-bolster-squads-return-hkfc-tens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Feb 2014 08:32:39 +0000 Matches can turn in moments and Richard Hooper exemplified that last night, turning HSBC Penguins from likely losers to definite 21-14 winners in the last minute of the GFI HKFC Tens final last night. The Manly winger, whose younger brother Michael has made his way into the Australia national team over the last year, showed that talent runs in the family with two game-defining interventions against ULR Samurai International at the Hong Kong Football Club. With the match tied at 14-14 and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1196749/hsbc-penguins-defeat-ulr-samurai-21-14-hong-kong-tens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1196749/hsbc-penguins-defeat-ulr-samurai-21-14-hong-kong-tens?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Bone-thudding challenges, fast-flowing rugby, an entertaining punch-up and a minor feel-good story, all for free - the GFI HKFC Tens was not a bad way to while away Wednesday for fans. Last year's winners, the BGC APB All Stars, were put to a tough test in their final match, against Borrelli Walsh Australia Country - a hard-fought game became quite literally so when former IRB World Sevens Player of the Year Orene Ai'i seemed to stamp on Country's Tim McGann. It's a real privilege playing with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1195844/first-day-tens-has-it-all-rugby-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1195844/first-day-tens-has-it-all-rugby-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Having watched his younger brother charge past him into the Wallabies team, Richard Hooper is among a host of players with big ambitions at this year's GFI HKFC Tens. The tournament, which takes place today and tomorrow at Hong Kong Football Club, has long been known as a great place to see stars of the past - this year is no exception, with Tana Umaga's BGC APB All Stars featuring three former All Blacks among the big names - but plenty of others are confident the best is still to come. Manly... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1194903/penguin-richard-hooper-hoping-follow-brother-wallabies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1194903/penguin-richard-hooper-hoping-follow-brother-wallabies?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Former rugby sevens stars Marika Vunibaka and Nasoni Roko will provide the pace out wide for ULR Samurai International who have chosen to field an all-Fijian side in a last-ditch bid to win the GFI Tens for the first time. Vunibaka and Rasoni, both wingers, were part of the Fijian team under the legendary Waisale Serevi who won the World Cup in 2005 at Hong Kong Stadium. They will team up again, with Samurai founder Terry Sands relying on Fijian flair to help his team win the Cup for the first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1189985/sevens-stars-lead-all-fijian-samurai-assault?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1189985/sevens-stars-lead-all-fijian-samurai-assault?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 England sevens coach Ben Ryan has hedged his bets by including two players in the Penguins side to feature in the GFI HKFC Tens next week. Chris Brightwell and James Lightfoot-Brown will turn out for the Penguins and will provide injury cover for Ryan as England bid to push up the HSBC Sevens World Series standings on their Asian jaunt of successive legs in Hong Kong and Tokyo this month. Ben Ryan has agreed to provide us with the two England players for the Tens and this should make a big... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1189345/penguins-duo-provide-cover-england-sevens-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1189345/penguins-duo-provide-cover-england-sevens-team?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Rwanda will break new boundaries at the GFI HKFC Tens by becoming the first national team to appear at the prelude to the Hong Kong Sevens. But they will face a baptism of fire with a star-studded field invited for the popular tournament in March. For the first time in the 28-year history of the tournament, a national team will take part alongside the traditional select outfits, which this year includes defending champions BGC Asia-Pacific All Stars, formerly known as the Asia-Pacific... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1136831/rwanda-silverbacks-thrilled-over-debut-hong-kong-tens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1136831/rwanda-silverbacks-thrilled-over-debut-hong-kong-tens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Defending champions Fortis New Zealand Metro put on an awesome display of try-scoring power as they stormed into the Cup quarter-finals of the GFI HKFC Tens yesterday. The top seeds comfortably won all three of their pool matches on the opening day at Football Club. Metro, who are going for their third title in a row, overwhelmed China Agricultural University 101-0, Hill & Associates Hong Kong Barbarians 39-0 and Yorkshire Windows International Panthers 68-0 to top pool A. "It was difficult to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/631431/metro-sound-early-warning-sweep-group-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/631431/metro-sound-early-warning-sweep-group-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Defending champions Fortis New Zealand Metro will head an impressive line-up of international talent at next month's GFI HKFC Tens. The powerful Kiwis, who are named top seeds, will be going for their third title in a row when the popular 10-a-side rugby tournament is held at Hong Kong Football Club on March 26-27. Last year's beaten finalists, the Penguins, are back for another crack at the Cup and have been seeded number two. The losing semi-finalists from 2007, perennial Kiwi contenders... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/627168/kiwis-aiming-three-row-hong-kong-tens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/627168/kiwis-aiming-three-row-hong-kong-tens?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000 New Zealand Metro ended Aliens' bid for a hat-trick of titles at the GFI Hong Kong Tens with a last-gasp 17-14 victory in the final last night. Flying winger David Smith was Metro's man of the moment, scoring two tries and setting up Peter Leilua for a late winner in a thrilling climax to the two-day tournament at Hong Kong Football Club. Metro were trailing 14-10 in the last minute of the all-Kiwi final when Smith burst down the right wing and cut inside. He was stopped short of the line, but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/542771/metro-put-late-late-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/542771/metro-put-late-late-show?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Mar 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Captain Colin Bisley was delighted after the Hill and Associates Hong Kong Barbarians pulled off one of the biggest shocks in the 20-year history of the GFI Hong Kong Tens last night. The Barbarians outclassed the PricewaterhouseCoopers International Panthers - whose squad included three World Cup-winning Wallabies - in the final game of the day at Hong Kong Football Club. 'You raise your game when you're playing guys of that calibre,' said Bisley after the 27-0 win. 'You don't want to let... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/542524/bisley-toasts-stunning-baa-baas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/542524/bisley-toasts-stunning-baa-baas?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Mar 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Aliens coach Willie Los'e says his team will have to hit the ground running when they begin the defence of their title in the GFI Hong Kong Tens 2006 today. The tournament's new format means teams play three pool matches on the first day instead of two and the contests at the Hong Kong Football Club are expected to be more intense than usual. 'Gone are the days when you could have a fairly easy first day and drift into it, now it's pretty much full-on from the start,' said Los'e. 'Playing the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/542460/aliens-prepared-work-harder-third-straight-tens-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/542460/aliens-prepared-work-harder-third-straight-tens-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Mar 2006 16:00:00 +0000 World Cup winners Joe Roff, Matt Cockbain and Toutai Kefu will lead a powerful Australian challenge at next week's GFI Hong Kong Tens. Winger Roff, flanker Cockbain and No8 Kefu - all members of Australia's successful team in 1999 - are among five ex-Wallabies who will turn out for the PricewaterhouseCoopers International Panthers at Hong Kong Football Club on March 29-30. The Panthers will be out to end New Zealand's recent domination of the Tens - Kiwi teams have won the past five editions.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/541828/panthers-bring-big-hitters-tens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/541828/panthers-bring-big-hitters-tens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Mar 2006 16:00:00 +0000 The all-conquering Aliens will be back to defend their trophy when the GFI Hong Kong Tens 2006 is staged next month. Aliens, the mostly Kiwi team who have appeared in nine of the past 13 finals, are top seeds for the March 29-30 showpiece at the Hong Kong Football Club. 'We're greatly looking forward to returning to defend our title,' said Aliens manager Eddie Evans. 'The competition will be intense, but we're confident of rising to the challenge in true Aliens style with a strong squad that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/537648/aliens-lead-new-zealand-assault?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/537648/aliens-lead-new-zealand-assault?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Feb 2006 16:00:00 +0000 No teams have so far withdrawn from the 17th Hong Kong DHL Tens - the international rugby tournament being held today and tomorrow at the Hong Kong Football Club, ahead of Friday's Hong Kong Sevens. While the Sevens has suffered the withdrawal of top sides France, Italy and Argentina due to the outbreak of pneumonia here, it looks like the annual 24-team Tens tournament hosted by the Hong Kong Football Club, will go ahead without a hitch. Top sides from Australia, New Zealand, England, Wales,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/410524/hong-kong-tens-all-set-kick?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/410524/hong-kong-tens-all-set-kick?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Mar 2003 16:00:00 +0000