https://www.scmp.com/rss/316271/feed The 2014-15 HSBC Sevens World Series consists of nine tournaments – Australia, Dubai, South Africa, New Zealand, USA, Hong Kong, Japan, Scotland and England – and runs from 11 October 2014 until 17 May 2015. This season’s Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will be held 27-29 March 2015. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Penguins beat Samurai 5-0 with a try in the second period of extra-time to win one of the most physically draining finals ever seen at the GFI HKFC 10s. After more than 30 minutes of scoreless 10-a-side action, Waikato flanker Josh Tyrell picked up a loose ball following a line-out near the Samurai line and powered over in the second five-minute period of extra-time, following two 12-minute halves where both teams cancelled each other out. We lost a couple. They also lost a couple. Both teams... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1934567/penguins-clinch-title-after-extra-time-head-head-battle-samurai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1934567/penguins-clinch-title-after-extra-time-head-head-battle-samurai?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:37:37 +0000 For 41 editions now the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens have been the centre of the game’s universe, the showcase that has gathered the faithful – on the field and off – for a weekend more annual pilgrimage now that simply a sports event. Defending champions Fiji come back to their home away from a home that sits battered and bruised after the destruction wrought by Cyclone Winston in February They’ve returned again this April, both players and those hordes, to a different time slot on the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1934249/hong-kong-showcase-remains-sevens-jewel-crown-even-rio-promises?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1934249/hong-kong-showcase-remains-sevens-jewel-crown-even-rio-promises?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Apr 2016 11:00:00 +0000 FEBRUARY & MARCH: Six Nations, Sevens World Series, European Nations Cup APRIL & MAY: Sevens World Series, Asia Rugby Championship, World U20s Trophy JUNE: World U20s Championship, Africa Cup JULY: Samoa-New Zealand test, Olympic qualifiers, Pacific Nations Cup AUGUST: The Rugby Championship SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER: Rugby World Cup 2015 and RWC warm-ups NOVEMBER & DECEMBER: World Rugby Awards, Olympic qualifiers, Sevens World Series https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1896649/watch-stunning-2015-highlights-world-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1896649/watch-stunning-2015-highlights-world-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Dec 2015 12:45:30 +0000 NACRA Sevens highlights It was the NACRA Sevens men’s final everyone had hoped for Sunday in North Carolina, and the North Americans didn’t disappoint. The USA ran out 21-5 winners against Canada, booking a place at next year’s Rio Olympics alongside the USA women’s side, who had earlier crushed Mexico 88-0 in their qualifying decider. The men’s team will join hosts Brazil, the top four World Series finishers – Fiji, South Africa, New Zealand and England – plus South American qualifiers... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1822546/watch-usa-men-and-women-book-tickets-rio?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1822546/watch-usa-men-and-women-book-tickets-rio?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Jun 2015 14:00:30 +0000 The USA’s reputation as the most successful rugby nation in Olympic history will be on the line this weekend as the emerging force of the seven-a-side code attempt to book their tickets to Rio de Janeiro. Ninety-two years after a band of American amateurs upset France to claim the gold medal at the 1924 Paris Olympics, rugby returns to the Games next year after nearly a century’s absence. It means the United States, who also won Olympic gold in 1920 but have become a second-tier rugby nation in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1820189/usa-favoured-win-ticket-rio-and-defend-92-year-olympic-record?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1820189/usa-favoured-win-ticket-rio-and-defend-92-year-olympic-record?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Jun 2015 05:30:00 +0000 Fiji won the overall Sevens World Series crown on Sunday as the United States enjoyed a breakthrough success by taking the London Sevens title – the first time they have come out on top in a World Series Cup final. The Fijians came into the concluding London leg of this season's championship with 147 points in the overall standings, with South Africa second on 142. After the teams won through on Saturday’s opening day at Twickenham to face each other in the Cup quarter-finals, that meant a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1802082/fiji-capture-sevens-world-series-crown-usa-enjoy-breakthrough-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1802082/fiji-capture-sevens-world-series-crown-usa-enjoy-breakthrough-success?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 May 2015 00:58:13 +0000 Fiji head into the ninth and final round of this season's HSBC Sevens World Series in London eyeing a first overall title since 2006. The Pacific Islanders have long been renowned for their skills in the abbreviated form of rugby and will be looking to put them on show in front of what is set to be a capacity crowd at Twickenham this weekend. Fresh from their victory in last week's Glasgow Sevens, Fiji have 147 points in the overall standings, with South Africa second on 142. We would be happy... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1799027/fiji-aim-finish-flourish-sevens-world-series-finale-london?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1799027/fiji-aim-finish-flourish-sevens-world-series-finale-london?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 May 2015 03:30:45 +0000 Fiji won the Glasgow Sevens, the penultimate round of this season’s HSBC Sevens World Series, by coming from behind to beat New Zealand 24-17 in Sunday's final in Scotland. But there was a silver lining for New Zealand in that their run to the final helped them secure a place at next year’s Olympics in Rio, where sevens will make its Games debut. Apisai Domolailai came off the bench to score two second-half tries, with Fiji coming from 12-5 down at the break to win their fourth Sevens title this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1792781/fiji-within-reach-world-series-crown-after-glasgow-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1792781/fiji-within-reach-world-series-crown-after-glasgow-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2015 07:30:00 +0000 South Africa are out in front, but far from out of sight, as they continue their pursuit of a first HSBC Sevens World Series title in six years when the penultimate leg of this season’s tour takes place in Glasgow this weekend. Just 12 points separate the top three teams with only the Glasgow and London legs still to play. South Africa top the standings with 129 points, with Fiji (125) and New Zealand (120) close behind. We must stick to the basics and continue doing what we did to get to the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1790537/blitzboks-lead-three-way-fight-world-series-goes-down-wire?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1790537/blitzboks-lead-three-way-fight-world-series-goes-down-wire?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 May 2015 02:27:57 +0000 All Black number eight Kieran Read has turned down the opportunity to play for New Zealand in the rugby sevens tournament at next year's Rio Olympics. The rangy loose -forward follows fly-half Aaron Cruden in deciding not to go for gold in the event when the shortened form of the game makes its debut as rugby returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1924. It would be a hell of an opportunity but I will probably focus on making the All Blacks team Kieran Read "I was [keen to go to Rio]... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1767085/all-black-kieran-read-turns-down-chance-play-sevens-rio-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1767085/all-black-kieran-read-turns-down-chance-play-sevens-rio-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2015 17:15:30 +0000 Day two highlights: England shine bright to win Tokyo title Seven magnificent tries in Japan Day one highlights: Japan storm into Cup quarters https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1758607/videos-2015-japan-sevens-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1758607/videos-2015-japan-sevens-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Apr 2015 02:45:45 +0000 A week after a disappointing showing at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Hong Kong earned the respect of the core teams at the Tokyo leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series, according to performance chief Dai Rees. Hong Kong were thrashed by Russia in the quarter-finals of the World Series qualifier the previous weekend with head coach Gareth Baber saying they were "not good enough to win the contact areas" and captain Jamie Hood saying they "played badly". But this weekend's Japan Sevens... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1757034/battling-hong-kong-earn-respect-core-teams-japan-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1757034/battling-hong-kong-earn-respect-core-teams-japan-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2015 14:45:30 +0000 Hong Kong's Olympic qualifying campaign may have received the kind of kick-start it needed when the Asian sevens champions scored two tries in a losing cause against Fiji at the Japan Sevens on Saturday. Crossing the line twice against one of the best teams in the world is nothing to be sneezed at and it will be a massive boost to Hong Kong, especially after last weekend's disappointment in failing to qualify for core team status on the World Series. It was a gutsy performance from the guys. We... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1756410/two-tries-against-fiji-lift-hong-kong-spirits-japan-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1756410/two-tries-against-fiji-lift-hong-kong-spirits-japan-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2015 16:15:30 +0000 Was it a groan of disappointment or a sigh of relief we heard from the union box when Russia trounced us 24-0 in the quarter-finals of the qualifying tournament for core team status in the Sevens World Series? The initial reaction would have been one of distress. The frustration of once again falling short of winning promotion was clearly etched on the faces of players and officials – from Rowan Varty to Pieter Schats. The Russians, who went on to qualify, were clearly too strong, too powerful,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1754178/why-missing-out-joining-rugby-sevens-world-series-could-be?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1754178/why-missing-out-joining-rugby-sevens-world-series-could-be?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2015 02:15:30 +0000 It will be all fast and furious for Hugo Stiles this weekend in Tokyo, but the youngster is happy to switch between sevens and 15s as he makes his debut with the senior team at the Japan Sevens. “I have been training with the Hong Kong [under-20s] squad for the Junior World Rugby Trophy in Portugal [next month] and there is another training camp when I return from Tokyo. But right now all my focus is on sevens and I’m really excited at this opportunity,” said Stiles who is with the Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1754571/debutant-hugo-stiles-set-speedy-ascent-full-sevens-squad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1754571/debutant-hugo-stiles-set-speedy-ascent-full-sevens-squad?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2015 12:45:30 +0000 Hong Kong under-20 captain Hugo Stiles will be thrown in at the deep end after being called up for this weekend's Japan Sevens in Tokyo, where coach Gareth Baber's squad have been drawn into pool A with the mighty Fiji. Stiles is one of three changes made to the 12-man squad who played in the qualifying tournament at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens at the weekend – the others being Ben Rimene and Jack Capon. The trio replaces Mark Wright, Rowan Varty and Cado Lee Ka-to. It’s a belter.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1751800/hugo-stiles-earn-first-senior-hong-kong-cap-japan-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1751800/hugo-stiles-earn-first-senior-hong-kong-cap-japan-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:30:00 +0000 After a tough season, Japan coach Tomohiro Segawa highlighted an inability to access the best players as a key reason behind his side's poor showing. Japan won their way into the elite competition with victory in last year's qualifying competition in Hong Kong, but, according to Segawa, have been handicapped in their bid to compete with the world's best. "We couldn't get our players consistently throughout the season," Segawa said. "We couldn't field the same players because domestic rugby clubs... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750494/we-cant-get-our-best-players-says-japan-coach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750494/we-cant-get-our-best-players-says-japan-coach?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:45:45 +0000 The glory days of Australian sevens might be a distant memory for some and laughed off as pure myth by others but there were signs of life in the Green and Gold all weekend, and they lifted the Plate with a 21-17 victory over the United States. Both teams played their part in some of the most entertaining games seen at Hong Kong Stadium and the Plate final ran true to form as both sides mixed up plenty of action and attrition. The Americans led 12-7 at the half but a canny triple substitution by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1750490/signs-resurgence-australia-rugby-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1750490/signs-resurgence-australia-rugby-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:45:30 +0000 Battling to be the best of the beaten brigade, Scotland were more than happy to raise the Bowl on high after they dismantled France 26-5. "It's nice to take something home when you've put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into something," said Scotland coach Calum MacRae. "This season the boys have played in the Cup competition on a number of occasions and haven't come away with any silverware. The boys can now go away and enjoy themselves." Scotland saved their best for last - a storming 34-0 win... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750492/scots-finally-celebrate-they-dismantle-france?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750492/scots-finally-celebrate-they-dismantle-france?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:30:15 +0000 Toughened by a fire and brimstone passage into the final, Fiji were untouchable as they swept to a popular 33-19 victory over New Zealand at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday night. The magical islanders showed plenty of their natural flair and combined with a solid defensive performance they extended their record Cup victories in Hong Kong to 15 before a sell-out crowd of nearly 40,000. Flair has been liberally mixed with discipline under the tutelage of English coach Ben Ryan... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1750506/another-stunner-fabulous-fiji-hong-kong-rugby-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1750506/another-stunner-fabulous-fiji-hong-kong-rugby-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:15:30 +0000 One seven-minute period of disjointed rugby ruined South Africa’s hopes of winning a maiden Hong Kong Sevens but the Blitzbokke still managed to cling to their lead atop the HSBC Sevens World Series standings after finishing third. The South Africans came apart in the first half of their Cup semi-final against eventual winners Fiji on Sunday. After powerful performances throughout the weekend, the South Africans were starved of possession and allowed Fiji to take a 21-0 half-time lead. They came... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750486/south-africa-maintain-grip-world-series-crucial-third-place?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750486/south-africa-maintain-grip-world-series-crucial-third-place?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2015 13:45:15 +0000 Wales coach Gareth Williams gave his team a strong ticking off after their 34-0 loss to Scotland in the semi-finals of the Bowl competition at the Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday. The Welsh were never in the contest as Scotland ran up six unanswered tries through a Lee Jones brace and one each from Chris Dean, Fraser Lyle, James Johnstone and Mark Robertson. “That performance was just not good enough and the players know that,” said Williams of the 2009 RWC Sevens champions who were 11th in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750412/wales-coach-blasts-young-squad-after-six-try-scotland-shaming?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750412/wales-coach-blasts-young-squad-after-six-try-scotland-shaming?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2015 12:38:11 +0000 Vladimir Ostroushko thought he had thrown away Russia’s Sevens World Series hopes when he dropped the ball in front of his own posts and allowed Zimbabwe’s Kuda Chiwanza to score for a 19-17 lead seconds before the final hooter. But Ostroushko quickly made amends with a stunning run from well inside his own half in his team’s last possession to give Russia a 22-19 victory in the qualifier final and a place in next season’s elite 15-team global circuit. Zimbabwe were already celebrating when they... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750350/russia-rally-death-snatch-world-series-spot-zimbabwe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750350/russia-rally-death-snatch-world-series-spot-zimbabwe?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2015 10:51:32 +0000 The dream of joining the Sevens World Series ended for two more teams on Sunday as Papua New Guinea and pre-tournament favourites Spain were bundled out at the semi-final stage. PNG lost 26-7 to Russia in the last four of the World Series qualifier at Hong Kong Stadium, while Spain were beaten 24-14 by surprise package Zimbabwe. They join hosts Hong Kong among the scrapheap of sides hoping and failing to become one of the 15 core teams for next season’s global tour. Hong Kong had lost out to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750270/qualifier-favourites-spain-bundled-out-fire-cheetahs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750270/qualifier-favourites-spain-bundled-out-fire-cheetahs?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2015 07:45:45 +0000 They are more than plucky losers, they are equals who on any other day may have gotten the better of their favoured opponents in the Cup quarter-finals. England and Australia are heading to the Plate competition, separated from the match winners by a single conversion. England were beaten 14-12 by Fiji in a testy encounter that featured a number of off-the-ball incidents with players continuing to confront each other even after the final whistle. The tough-tackling Australians fell 7-5 to Sevens... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750240/england-dumped-plate-after-testy-fiji-clash-reaches-boiling-point?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750240/england-dumped-plate-after-testy-fiji-clash-reaches-boiling-point?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2015 05:57:08 +0000 Japan continued their struggles against the big boys of world rugby but put on a brave fight in losing 28-7 to Scotland in the quarter-finals of the Bowl competition on Sunday morning. The Japanese sevens team qualified as one of the elite 15 core teams last season and are in the midst of a steep learning curve, arriving in Hong Kong in 15th place at the bottom of the Sevens World Series standings. Kazuhiro Goya scored Japan’s sole try to briefly give his team parity with the Scots at 7-7 after... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750209/series-struggles-continue-despite-brave-blossoms-gutsy-effort?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1750209/series-struggles-continue-despite-brave-blossoms-gutsy-effort?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2015 04:30:15 +0000 Let the records forever show that New Zealand did what they always seem to do - top their qualifying group at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. But the fine print - and the memories for those inside Hong Kong Stadium - will forever reveal they did so only after the unthinkable almost happened as Portugal missed a chance after the buzzer that would have shaken up the sevens playing world, instead settling for a 24-24 tie that regardless sent a tremor through the game's very... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1749898/its-business-usual-despite-bumpy-passage-all-blacks-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1749898/its-business-usual-despite-bumpy-passage-all-blacks-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2015 16:45:15 +0000 Fiji coach Ben Ryan brought an air of caution with him to the post-mortem, a surprise considering his side had just crushed the life out of Canada 45-0 to remain unbeaten after two days of play at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Saturday. It was soon crystal clear why. Last year the Fijians had similarly flown through the early stages at Hong Kong Stadium only to be stopped - dead - by England in the semi-finals in the one true shock of the tournament. England beat us here 12 months... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1749857/fiji-have-revenge-their-minds-england-beckon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1749857/fiji-have-revenge-their-minds-england-beckon?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2015 16:15:45 +0000 Hong Kong are simply not good enough to rub shoulders with the big boys. That was the undeniable fact, however sad, as a devastated home team were left searching for answers after their campaign to win core status on the Sevens World Series ended in heartache on Saturday night. Russia knocked the living daylights out of Hong Kong in the quarter-finals with an emphatic 24-0 victory, which was built on power, pace and aggression. Hong Kong were like frightened salmon swimming upstream and trying... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1749868/hong-kong-all-sea-against-big-boys-russia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1749868/hong-kong-all-sea-against-big-boys-russia?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2015 16:15:00 +0000 Conditions at the Hong Kong Stadium took a turn for the worse yesterday after the toilets broke down during the rugby Sevens revelry. For almost five hours from 10.30am, the stadium - catering to 40,000 boisterous rugby fans - was devoid of flushing water due to a burst pipe. The lack of flowing water caused the facilities to back up, and there were reports of revellers defecating on bathroom floors. Rugby officials said stadium management placed buckets of water at the toilet cubicles in an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/social-issues/article/1749810/rugby-sevens-celebrations-marred-inconvenient-toilet?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/social-issues/article/1749810/rugby-sevens-celebrations-marred-inconvenient-toilet?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2015 14:00:30 +0000 Two tries from Alex McQueen lifted Hong Kong to a 19-7 victory over Uruguay and into the quarter-finals against Russia in the HSBC Sevens World Series qualifier competition on Saturday. McQueen and Hong Kong bounced back from a below-par performance on opening day when they lost to Brazil 17-12, to beat Mexico 38-5 and secure a must-win game over the South Americans in their final pool match. “We are building momentum and we can go all the way,” said an ecstatic McQueen who scored once in each... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1749449/alex-mcqueen-brace-lifts-hong-kong-qualifier-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1749449/alex-mcqueen-brace-lifts-hong-kong-qualifier-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2015 04:38:40 +0000 It was almost like he'd never left. DJ Forbes was the standout player as New Zealand bullocked their way to last year's title at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens and he led from the front again on Friday night as the All Blacks Sevens began their defence with a 26-7 victory over Scotland. The 33-year-old was on hand to pounce on a loose ball and score the Kiwis first try and was here, there and everywhere until being substituted midway through the second half. By that point the Scots had... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1749069/dj-forbes-master-yet-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1749069/dj-forbes-master-yet-again?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:15:45 +0000 Simon Amor has had a winning record in Hong Kong as a player when he was part of the England side who won four titles from 2002 to 2006 (the 2005 World Cup was won by Fiji). But he has still not tasted victory at Hong Kong Stadium as a coach. This year it will be doubly important being an Olympic-qualifying year and England are just outside the top four in the World Series standings. But after watching his team in their first outing – holding off a spirited challenge from Wales and winning 26-19... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1749070/pressure-builds-england-chase-rio-de-janeiro-place?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1749070/pressure-builds-england-chase-rio-de-janeiro-place?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:00:30 +0000 Lote Tuqiri is fully aware of Japan’s failings in their first year among the big boys but he firmly believes the end result - a possible place in the Olympics - will make it all worthwhile. After joining the HSBC Sevens World Series following their Hong Kong Sevens qualifier success 12 months ago, Japan are firmly stuck at the foot of the standings in 15th place overall. They opened their 2015 Hong Kong campaign on Friday with a 24-7 loss to France in pool C. “It’s been pretty tough in our first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1749171/brutal-first-year-tour-worth-it-japan-says-lote-tuqiri?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1749171/brutal-first-year-tour-worth-it-japan-says-lote-tuqiri?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:51:42 +0000 Fiji's magical players went back into "lockdown" on Friday night after beginning their campaign for a record 15th Cup title with a 38-12 win over Samoa. The team are off limits to outsiders as head coach Ben Ryan tries to minimise distractions, which he said torpedoed Fiji's bid to complete a hat-trick of titles last year. "In Hong Kong, everybody is very keen to try to help the team as much as possible and sometimes that over-enthusiasm means the team has had just too much interference and too... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1749059/more-focus-and-fewer-distractions-coach-ben-ryan-tells-fiji?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1749059/more-focus-and-fewer-distractions-coach-ben-ryan-tells-fiji?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:15:15 +0000 Hong Kong recovered from their shock opening loss to Brazil by beating Mexico 38-5 Friday and must now overcome Uruguay in their final pool E encounter to keep their Sevens World Series dream alive. Captain Jamie Hood scored 18 points from two tries and four conversions while Rowan Varty, Alex McQueen, Tom McQueen and Salom Yiu Kam-shing also touched down for Hong Kong, who went into the break 17-5 in front. Mexico’s only try came from Christian Henning, who crossed over in the final minute of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1748701/hong-kong-caught-napping-brazil-rebound-keep-world-series-dream?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1748701/hong-kong-caught-napping-brazil-rebound-keep-world-series-dream?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2015 11:00:45 +0000 Let’s put aside Chinese mythology’s somewhat negative outlook on the number four and instead focus on the interpretation by western numerologists who associate it with “endeavour”, “discipline”, “dependability” and, above all, “turning ideas into reality”. Jamie Hood and his merry band of Hong Kong men are trying to win core-team status on the Sevens World Series at their fourth attempt this weekend. And we’re all hoping to see tears of joy from the hosts on Sunday rather than tears of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1747761/hong-kong-ready-go-fourth-and-conquer-qualifier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1747761/hong-kong-ready-go-fourth-and-conquer-qualifier?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2015 07:15:45 +0000 Springbok sevens coach Neil Powell is hopeful his "shrink-wrapped" outfit can shake off South Africa's chokers' tag and win their first Hong Kong Sevens title on Sunday. In an unprecedented move to lift the Cup for the first time, the Blitzbokke have brought sports psychologist Dr Jannie Botha, who has helped boost their mental game as they lead the Sevens World Series and stay on course to win an automatic berth at the Rio Olympics next year. "He has been with us all season, but this is the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1747309/south-africa-playing-mind-games-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1747309/south-africa-playing-mind-games-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2015 16:00:00 +0000 Friday, 27 March 2015 Pool Time Team-1 Score Team-2 G 13:00 Zimbabwe 36-0 Guyana G 13:22 Spain 27-5 Tonga F 13:44 PNG 19-0 Tunisia F 14:06 Russia 14-7 South Korea E 14:28 Uruguay 21-0 Mexico E 14:50 Hong Kong 12-17 Brazil G 15:12 Zimbabwe 41-0 Tonga G 15:34 Spain 50-5 Guyana F 15:56 PNG 21-19 South Korea F 16:18 Russia 26-5 Tunisia E 16:40 Uruguay 14-7 Brazil E 17:02 Hong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1746427/hong-kong-sevens-2015-fixtures-results?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1746427/hong-kong-sevens-2015-fixtures-results?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2015 05:45:30 +0000 "What's the score?" asked coach Gordon Tietjens as he limped off the field at the end of another gruelling session with the defending Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens champions at So Kon Po on Tuesday. The cricket bug travelled with the All Blacks Sevens who were fixated on the fortunes of the Black Caps in their World Cup semi-final against South Africa. Everyone wants to be a cricketer back home these days. The whole country is on a high and it is good to see another sport doing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1746534/all-blacks-sevens-fixated-fortunes-black-caps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1746534/all-blacks-sevens-fixated-fortunes-black-caps?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2015 14:45:30 +0000 England believe playing at “home” and the return of four key players from injury for the Hong Kong Sevens this weekend will boost British hopes of winning an automatic qualifying berth for the Rio Olympics next year. England have been nominated as the side from the Home Unions to carry Team Great Britain’s hopes of Olympic qualification. The top four finishers at the end of this season's HSBC Sevens World Series will win automatic berths, but so far England have been stop-start and they remain... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1745572/england-confident-qualifying-rio-help-home-support?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1745572/england-confident-qualifying-rio-help-home-support?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:45:45 +0000 Fiji have made four changes to the winning combination that won the last leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Las Vegas by including former captain Pio Tuwai, who was one of many players poached by the Sri Lanka Army last year. It will be an emotional return for Tuwai, 31, who played at last year's Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens after being urged to go by his ailing wife Irinieta Sadria. A few weeks after returning from Hong Kong, his wife passed away. I’m proud to be back playing for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1744792/former-fiji-captain-pio-tuwai-back-side-ben-ryan-makes-four?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1744792/former-fiji-captain-pio-tuwai-back-side-ben-ryan-makes-four?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2015 13:45:15 +0000 More than two decades after his dad, Frank Bunce, played for New Zealand at sevens, Jordan Bunce will turn out for the All Blacks Sevens at Hong Kong Stadium next weekend. And while most things might have changed there is one constant – Gordon Tietjens was already coaching the team in 1993. Jordan Bunce is one of two new faces picked by Tietjens for New Zealand’s title defence at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the other being former basketballer Lewis Ormond. Jordan is great on attack... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1744086/jordan-bunce-follows-father-franks-footsteps-all-blacks-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1744086/jordan-bunce-follows-father-franks-footsteps-all-blacks-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2015 17:45:30 +0000 Hong Kong's national fifteens programme is likely to be scaled back if the sevens squad win the qualifying tournament at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens and become a core team in the World Series, says top official Pieter Schats. "Something's got to give. When and if we qualify we will have to relook at our 15-a-side programme. The two might not necessarily go hand in hand the way it goes now," said Schats, Hong Kong Rugby Football Union chairman. Schats pointed to the poor progress of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/1744142/hong-kong-faces-sevens-and-15s-conflict-if-they-make-world-series?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/1744142/hong-kong-faces-sevens-and-15s-conflict-if-they-make-world-series?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2015 17:30:30 +0000 In a bid to boost forward power, Hong Kong have welcomed back prodigal son and former sevens captain Mark Wright, who was a surprise pick in the 12-man squad gunning to win a permanent place on the HSBC Sevens World Series next season. Wright, who last played in the Hong Kong Sevens five years ago, has left Japan, where he played in the Top League, and made himself available for selection after returning during Lunar New Year. He was picked for next weekend's Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1743526/forward-mark-wright-returns-hong-kong-aim-world-series-place?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1743526/forward-mark-wright-returns-hong-kong-aim-world-series-place?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2015 14:45:30 +0000 New Zealand will welcome back veteran forwards DJ Forbes and Tim Mikkelson for the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens next weekend. The pair missed the last two legs of the World Rugby Sevens Series - Wellington and Las Vegas - through injury, but have been declared fit for the sixth leg as the All Blacks Sevens look to defend their title and close the gap on series leaders South Africa. They trail by five points. While the return of Forbes and Mikkelson will be a huge boost, the Kiwis will be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/1742178/all-blacks-set-welcome-back-two-key-players-hong-kong-sevens-squad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/1742178/all-blacks-set-welcome-back-two-key-players-hong-kong-sevens-squad?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2015 14:00:30 +0000 All Black and Super Rugby players will be considered for selection for the Olympics, said New Zealand sevens mastermind Gordon Tietjens. While the rugby-mad country is debating if sevens is a completely different ball game to 15s, the man credited with discovering more than 35 All Blacks, including Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen, said top 15-a-side players were likely to figure in his squad when rugby sevens makes it debut at the Rio Olympics next year. "There will more than likely be some All... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1737986/all-blacks-could-feature-rio-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/sevens/article/1737986/all-blacks-could-feature-rio-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2015 17:45:15 +0000 Vancouver will become the 10th stop on the HSBC Sevens World Series next season as teams finalise their preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics, World Rugby said on Tuesday. The Vancouver tournament will increase the number of stops on the global circuit, though the world governing body is expected to announce a rejigging of the venues next month after they asked last year for expressions of interest to host a tournament. Singapore is widely expected to also be a new stop on the circuit, probably... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1722739/vancouver-named-new-world-series-stop-olympics-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1722739/vancouver-named-new-world-series-stop-olympics-year?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2015 16:02:09 +0000 The hosts impress on the first day of their home tournament. Charlie Hayter is head-over-heels as he books England’s Plate final berth. Danny Barrett gets airborne to score a sensational try for the USA. Kenya’s players stage an epic dance-off to celebrate their Bowl victory. The USA join New Zealand, Fiji and South Africa in the Cup semis. https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1714600/videos-usa-sevens-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1714600/videos-usa-sevens-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2015 04:19:43 +0000 Please click on the link to see video highlights from the USA Sevens. Or click on this link for a gallery of the best USA Sevens photos. Semi Kunatani and Jerry Tuwai each scored two tries and Fiji defeated New Zealand 35-19 in Sunday’s championship match of the USA Sevens tournament in Las Vegas. Fiji, who also won the USA Sevens crown in 2007, inflicted the fifth finals loss in the past six years upon the Kiwis, who lost twice before to both South Africa and Samoa. Tuwai scored two tries in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1714548/fiji-down-new-zealand-claim-usa-sevens-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1714548/fiji-down-new-zealand-claim-usa-sevens-title?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2015 03:00:45 +0000