https://www.scmp.com/rss/318716/feed All the latest news and updates about the run-up to the annual Asia Rugby Sevens Series. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong rugby bosses believe they can be successful on several fronts over the next 18 months, despite a relatively small player pool and the setting of some ambitious targets. While preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup are likely to dominate the headlines for the next year and more, the city’s men also have their eyes on retaining their Asian Games sevens title and reaching the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Officials have spent the past six months thrashing out what that entails in terms of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3343190/olympic-sevens-and-world-cup-ambition-can-go-hand-hand-hong-kong-rugby-bosses-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3343190/olympic-sevens-and-world-cup-ambition-can-go-hand-hand-hong-kong-rugby-bosses-say?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:42:38 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball With the HSBC SVNS Series undergoing another change in format and some unions cutting their rugby sevens programmes entirely, the sport has been facing an uncertain future. Tom Burwell, a former executive director of the Emirates Dubai 7s with 20 years’ involvement in the sport, is the driving force behind a new professional sevens tournament based on seven franchises playing over the summer that will launch in 2026. With early seasons expected to be based in Europe before going global, Burwell,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3320542/could-franchise-model-be-way-forward-rugby-7s-new-club-based-event-hopes-find-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3320542/could-franchise-model-be-way-forward-rugby-7s-new-club-based-event-hopes-find-out?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Aug 2025 00:00:20 +0000 Reuters Reuters Almost 150 years after the demise of Calcutta Football Club resulted in the creation of rugby’s oldest international trophy, a new sevens league was launched this month with the aim of reviving the gladiatorial sport in India. The Rugby Premier League (RPL) has recruited top internationals from the World Sevens circuit to play alongside locals in six franchises under broadcast-friendly rule variations. Organisers not only want to lead a revival of local rugby to the extent that India one day... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3316159/rugby-premier-league-looks-revive-sport-india-and-worldwide-through-7s-format?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3316159/rugby-premier-league-looks-revive-sport-india-and-worldwide-through-7s-format?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:30:09 +0000 Places at next week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens are on the line for the city’s men’s rugby players after their head coach said on Wednesday that no position in his squad was safe. Jevon Groves has challenged established names and young stars alike to step up and fight for spots in his 13-man roster to play at Kai Tak Stadium following Hong Kong’s embarrassing exit from the Challenger Series earlier this month. A tough two weeks in Cape Town brought disappointment in successive series legs and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3303031/hong-kong-sevens-citys-men-hurting-cape-town-told-fight-spots-kai-tak?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3303031/hong-kong-sevens-citys-men-hurting-cape-town-told-fight-spots-kai-tak?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:52:00 +0000 Before the FWD Champions Day on April 28 at Sha Tin racecourse, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) celebrated the city’s sporting achievements with a precursor to the main event. On April 17, the city’s beloved “Happy Wednesday” horse races were infused with live music, food and beverages, thrilling races, and an impressive guest list of Hong Kong’s finest athletes. Dubbed as the “Champions in the Valley”, the race night was a spectacular showcase that aimed to not only promote horse racing as an... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3263009/hkjcs-champions-valley-celebrated-hk-elite-athletes-fencer-shawn-cheung-former-cyclist-and-olympic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3263009/hkjcs-champions-valley-celebrated-hk-elite-athletes-fencer-shawn-cheung-former-cyclist-and-olympic?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 May 2024 06:00:43 +0000 Andy Vilk said Hong Kong would aim to accelerate the development of an “exciting crop of youngsters”, as the head coach bids to rein in Asian powerhouses Japan and China. Hong Kong finished third at this month’s Olympic qualification tournament in Japan, booking a spot at the repechage competition next year, when one Paris 2024 berth is available. Englishman Vilk masterminded the women’s team’s first Asian Games medal-winning campaign, when they secured bronze in Hangzhou in September, and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3242841/hong-kong-womens-rugby-sevens-coach-outlines-next-steps-after-whirlwind-opening-three-months-job?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3242841/hong-kong-womens-rugby-sevens-coach-outlines-next-steps-after-whirlwind-opening-three-months-job?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Nov 2023 03:32:39 +0000 Jevon Groves said he was ready for the “daunting prospect” of building a new team, after defeat by Japan on Sunday all but ended Hong Kong’s hopes of qualifying for the Paris Olympics next year. Hong Kong surrendered a 14-7 advantage with 70 seconds remaining, to lose 21-14 in Osaka at the Asian rugby sevens qualifiers. While the team’s Olympic hopes are not completely dead, with a repechage tournament to come in June, the 12 teams fighting for one spot makes it a “different ask” from winning in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3242406/paris-olympics-hong-kong-sevens-coach-groves-challenge-rebuild-after-team-falls-short-games-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3242406/paris-olympics-hong-kong-sevens-coach-groves-challenge-rebuild-after-team-falls-short-games-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Nov 2023 06:00:12 +0000 Hong Kong’s Olympic woes continued on Sunday, as the men’s rugby sevens team fell agonisingly short of qualifying for next year’s Games in Paris. A narrow 21-14 defeat to Japan in the final of the Asia qualifiers in Osaka, a game they were leading 14-7 with a minute remaining, leaves them having to tackle the international repechage for a third time, after falling at the same stage in two previous attempts. There was some good news though, with the Hong Kong women’s 12-0 win over Thailand... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3242057/hong-kongs-men-one-win-earning-rugby-sevens-spot-paris-olympics-japan-standing-their-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3242057/hong-kongs-men-one-win-earning-rugby-sevens-spot-paris-olympics-japan-standing-their-way?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Nov 2023 05:41:03 +0000 Hong Kong’s men and women remain in contention for a spot at the Paris Olympics after a frigid opening day of the Asian qualifiers in Japan. And while temperatures never exceeding single digits the city’s athletes remained hot on the heels of their places in history. The men’s team finished top of Pool B, going unbeaten and racked up a whopping 129 points in three games, without conceding any. Their female counterparts, meanwhile, ended the day second in Pool E behind China. Thumping wins over... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3242026/paris-olympics-hong-kongs-men-and-women-stay-course-sevens-spots-tough-tests-remain-osaka?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3242026/paris-olympics-hong-kongs-men-and-women-stay-course-sevens-spots-tough-tests-remain-osaka?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Nov 2023 13:12:06 +0000 Max Woodward leads Hong Kong’s push this weekend for a place at the Paris Olympics, and is hoping third time proves to be a charm at the Asian qualifiers in Japan. The 33-year old has led the team since 2015, but said he did not think he would be taking another shot at Games glory after his side’s bitterly disappointing failure in 2019, when they lost 12-7 to South Korea in the final. Hong Kong have had to rebuild in the intervening years, and Woodward said he was excited to be getting another... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3241958/2024-paris-olympics-hong-kong-skipper-woodward-hoping-its-third-time-lucky-sevens-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3241958/2024-paris-olympics-hong-kong-skipper-woodward-hoping-its-third-time-lucky-sevens-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Nov 2023 11:10:25 +0000 Head coach Jevon Groves says Hong Kong boast the physical and emotional maturity to claim Olympic qualification for the first time in Japan this weekend – and banish the memory of going into their shells with a place at the Tokyo Games on the line four years ago. Groves’ team won Asian Games gold back in September, and last month obliterated the field at the Thailand leg of this year’s Asia Rugby Sevens Series [ARSS]. But the biggest prize of all is up for grabs at the Asian Olympic qualifying... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3241673/rugby-sevens-olympic-qualifiers-mature-hong-kong-ready-atone-tokyo-pain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3241673/rugby-sevens-olympic-qualifiers-mature-hong-kong-ready-atone-tokyo-pain?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:33:32 +0000 Hong Kong rugby sevens hero Liam Doherty has admitted he was “in denial” over his loss of focus before a pre-Asian Games dressing down from Jevon Groves. Doherty delivered a man-of-the-match display in the Hangzhou final, scoring one try and creating another, as Hong Kong downed South Korea for a second successive gold medal. Head coach Groves, whose team are preparing for this weekend’s second Asia Rugby Sevens Series leg in Bangkok, promptly revealed he had given the forward a “kick up the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3237526/hong-kong-rugby-sevens-star-doherty-regaining-his-focus-asian-games-gold-and-not-getting-stressed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3237526/hong-kong-rugby-sevens-star-doherty-regaining-his-focus-asian-games-gold-and-not-getting-stressed?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Oct 2023 06:00:17 +0000 Hong Kong men’s and women’s Premiership seasons have been cancelled over Covid-19 concerns, the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) announced on Monday. The decision comes after the Ursus Fitness gym cluster and subsequent quarantining of rugby members earlier in the month caused further delay to the resumption of Hong Kong men’s and women’s Premiership domestic leagues. After liaising with its members, HKRU CEO Robbie McRobbie confirmed that 39 clubs wanted to resume competition this month while 33... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3127503/hong-kongs-top-rugby-leagues-cancelled-over-covid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3127503/hong-kongs-top-rugby-leagues-cancelled-over-covid?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Mar 2021 11:40:29 +0000 Royce Chan Leong-sze’s name is already etched in the history books as a member of the first and only Hong Kong 15’s team – across genders – to play in a Rugby World Cup in Ireland four years ago. Now the 42-year-old plans to repeat the feat in a coaching capacity – and with a much deeper mission. “It’s the bigger picture. It’s more about how women appear in sports in an industry that is, for the majority, dominated by males. [My goal is] to show myself as a role model, to deal with different... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3124494/hong-kong-coach-royce-chan-targets-second-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3124494/hong-kong-coach-royce-chan-targets-second-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Mar 2021 03:07:47 +0000 Next year’s postponed Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will only go ahead if at least 50 per cent of Hong Kong Stadium can be filled with fans, Rugby Union chief executive Robbie McRobbie said. Following the Sevens being pushed from April to November 2021 – officially confirmed by the Union and organising body World Rugby on Thursday – staff have more time to tighten their already comprehensive Covid-19 protocol blueprints. “It’s disappointing but the overwhelming sentiment is one of relief.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3114384/hong-kong-sevens-makes-no-commercial-sense-unless-least-50-cent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3114384/hong-kong-sevens-makes-no-commercial-sense-unless-least-50-cent?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Dec 2020 11:26:27 +0000 For Victoria Wong Ching-hei, not being able to play rugby since February has given her some extra free time. Wong, who works as an aircraft mechanic and plays fly-half for the DAC Management LLC Kowloon Rugby Club premiership squad, headed out to Sai Kung to put her spare time to good use. “I have seen the huge amount of trash that is dumped in our oceans and washed ashore every day,” said Wong, who is the squad’s captain and has been playing rugby for nearly a decade. “So some teammates and I... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3102097/beach-clean-ups-spanish-lessons-and-home-workouts-kowloon-rugby-players?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3102097/beach-clean-ups-spanish-lessons-and-home-workouts-kowloon-rugby-players?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2020 00:00:20 +0000 Two of the world’s leading sevens coaches have backed the decision to scrap this year’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – including October’s Hong Kong Sevens – while looking forward to an enhanced and more exciting season in 2020-21. Olympic-winning coach Ben Ryan said it gave the sport a chance to upgrade its overall product ahead of the Tokyo Games, while USA coach Mike Friday said the time spent away from the game has only strengthened his players’ desire to return. World Rugby on Tuesday... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3091296/hong-kong-sevens-top-coaches-ben-ryan-and-mike-friday-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3091296/hong-kong-sevens-top-coaches-ben-ryan-and-mike-friday-back?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jul 2020 01:04:06 +0000 World Rugby has announced the France 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifying process, by which the final eight spots will be determined, and the Hong Kong men’s team could have two bites at the cherry via a play-off and a final qualification tournament. There are 12 teams who have already secured their places by finishing in the top three of their pools in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. They are Ireland, South Africa, England, New Zealand, Wales, Japan, France, Australia, Scotland, Italy, Argentina and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/3088210/2023-mens-rugby-world-cup-qualifiers-explained-how-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/3088210/2023-mens-rugby-world-cup-qualifiers-explained-how-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jun 2020 01:19:48 +0000 When it comes to rugby in Hong Kong, Doris Chow Pui-kwan has done it all. The Hong Kong native is a capped sevens and 15s player, has refereed at international level, was a national team manager, has served on multiple rugby committees and is one of the community’s most well-known and respected members. But for Chow, who is now the Hong Kong Rugby Union’s chairperson for women’s rugby, it’s all been pretty simple. She started playing rugby as a child, at the Kowloon District Centre at Tai Hang... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3085986/doris-chow-her-illustrious-hong-kong-rugby-career-its-friendships-have?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3085986/doris-chow-her-illustrious-hong-kong-rugby-career-its-friendships-have?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 May 2020 04:23:16 +0000 One of Hong Kong rugby’s most respected architects of the sport is heading back home after more than a decade. Dai Rees, the Hong Kong Rugby Union’s chief rugby officer, will be returning to Shrewsbury, England, which is the hometown of his wife Sarah. Rees helped take Hong Kong rugby to new heights with the men’s 15s squad coming within a win of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, the men’s sevens one win away from the World Rugby’s Sevens Series while the,women’s 15s squad reached the 2017... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3078654/veteran-coach-dai-rees-leave-hong-kong-rugby-union-after-more-decades?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3078654/veteran-coach-dai-rees-leave-hong-kong-rugby-union-after-more-decades?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2020 11:13:39 +0000 Hong Kong’s men’s and women’s teams should be running out onto the field at Hong Kong Stadium this weekend for the 2020 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. Instead, a global pandemic has wiped the world’s sporting calendar clean for the foreseeable future, leaving athletes, teams, leagues and fans across the planet dealing with an unprecedented pause in action. The men would have been looking to avenge a heartbreaking loss to Ireland in the 2019 edition where they came within one win of a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3078289/hong-kong-sevens-mens-and-womens-squads-rolling-it-coronavirus-shuts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3078289/hong-kong-sevens-mens-and-womens-squads-rolling-it-coronavirus-shuts?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2020 09:12:00 +0000 The last time the Canadian rugby seven’s men’s squad medalled at a World Rugby Sevens Series event was nearly three years ago. On April 16, 2017 the squad downed the United States 26-19 at the Singapore Sevens, in what many thought was the upstart team’s coming out party. The past few years have been rough for the boys in red, as they have finished no higher than eighth since 2014 and are dealing with an ongoing labour dispute between the players and Rugby Canada. This past weekend, it was an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3074229/world-rugby-sevens-series-rebirth-canadas-squad-comes-fruition-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3074229/world-rugby-sevens-series-rebirth-canadas-squad-comes-fruition-home?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2020 07:02:10 +0000 Yet another tournament can be added to the list of cancelled sporting events, this time one officially associated with the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo – the rugby sevens test event. In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Tokyo 2020 International Communications team announced that the Japan Rugby Football Union, the country’s governing body for the sport, had let them know they were cancelling the Asia Sevens Invitational 2020 tournament. The event, scheduled to take place on April... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3065001/tokyo-2020-coronavirus-sees-asia-rugby-sevens-test-event-cancelled?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3065001/tokyo-2020-coronavirus-sees-asia-rugby-sevens-test-event-cancelled?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2020 09:03:47 +0000 Abby Gustaitis remembers having a rather unpopular conversation with her parents in 2015. Set to graduate from the University of Maryland, a short drive northwest from Washington, D.C., she was primed to enter medical school in the hope of becoming a doctor. Instead, she decided to play sevens rugby, which at that point was about as fringe as sports in the US could get. Gustaitis, 28, said her mum was anything but happy. “She was not pleased,” Gustaitis said with a chuckle. “I was the first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3053059/tokyo-2020-emergency-medical-technician-turned-us-womens-rugby-captain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3053059/tokyo-2020-emergency-medical-technician-turned-us-womens-rugby-captain?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Mar 2020 14:00:16 +0000 A successful campaign in South America has put Hong Kong’s men’s rugby sevens team in a prime spot to potentially qualify for the 2020-21 World Rugby Sevens Series. World Rugby has yet to determine if the Cathay Pacific/HSBC 2020 Hong Kong Sevens, which has been rescheduled from April to October, will still serve as the qualifying portion of the series this year given it has been pushed back seven months due the coronavirus outbreak. There could also be another Challenger Series leg (World... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3052063/hong-kong-mens-rugby-team-qualify-rescheduled-2020-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3052063/hong-kong-mens-rugby-team-qualify-rescheduled-2020-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Feb 2020 06:05:33 +0000 Hong Kong’s men’s rugby sevens team made their way to the final of the first leg of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series, but then got blanked by Germany 10-0 in convincing fashion. Hong Kong went undefeated in their pool games, besting Papua New Guinea, Jamaica and Colombia, and then beat Uganda 10-7 in the semi-final on Monday morning (HK time) before squeaking by hosts Chile 17-14 in Vina del Mar. The Challenger Series consists of two legs, the second taking place this weekend in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3050967/hong-kong-mens-sevens-rugby-team-bow-germany-challenger-series-first?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3050967/hong-kong-mens-sevens-rugby-team-bow-germany-challenger-series-first?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Feb 2020 08:02:53 +0000 Jonathan Bobbett remembers watching the US team during the Hong Kong Sevens in the early 2010s. It was safe to say it was not the most enjoyable experience when it came to the on-field product for the Hong Kong-based American businessman. “I would go to the Sevens and listen to all the people with funny English accents talk about how much we sucked,” he said with a laugh. Bobbett, who moved to the city in his early 20s, found success starting his own manufacturing and supply product company, and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3047360/2020-hong-kong-sevens-golden-eagles-booster-club-money-bank-developing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3047360/2020-hong-kong-sevens-golden-eagles-booster-club-money-bank-developing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Jan 2020 02:00:18 +0000 Natixis Hong Kong Football Club had to earn their second straight Saxo Markets Premiership title on Saturday against a stubborn Societe Generale Valley club, who they beat 15-10 at Happy Valley. Fans had to wait until the 78th minute for a try to be scored, as full-back Whiria Meltzer gave Valley a fighting chance, but they were unable to close the gap and could not muster a final goal line push as the seconds wound down on the game. HKFC coach Jack Wiggins, who has now won two titles in as many... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3046687/hkfc-hang-beat-valley-take-mens-rugby-premiership-second-straight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3046687/hkfc-hang-beat-valley-take-mens-rugby-premiership-second-straight?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jan 2020 11:21:24 +0000 Hong Kong Rugby Union chief executive Robbie McRobbie has been awarded a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the New Year’s Honours List for his services to philanthropy and UK-Hong Kong relations. The list recognises Britons for their outstanding contributions to their fields. “People joke that it stands for ‘many buggers’ efforts’,” McRobbie, 47, said. “And I do feel it is a reflection on all the people I’ve been lucky enough to work with. I’m very proud to be awarded... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3044039/new-year-honours-mbe-awarded-hong-kong-rugby-union-chief-executive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3044039/new-year-honours-mbe-awarded-hong-kong-rugby-union-chief-executive?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Dec 2019 04:54:02 +0000 Hong Kong’s men’s sevens team will be a part of World Rugby’s Sevens Challenger Series which looks to boost the second tier of teams across the globe and expand the sevens game heading into the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The series will take place over two legs in South America in Vina del Mar, Chile, (February 15-16) and Montevideo, Uruguay, (February 22-23) and will set placement seeding for the qualifying portion of the World Rugby Sevens Series, which will be held at the 2020 Cathay Pacific/HSBC... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3042767/hong-kong-sevens-mens-rugby-team-qualify-south-american-challenger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3042767/hong-kong-sevens-mens-rugby-team-qualify-south-american-challenger?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Dec 2019 06:34:41 +0000 Despite the cancellation of the Hong Kong Football Tens, World Rugby has given its stamp of approval for the Cathay Pacific/HSBC 2020 Hong Kong Sevens to go forward from April 3-5, while ticket sales are reminiscent of another crisis the city endured some 16 years ago. World Rugby’s head of competitions and performance Mark Egan said they conducted a site visit in November and had a number of operational meetings with the Hong Kong Rugby Union, government representatives and other stakeholders... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3042596/world-rugby-gives-2020-hong-kong-sevens-green-light-ticket-sales?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3042596/world-rugby-gives-2020-hong-kong-sevens-green-light-ticket-sales?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Dec 2019 06:54:53 +0000 Hong Kong Rugby Union chief operations officer Dai Rees understands the optics, but does not accept the narrative that has been painted when it comes to the city’s top team programmes. Four high-profile losses in the past year started with the men’s 15-a-side squad losing to Canada last November in a repechage tournament for the final slot in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Then in April, the men’s sevens team lost to Ireland in the final of the qualifying tournament at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039935/there-are-14-broken-hearts-hong-kong-rugby-union-licks-wounds-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039935/there-are-14-broken-hearts-hong-kong-rugby-union-licks-wounds-after?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Nov 2019 01:00:21 +0000 Each year, lads around the world head into November clean shaven with one goal in mind: to grow a spectacular moustache for a great cause – Movember. The international movement, which helps raise funds for and awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health and suicide prevention, is no stranger to Hong Kong’s men and women. This year, the Hong Kong Rugby Union Community Foundation has partnered with Phenomenally Pink (the combined campaign is known as Phenomenally Mo) as well... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039557/movember-moustaches-abound-hong-kongs-rugby-lads-and-ladies-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039557/movember-moustaches-abound-hong-kongs-rugby-lads-and-ladies-show?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Nov 2019 06:59:42 +0000 Hong Kong’s men’s rugby sevens team missed a glorious opportunity to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Sunday. The team lost to South Korea in Incheon in heartbreaking fashion as the home team scored in sudden death overtime to win 12-7 and book the second Asian slot with Japan as hosts. Coach Paul John said it was a tough game to lose after being up seven points at half-time after a try from Jamie Hood and having a real opportunity to score while deep in South Korea’s half during overtime.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039114/tokyo-2020-heartbreak-hong-kong-they-miss-out-olympic-qualification?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039114/tokyo-2020-heartbreak-hong-kong-they-miss-out-olympic-qualification?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Nov 2019 09:10:04 +0000 Hong Kong are now one win away from calling themselves Olympians. As the rain drizzled down on Namdong Asia Stadium, the men’s sevens rugby team put in another solid effort, downing Asian rivals the Philippines 26-0 in their semi-final of the 2020 Asia Rugby Men’s Sevens Olympic Qualifier. Hong Kong will now play South Korea, who beat China in the other semi-final, for a one-off game to head to the Olympics, which will start at 4.30pm Hong Kong time. Coach Paul John said there isn’t much else he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039105/tokyo-2020-hong-kong-down-philippines-now-face-south-korea-spot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039105/tokyo-2020-hong-kong-down-philippines-now-face-south-korea-spot?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Nov 2019 07:00:13 +0000 Hong Kong opened their quest to become Olympians on Sunday with a convincing win over Afghanistan 38-0 at Namdong Asiad Stadium in Incheon, South Korea. The 2020 Asia Rugby Men’s Sevens Olympic Qualifier will yield a coveted ticket to Japan for the winner, and Hong Kong are now two wins away from a spot in Tokyo next summer. Afghanistan featured a few players with size flown in from New Zealand for the tournament, however Hong Kong handled the big bodies with ease as they once again went deep... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039094/tokyo-2020-hong-kong-trump-scrappy-afghanistan-squad-book-semi-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039094/tokyo-2020-hong-kong-trump-scrappy-afghanistan-squad-book-semi-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Nov 2019 03:22:35 +0000 Hong Kong scored 106 points in two games and appear to be a well-oiled machine as they now head into Sunday’s final day with a coveted Tokyo Olympic sevens spot on the line. The team beat Taiwan 52-0 in clinical fashion, head coach Paul John once again going deep into his bench as Hong Kong scored tries from seven players again at the 2020 Asia Rugby Men’s Sevens Olympic Qualifier at Namdong Asiad Stadium in Incheon, South Korea. Max Denmark opened the scoring and led the charge with commanding... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039050/tokyo-2020-hong-kong-thrash-taiwan-end-perfect-first-day-olympic-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039050/tokyo-2020-hong-kong-thrash-taiwan-end-perfect-first-day-olympic-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Nov 2019 08:09:46 +0000 Hong Kong wasted no time in showing why they are favoured to qualify for the Olympics this weekend in Incheon, South Korea, as they blasted Malaysia 54-0 in their first game of the tournament. Veteran Salom Yiu Kam-shing, 31, opened the scoring for Hong Kong after a few minutes and the team never looked back in their opener to the 2020 Asia Rugby Men’s Sevens Olympic Qualifier at Namdong Asiad Stadium in Incheon. Hong Kong were up 26-0 at half-time and used all 12 available players through the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039038/tokyo-2020-hong-kongs-mens-rugby-sevens-run-their-whole-bench-and-blitz?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039038/tokyo-2020-hong-kongs-mens-rugby-sevens-run-their-whole-bench-and-blitz?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Nov 2019 04:51:42 +0000 Hong Kong’s men’s rugby sevens team are playing on the final day of the Asia Rugby 2020 Olympic qualifier in Incheon, South Korea on Sunday hoping to book a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Hong Kong kicked off Sunday with a win against Afghanistan in their first knockout stage contest of the day. They followed that up with a semi-final victory against Philippines in the semi-final. The final against South Korea is set for 4.30pm (Hong Kong time). You can watch the action live below. Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039032/click-here-live-link-watch-hong-kong-mens-sevens-team-olympic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3039032/click-here-live-link-watch-hong-kong-mens-sevens-team-olympic?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Nov 2019 01:03:54 +0000 The last time a Hong Kong team qualified for an Olympic Games just so happened to be for Tokyo. In 1964 the men’s field hockey team made the trek to Japan, however did not win a game. This Sunday, Hong Kong will have an unprecedented chance to write a new chapter as the men’s rugby sevens team stand on the precipice of calling themselves Olympians. On the eve of arguably one of the Hong Kong Rugby Union’s most important tournaments to date, the squad, who took part in a captain’s run in Incheon... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3038978/2020-olympics-epic-tournament-set-get-underway-hong-kongs-mens-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3038978/2020-olympics-epic-tournament-set-get-underway-hong-kongs-mens-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:41:00 +0000 Hong Kong’s men’s sevens rugby team has a historic opportunity before them. Win the Olympic qualifying tournament this weekend in Incheon, South Korea, and they will book a slot to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. So, here’s what you need to know heading into the monumental event. How can I watch it live? The Hong Kong Rugby Union and Asia Rugby will both have live links of the tournament on their Facebook pages. You can also check the SCMP’s sport page for an article that will have the live feed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3038971/how-watch-hong-kong-mens-sevens-rugby-team-live-they-try-qualify-2020?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3038971/how-watch-hong-kong-mens-sevens-rugby-team-live-they-try-qualify-2020?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Nov 2019 10:37:53 +0000 At the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens in April, the men’s team made a remarkable run to the final in the World Series qualifier at the tournament. Underdogs going in, they upset Tonga and came first in their group before beating the Philippines and then downing Chile in a barnburner to find themselves against Ireland in the final with a berth in the World Series on the line. Hong Kong ended up losing 28-7 to Ireland, a stinging defeat they now have a chance to make a distant memory this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3038565/were-win-it-hong-kong-mens-sevens-feel-pressure-heading-do-or-die-2020?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3038565/were-win-it-hong-kong-mens-sevens-feel-pressure-heading-do-or-die-2020?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Nov 2019 00:00:21 +0000 Hong Kong proved their worth in the World Rugby rankings as they downed Belgium on their home soil on Saturday 36-17. The men’s 15-a-side squad, ranked 24th in the world, beat the European side, who are ranked 27th, at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Brussels in frigid temperatures that got close to freezing. Hong Kong burst to a 29-0 lead by half-time and never looked back, getting scores from fly half Gregor McNeish, who opened the scoring on a penalty while getting his first cap, captain and scrum... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3038113/hong-kong-mens-rugby-team-top-belgium-brussels-during-international?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3038113/hong-kong-mens-rugby-team-top-belgium-brussels-during-international?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Nov 2019 10:24:18 +0000 The Hong Kong Rugby Union kicked off its public ballot today for residents to access general admission tickets to the 2020 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens and also issued a statement in regards to the city’s ongoing protest crisis. HKRU chief executive officer Robbie McRobbie addressed the current situation in Hong Kong, in which protesters have brought the city to its knees by crippling transport networks since Monday. On Friday the HKRU announced it was cancelling all rugby games and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3037883/we-are-monitoring-situation-2020-hong-kong-sevens-still-go-public?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3037883/we-are-monitoring-situation-2020-hong-kong-sevens-still-go-public?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Nov 2019 06:10:43 +0000 Max Woodward is probably the last person you need to explain the gravity of the situation to. Next weekend, the Hong Kong men’s sevens squad will head to Incheon, South Korea, for the Asia Rugby Olympic qualifying tournament at Namdong Asiad Stadium. Captain Max Woodward, who won his first cap in 2013 at the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, said they know full well they are expected to win in Korea and book a spot at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. “I feel the pressure definitely and the expectation... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3037369/usually-were-underdogs-hong-kongs-mens-sevens-team-head-olympic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3037369/usually-were-underdogs-hong-kongs-mens-sevens-team-head-olympic?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Nov 2019 02:30:14 +0000 It was impossible to miss the hurt on the faces of the Hong Kong women’s team at the Olympic sevens qualifier in Guangzhou on Sunday. After upsetting a bigger, stronger Kazakhstan in the semi-finals of the Asia Rugby Women’s Sevens Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifier, they could not find an answer for perennial powerhouses China, who have now booked their ticket to next summer’s big dance along with hosts Japan, New Zealand, the US, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Great Britain, Kenya and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3037198/baby-steps-leaps-and-bounds-hong-kongs-rugby-teams-they-bang-glass-ceilings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3037198/baby-steps-leaps-and-bounds-hong-kongs-rugby-teams-they-bang-glass-ceilings?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2019 00:00:15 +0000 Hong Kong’s women’s sevens team could not conjure an upset for the ages as they fell to a dominant China outfit 33-0 in the final of the Asia Rugby sevens Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifier in Guangzhou on Sunday. After upsetting Kazakhstan in the semi-finals, Hong Kong were sufficiently outgunned by a clinical Chinese side who will now join Japan, who qualify as hosts, for the Games in Tokyo next year. Hong Kong, who had performed incredibly earlier on in the day to pull off a shock win against Asian... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3037106/tokyo-2020-hong-kong-lose-out-china-sevens-olympic-qualifier-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3037106/tokyo-2020-hong-kong-lose-out-china-sevens-olympic-qualifier-final?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Nov 2019 08:53:21 +0000 Hong Kong women’s rugby sevens side are now one upset from a berth at the 2020 Summer Olympics after upsetting favourites Kazakhstan 19-7 in the qualifier semi-finals. Hong Kong will now play China, who beat Thailand in the other semi-final and are heavy favourites to proceed, at 4.30pm in the final of the Asia Rugby Olympic Sevens Qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Hong Kong’s win, however, means it is not necessarily the end of their Olympic qualifying campaign: with at least a second... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3037091/tokyo-2020-hong-kong-stun-kazakhstan-move-brink-rugby-sevens-olympic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3037091/tokyo-2020-hong-kong-stun-kazakhstan-move-brink-rugby-sevens-olympic?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Nov 2019 06:12:13 +0000 Hong Kong made light work of a South Korean squad 47-0 at the final day of the Asia Rugby Sevens Tournament Qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Held at the Guangzhou University Town Sports Stadium, Hong Kong ended up second in their group behind China, who they lost handily to on Saturday. Hong Kong now need to beat Asian giants Kazakhstan later today or their Olympic hopes are over. If they do win, they will likely face China in the final with the winner booking their place in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3037077/tokyo-2020-hong-kong-thrash-south-korea-rugby-sevens-olympic-qualifier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3037077/tokyo-2020-hong-kong-thrash-south-korea-rugby-sevens-olympic-qualifier?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Nov 2019 02:35:21 +0000 Hong Kong continue their quest for Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualification in the women’s rugby sevens qualifier in Guangzhou. https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3037038/watch-hong-kong-live-asia-womens-rugby-sevens-tokyo-2020-olympic-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3037038/watch-hong-kong-live-asia-womens-rugby-sevens-tokyo-2020-olympic-games?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Nov 2019 08:34:10 +0000