https://www.scmp.com/rss/329728/feed World Rugby is the world governing body for the sport of rugby union. World Rugby, founded in 1886, organises the Rugby World Cup every four years, the sport's most recognised and most profitable competition. It also organises a number of other international rugby competitions, such as the World Rugby Sevens Series, the Rugby World Cup Sevens, the World Under-20 Championship, and the Pacific Nations Cup. World Rugby's headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Its membership now comprises 120 national... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Paul McNamara Paul McNamara South Africa captain Impi Visser believes World Rugby’s “confusing” closed-shop sevens model has stunted the sport’s growth. The elite HSBC SVNS Series was cut from 12 to eight teams this season, although for three concluding World Championship legs, which begin with this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the numbers are back up to 12. The streamlining has had a damaging knock-on effect, with second-tier teams limited to three competitive tournaments, unless they gained promotion to feature... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350185/south-africa-captain-impi-visser-believes-changes-sevens-format-confusing-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350185/south-africa-captain-impi-visser-believes-changes-sevens-format-confusing-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:18:23 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A genuine Olympic star with two medals from three Games, Charity Williams is planning to “have a blast” on her Kai Tak Stadium debut at this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. The Canada wing sat out a series of Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) training matches on Saturday, icing her shoulder as her side faced Fiji, Denmark and the city team. And there is no danger of “just a little stinger” ruling the 29-year-old out for a second straight year. “It’s still awesome to be here [HKSI], this is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349748/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-olympic-star-williams-plans-having-blast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349748/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-olympic-star-williams-plans-having-blast?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:15 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Told by a surgeon at the age of 31 that chronic damage to his right shoulder meant he would never play rugby again, former Wales international Richard Parks “fell off the edge of a cliff”. “It was like I was in free fall without anything to grab onto,” the ex-Newport and Pontypridd flanker told the South China Morning Post, adding that his self-worth spiralled as his identity slipped away. “If I wasn’t Richard Parks the rugby player, who was I?” he said. “I always enjoyed being good at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3349671/ex-wales-flanker-richard-parks-dark-thoughts-and-going-pole-pole-will-smith?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3349671/ex-wales-flanker-richard-parks-dark-thoughts-and-going-pole-pole-will-smith?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:15 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Returning to the scene of the first-ever Hong Kong Sevens, former city rugby captain Bob Lloyd admitted there was “no way” he could have imagined 50 years ago that the tournament would become what it is today. The first edition that kicked off at the Football Club on March 28, 1976, was the only Sevens tournament Lloyd competed in. A former England international with five caps and two career tries between 1967 and 1968, after he finished playing, Lloyd became the coach for the city’s team in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3348258/former-hong-kong-sevens-captain-bob-lloyd-relives-50-years-rugby-magic-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3348258/former-hong-kong-sevens-captain-bob-lloyd-relives-50-years-rugby-magic-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:30:12 +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 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 Hong Kong head coach Logan Asplin said he was as surprised as anyone to learn his team had been handed the daunting task of facing Australia in the opening game of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Asplin also acknowledged that the neutral supporter would not necessarily “go out of their way” to watch what promises to be a singularly one-sided affair. Officials released the match schedule on Tuesday, pitching the game in Perth on Friday, October 1, between debutants ranked No 22 in the world and a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3342163/hong-kong-face-australia-opening-game-2027-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3342163/hong-kong-face-australia-opening-game-2027-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:44:46 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong have suffered more rugby sevens heartbreak, surrendering a late lead to lose 24-19 to Canada in sudden-death extra time of their crunch HSBC SVNS 3 semi-final on Sunday. Head coach Jevon Groves’ side were 19-14 in front with 60 seconds remaining in Dubai, only for an Adam Doane try to draw Canada level. Thomas Isherwood missed the conversion, but gained almost immediate redemption when he crossed for the winning score two minutes into the additional period. As a result of World Rugby’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3340325/hong-kongs-sevens-heartbreak-world-rugby-meddling-plunges-beaten-city-team-void?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3340325/hong-kongs-sevens-heartbreak-world-rugby-meddling-plunges-beaten-city-team-void?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:29:19 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Jevon Groves has worked his Hong Kong players to the bone ahead of a potentially watershed weekend in Dubai, one year after the city team “couldn’t stand the intensity” of Challenger Series rugby. Hong Kong must reach Sunday’s HSBC SVNS 3 final to advance to the next stage, a three-leg competition over February and March that will provide four tickets to the inaugural HSBC SVNS World Championship Round. But as much as Groves, the head coach, is keen to stave off the possibility of no serious... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3339846/hong-kong-aim-close-intensity-gap-season-hangs-balance-hsbc-svns-3?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3339846/hong-kong-aim-close-intensity-gap-season-hangs-balance-hsbc-svns-3?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Jan 2026 23:00:09 +0000 Reuters Reuters South Africa started and finished ‌2025 as the world’s No 1-ranked side, and their extraordinary depth and monstrous scrum suggest they will be the team to beat at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The Springboks retained the Rugby Championship title, inflicted a record test defeat on old foes New Zealand, completed comprehensive wins in France and Ireland, and racked up a record score against an ailing Wales side in Cardiff. It was not a perfect 12 months, however, with a second-half... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3337680/year-rugby-south-africa-dominate-france-win-six-nations-england-rise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3337680/year-rugby-south-africa-dominate-france-win-six-nations-england-rise?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Dec 2025 08:00:09 +0000 Reuters Reuters A deafening roar at Twickenham capped a 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup that smashed attendance records, while India’s first Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph sparked nationwide celebrations. A’Ja Wilson delivered a jaw-dropping Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) season to redefine what dominance looks like and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone raced to a sensational world title at a new distance in ‍the 400m. While the year was full of lasting images of women in sport that reshaped their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3337585/year-womens-sport-englands-rugby-football-wins-wnba-grows-indias-cricket-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3337585/year-womens-sport-englands-rugby-football-wins-wnba-grows-indias-cricket-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Dec 2025 02:00:09 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong will pack in as many as 22 matches before the 2027 Rugby World Cup as they trade in their status as Asian heavyweights to try to hold their own as global minnows. Opportunity will have to be balanced with damage limitation when the city’s men make their tournament debut, after Wednesday’s draw landed them daunting Pool A tangles with the giants of New Zealand and hosts Australia, but also a potentially winnable encounter with Chile. And preparation for those differing challenges comes... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3335222/rugby-world-cup-2027-can-hong-kong-close-gap-facing-wallabies-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3335222/rugby-world-cup-2027-can-hong-kong-close-gap-facing-wallabies-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:41:44 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong have been handed the toughest possible draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, after being placed in Pool A alongside Australia, the hosts, and New Zealand. It was also the one the squad had been dreaming about, and which centre Tom Hill, an Australian by birth, apparently predicted the night before they watched by video link on Wednesday as the six pools of four teams apiece were drawn in Sydney. A group of players and coaches with more than a passing connection to the All Blacks cheered... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3335056/2027-rugby-world-cup-draw-hong-kong-get?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3335056/2027-rugby-world-cup-draw-hong-kong-get?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:26:45 +0000 Associated Press,SCMP Sport Associated Press,SCMP Sport Samoa became the 24th and last team to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup after a hard-fought 13-13 draw with Belgium in Dubai on Tuesday. They topped the final qualification tournament table with 12 points, one ahead of Belgium by virtue of having an extra bonus point. The other teams in the tournament were Namibia and Brazil. Now they have qualified, Samoa will join the likes of Hong Kong, who are first-time qualifiers after beating South Korea in July. Manu Samoa have played in every World... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3333384/samoa-last-team-reach-2027-rugby-world-cup-after-winning-qualifying-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3333384/samoa-last-team-reach-2027-rugby-world-cup-after-winning-qualifying-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Nov 2025 07:32:10 +0000 Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Rugby chiefs on Monday officially launched the Nations Championship, a global competition featuring 12 of the strongest teams that will crown a winning nation and decide the sport’s dominant hemisphere. Organisers said that the new biennial tournament signalled a “watershed moment for rugby union, years in the making”, and would transform the two existing international playing windows, in July and November. The Nations Championship, which starts in July 2026, will replace ad hoc tours and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3333144/rugby-chiefs-unveil-watershed-nations-championship-crown-top-team-hemisphere?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3333144/rugby-chiefs-unveil-watershed-nations-championship-crown-top-team-hemisphere?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0000 Reuters Reuters Belgium are one game away from a first-ever Rugby World Cup finals appearance, having set up a deciding match against Samoa on Tuesday in the final qualification tournament in Dubai for the 2027 finals in Australia. It would be an upset were Belgium to overcome Samoa, twice World Cup quarter-finalists, but the “Diables Noirs” have already eliminated another perennial contender, Namibia, and emerged as a rapidly improving outfit. The four-team qualifiers in Dubai decide which team fills the 24th... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3332942/belgium-brink-surprise-rugby-world-cup-place-must-beat-samoa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3332942/belgium-brink-surprise-rugby-world-cup-place-must-beat-samoa?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:00:12 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Although it would be an exaggeration to say that rugby sevens is fighting for its life, this is a sport in urgent need of care and attention. World Rugby’s attempt to apply a healing hand this year resulted in the sort of messy outcome that one would expect if a hospital handed its surgical instruments to the porter. In slashing the number of core World Series teams from 12 to eight and introducing a convoluted and labyrinthine qualifying process for its new World Championships, the global... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3332150/hong-kong-rugby-delicate-balancing-act-it-hunts-olympic-games-world-cup-spots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3332150/hong-kong-rugby-delicate-balancing-act-it-hunts-olympic-games-world-cup-spots?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:14 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong host ACT Brumbies on Saturday still searching for the combinations that will carry the team into the 2027 Rugby World Cup. A week on from the disappointing loss to Japan A, Andrew Douglas has opted for a new front row, a change at fly-half and centre, and a fresh face among the replacements for the game against the Australian side at Football Club. The game comes just days after Luke van der Smit, the No 8, made his failed drugs test public, and on the back of a perfomance against... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3331955/hong-kong-face-act-brumbies-seeking-signs-progress-road-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3331955/hong-kong-face-act-brumbies-seeking-signs-progress-road-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Nov 2025 09:41:09 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong rugby player Luke van der Smit has been sacked after failing a drugs test during his team’s World Cup qualifying campaign this summer, and is facing a years-long ban from the sport. Sources said the No 8 tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance immediately after his side’s 70-22 victory over South Korea on July 5, a win that secured Hong Kong’s place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Van der Smit, who came off the bench in the Asia Rugby Championship clash and scored the last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3331286/hong-kong-rugbys-luke-van-der-smit-faces-ban-after-failing-drugs-test-during-world-cup-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3331286/hong-kong-rugbys-luke-van-der-smit-faces-ban-after-failing-drugs-test-during-world-cup-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:11:54 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Co-captain James Christie has said it would be a “huge honour” to lead Hong Kong in the National Games next month, before he hunkers down for an austere Christmas ahead of his team’s next challenge. Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium will stage the Games’ three-day rugby sevens tournaments from November 12. On their return to the competition after a 12-year absence, the hosts’ men are in a pool with Shandong, Tianjin and Inner Mongolia. “It’s a huge honour being back in the National Games, especially... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3330798/hong-kong-rugby-star-enjoy-national-games-honour-christmas-denial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3330798/hong-kong-rugby-star-enjoy-national-games-honour-christmas-denial?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Oct 2025 04:00:14 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong got the reality check their Rugby World Cup preparations probably needed from Japan A on Friday, not that it lessened the disappointment for Andrew Douglas. The visitors, who lost by more than 60 points to their Australian counterparts last week, handed out a drubbing of their own at Kai Tak Stadium, running in nine tries in a 59-14 victory. Yuya Hirose got the rout started in the fourth minute, and it was largely one-way traffic from there on out. The centre scored a brace, with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3330272/hong-kong-handed-9-try-rugby-world-cup-reality-check-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3330272/hong-kong-handed-9-try-rugby-world-cup-reality-check-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:30:09 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong have named a largely experimental side for their clash with Japan A on Friday, the first real challenge of the city’s Rugby World Cup era. A new-look second row, a new combination behind the scrum, and two new wings are among the changes that give the team a very different look to that which won the Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) in July. Of the 23-man squad, there are five fresh faces, including Max Murphy, who comes in at lock alongside the returning Kyle Sullivan. There is another... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3330035/hong-kong-name-side-eye-rugby-world-cup-future-japan-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3330035/hong-kong-name-side-eye-rugby-world-cup-future-japan-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:15:02 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Eight of rugby’s most powerful nations have announced international bans for any players who join the breakaway R360 organisation, which intends to launch a multi-city series next year. England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, France, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia have written a joint letter in which they urge men’s and women’s players to think carefully before accepting offers from the R360. Representatives of the R360 reportedly have approached leading rugby union and rugby league players... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3328216/major-rugby-nations-unite-say-they-will-ban-players-who-join-rebel-series-r360?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3328216/major-rugby-nations-unite-say-they-will-ban-players-who-join-rebel-series-r360?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:23:04 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Lewis Moody, the former England rugby captain and 2003 World Cup winner, has been diagnosed with ALS, also known as motor neurone disease. The 47-year-old Moody said he had “a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder” but described them as “minor symptoms”. “I feel fit and well in myself and I’m focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come,” he said in a statement. Moody was given the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis two... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3328022/former-england-rugby-captain-lewis-moody-diagnosed-als-or-motor-neurone-disease?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3328022/former-england-rugby-captain-lewis-moody-diagnosed-als-or-motor-neurone-disease?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:00:08 +0000 SCMP Sport,Agencies SCMP Sport,Agencies Hong Kong will learn the identity of their first-round opponents at an expanded Rugby World Cup 2027 when the draw for the tournament is held on December 3, organisers said on Wednesday. Hosts Australia will kick off the six-week-long event at Perth Stadium in Western Australia on October 1, against a team to be determined. The event will end on November 13, with the final at Sydney’s Olympic stadium, which also hosted the climax of the 2003 tournament. All 24 qualified teams in the expanded... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3327528/rugby-world-cup-2027-hong-kong-know-identity-first-round-opponents-december-draw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3327528/rugby-world-cup-2027-hong-kong-know-identity-first-round-opponents-december-draw?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:27:42 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Head coach Jevon Groves has been given access to all his big guns as Hong Kong target a golden return to National Games rugby sevens action in November. The city’s qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, coupled with a sevens restructure that cut Hong Kong further adrift from elite status, raised the possibility that some players would focus solely on the global tournament. But Groves will have first pick of Hong Kong’s talent for next month’s Asia Rugby Sevens Series leg in Sri Lanka, which... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3326749/hong-kong-roll-out-rugby-sevens-big-guns-quest-national-games-gold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3326749/hong-kong-roll-out-rugby-sevens-big-guns-quest-national-games-gold?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:30:07 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Women’s rugby got a global boost on Thursday, when officials announced the creation of a new series featuring the world’s best 18 teams. In a press conference in the UK, officials said the new WXV Global Series would be played between 2026 and 2028, with more than 100 matches also providing a pathway to the 2029 World Cup in Australia. Nations will be split into two groups, with the top 12 playing each other in a home-and-away format, while those ranked 13 to 18, which includes Hong Kong, will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3326037/new-global-womens-rugby-series-adds-100-matches-calendar-hong-kong-second-tier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3326037/new-global-womens-rugby-series-adds-100-matches-calendar-hong-kong-second-tier?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:30:08 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell Ticket details have been revealed for the 2026 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, as the tournament prepares to celebrate half a century in existence. Next year’s edition, to be held at Kai Tak Stadium from April 17 to 19, will mark 50 years since the event’s inception in 1976. The first key date for ticket sales is October 1, when priority access will begin for registered members of local rugby clubs. International ticket and travel packages will go on sale in early October through the tournament’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3325708/hong-kong-sevens-2026-ticket-details-announced-50th-anniversary-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3325708/hong-kong-sevens-2026-ticket-details-announced-50th-anniversary-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:35:54 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer German national team rugby player Sofie Fella was sick of hearing her Chinese family say, “your legs are too big” and “your shoulders are too broad”, but rather than let those comments take hold, she made it her mission to flip the script on beauty standards. Born in Germany to a Chinese mother and a German father, Fella grew up in Shanghai and is the founder of two initiatives aimed at normalising women's size and empowering them to discuss vulnerable topics like body image. The 大 Collection,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3325456/german-chinese-rugby-player-helping-women-see-strong-can-be-beautiful-and-feminine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3325456/german-chinese-rugby-player-helping-women-see-strong-can-be-beautiful-and-feminine?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Sep 2025 03:16:12 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification It is heartbreaking to learn that the number of suicides in 2024 was the highest since 2003. The Actuarial Society of Hong Kong recently reported that suicide is the leading cause of death among... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3324868/hong-kong-needs-more-open-and-empathetic-conversations-suicide?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3324868/hong-kong-needs-more-open-and-empathetic-conversations-suicide?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2025 03:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The 2026 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens has been scheduled for mid-April and confirmed as the opening leg of the inaugural HSBC SVNS World Championship. Hong Kong remain in the dark, however, over their precise route into the elite competition, three weeks before the city teams begin their campaigns with an Asia Rugby Sevens Series (ARSS) competition in Hangzhou. Kai Tak Stadium will stage its second Hong Kong Sevens from April 17 to 19. The 2025 edition, which concluded with Argentina’s men and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3323887/hong-kong-sevens-set-mid-april-and-chosen-launch-controversial-world-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3323887/hong-kong-sevens-set-mid-april-and-chosen-launch-controversial-world-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Sep 2025 06:45:29 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong fans wanting to follow the historic journey of the city’s team at the 2027 Rugby World Cup can now register their interest in buying tickets, while a range of special packages go on sale from Wednesday. More than 2.5 million tickets will be available for the tournament in Australia, with adult tickets priced from A$40 (HK$205) for pool matches and 1 million seats on sale for less than A$100. Children’s tickets start at A$20, with those younger than two getting in for free. Supporters... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3319944/rugby-world-cup-2027-how-watch-hong-kongs-matches-australia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3319944/rugby-world-cup-2027-how-watch-hong-kongs-matches-australia?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:29:36 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong is famous for rugby because of the enduring appeal of the iconic Sevens tournament, which attracted more than 110,000 fans this year. But excitement is now being generated by the city’s performance in the more traditional 15-a-side game. Hong Kong has qualified for the men’s Rugby World Cup for the first time. It is a big achievement. Hong Kong produced an impressive display in the Asia Rugby Championship, winning all three matches comfortably. Qualification for the World Cup in 2027... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3317871/hong-kongs-hard-won-spot-rugby-world-cup-dream-come-true?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3317871/hong-kongs-hard-won-spot-rugby-world-cup-dream-come-true?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Jul 2025 23:15:07 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Three years ago, Tom Hill was contemplating a one-and-only shot at qualifying for a Rugby World Cup. In his 30s, the Australian-born centre considered the 2022 global repechage tournament in Dubai to be a singular chance to reach the pinnacle of his sport, having already committed five years to doing so. Days before the team flew to the Middle East, Hill told the Post he would not “get another shot in four years’ time – this is it”. “I think most [of the squad] are like that, some of the younger... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3317120/hong-kong-heros-emotional-journey-2027-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3317120/hong-kong-heros-emotional-journey-2027-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:18 +0000 Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Eddie Jones’ Japan extended Wales’ record losing streak to 18 games after winning the first of their two Tests 24-19 on Saturday thanks to a furious second-half fightback. First-half tries from Ben Thomas, Tom Rogers and a penalty try looked to have put Wales in control in hot and humid Kitakyushu until Japan scored twice in the second half to snatch the win. This was Japan’s second win over Wales, the previous time being in 2013. “We lost out to them in the first half but our DNA is to play... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3317086/japan-extend-wales-losing-streak-18-tests-tight-win-boiling-conditions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3317086/japan-extend-wales-losing-streak-18-tests-tight-win-boiling-conditions?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Jul 2025 09:23:33 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong’s road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup is simple: win against South Korea on Saturday, and they are in. Three wins from three in the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship will mean it’s job done. Lose, and that’s where it could get complicated, especially when you factor in bonus points, which are awarded for scoring four tries or for losing by less than seven points. South Korea, with seven points, go into the match only three behind Hong Kong. So, here are the potential scenarios if the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3316871/rugby-world-cup-2027-how-hong-kong-can-reach-tournament-win-lose-or-draw-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3316871/rugby-world-cup-2027-how-hong-kong-can-reach-tournament-win-lose-or-draw-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 05:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara After playing a significant role in the inaugural Rugby Premier League in India, Michael Coverdale has hailed franchise tournaments as “the way forward” for the troubled sevens format. World Rugby has consistently meddled with international sevens, most recently chopping the number of elite series teams from 12 to eight for next season. As some countries axe or reduce their full-time programmes, RPL provided a two-week platform for some of the planet’s best players to perform and earn. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3316661/rugby-premier-league-hong-kong-star-backs-franchise-model-power-rugby-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3316661/rugby-premier-league-hong-kong-star-backs-franchise-model-power-rugby-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:30:09 +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 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara This month’s Rugby Premier League in India is a welcome boost for sevens in troubled times, according to Hong Kong’s Michael Coverdale, who said playing for Delhi Redz was also revealing the secrets to the All Blacks’ success. Having made his Redz debut last week, Coverdale hailed the chance to test himself alongside world-class performers in the inaugural edition, a six-franchise, two-week tournament played over four-minute quarters at the 7,000-capacity Mumbai Football Arena. As the event set... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3315381/rugby-premier-league-hong-kong-sevens-ace-stunned-be-recognised-india?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3315381/rugby-premier-league-hong-kong-sevens-ace-stunned-be-recognised-india?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Jun 2025 07:40:38 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball A lot has happened since Max Denmark last pulled on a 15s jersey for Hong Kong in 2018. An ever-present in the city’s sevens side, Denmark has accumulated Asian Games gold medals, regional dominance and some painful near misses in the bid to get the men’s team to the highest level. Throughout it all there have been tries – lots and lots of tries. There were three alone in a 31-7 rout of China during the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens in March. The 25-year-old also has two from eight previous Test... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3314388/max-denmark-aims-transfer-his-hong-kong-sevens-x-factor-citys-15s-world-cup-quest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3314388/max-denmark-aims-transfer-his-hong-kong-sevens-x-factor-citys-15s-world-cup-quest?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Jun 2025 01:30:11 +0000 The world’s first franchise-based rugby sevens competition, the Rugby Premier League (RPL), will get under way in Mumbai in June, organisers Rugby India and GMR Sports said on Friday. A dedicated window on the global rugby sevens calendar for the RPL has ensured the participation of some of the world’s leading players alongside Indian talent. The six teams are Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers and the Mumbai Dreamers, with 34 matches to be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3305549/perry-baker-among-stars-worlds-first-franchise-based-rugby-sevens-league-india?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3305549/perry-baker-among-stars-worlds-first-franchise-based-rugby-sevens-league-india?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:30:16 +0000 After 40 years in Hong Kong Stadium, the city has staged its first Sevens rugby tournament at the new and shimmering Kai Tak Stadium. By most measurements it was an overwhelming success. The rugby, as was to be expected, was world-class, drawing a three-day total of more than 110,000 fans to cheer or groan as the action went their team’s way, or against. A Cathay Pacific A350 staged a nostalgic fly-past. The new South Stand was in good form, its beer-infused costume party seamlessly transplanted... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3304643/successful-try-sevens-proves-game-changer-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3304643/successful-try-sevens-proves-game-changer-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:30:09 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft The city’s new 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium hosted its first Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament at the weekend and, despite some teething issues, fans marvelled at the event, describing the atmosphere as “magical”. The three-day Sevens, which ended on Sunday, was the first real-world stress test for the stadium as the centrepiece of the HK$30 billion (US$3.8 billion) Kai Tak Sports Park, which was heralded as a “game-changer” for the city’s efforts to reposition itself as a mega-events hub when it... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3304496/magic-moments-hong-kong-sevens-new-kai-tak-home-despite-teething-troubles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3304496/magic-moments-hong-kong-sevens-new-kai-tak-home-despite-teething-troubles?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:23 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball New Zealand and Argentina made history as the first Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens of the Kai Tak Stadium era came to a close on Sunday, with a mixture of nostalgia, a look to the future and continuing questions over the present. For those of a certain vintage, the fly-past by a Cathay Pacific A350 evoked memories of a time when planes, rather than rugby balls, were landing where players now raced around. And while the HSBC SVNS Series has an uncertain future, Hong Kong only reinforced its place... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3304493/history-made-hong-kong-sevens-shiny-new-kai-tak-home-questions-remain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3304493/history-made-hong-kong-sevens-shiny-new-kai-tak-home-questions-remain?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:14:05 +0000 New Zealand’s women were crowned champions of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens for a third year in a row on Sunday after beating arch-rivals Australia 26-19 in the final. The Olympic champions’ first two victories were at the Hong Kong Stadium and they followed that up with the first title at the city’s new Kai Tak Stadium. But New Zealand were made to work for their “three-peat”, as they went behind for the first time all weekend and played the final two minutes of the first half a player... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3304479/hong-kong-sevens-new-zealand-women-complete-three-peat-win-over-australia-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3304479/hong-kong-sevens-new-zealand-women-complete-three-peat-win-over-australia-final?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Mar 2025 13:00:08 +0000 A quirk in the draw at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Saturday saw New Zealand beat Brazil twice in a row to set up a Sunday semi-final against Canada, a repeat of last summer’s Paris Olympics gold medal match. The Hong Kong draw has still, more logically, kept the Black Ferns on track to meet Australia in a final many hoped to see at Kai Tak Stadium on Sunday. The New Zealanders saw off Brazil for the second time by 31-17, while Australia recorded a 35-5 win over USA and will face France... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3304447/hong-kong-sevens-new-zealand-set-womens-semi-final-canada-australia-face-france?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3304447/hong-kong-sevens-new-zealand-set-womens-semi-final-canada-australia-face-france?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Mar 2025 01:58:36 +0000 Australia star Maddison Levi has hailed the contribution that the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens has helped to make in giving women opportunities to play high-profile matches in front of thousands of spectators. Levi became Australia’s highest career try-scorer on Friday at the age of just 22 when she crossed four times against Canada, following a hat-trick against Spain, to take her total to 189. She added two more on Saturday. Having surpassed the previous record of 186 held by her idol,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3304406/australian-record-breaker-maddison-levi-thanks-hong-kong-sevens-giving-women-stage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3304406/australian-record-breaker-maddison-levi-thanks-hong-kong-sevens-giving-women-stage?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:30:13 +0000 China women’s dramatic sudden-death victory over Great Britain on Saturday saw them avoid the possibility of finishing as the tournament’s worst team at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. A 24-10 defeat by the United States in their final Pool C fixture earlier in the day had left them in danger of a last-place finish. But they battled to outlast Britain and record their first win of the weekend, which means they will finish as high as ninth should they beat Spain on Sunday. China led the match... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3304417/chinas-dramatic-win-v-gb-sees-them-avoid-worst-team-tag-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3304417/chinas-dramatic-win-v-gb-sees-them-avoid-worst-team-tag-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:43:32 +0000 Matteo Avitabile has said Hong Kong’s men’s rugby sevens players will “come out firing” when their cutthroat Challenger Series campaign gets under way in Cape Town on Saturday. Hong Kong must top a three-team pool featuring Madagascar and Canada to advance to Sunday’s semi-finals, in a format shortened from three days to two because the second leg follows next week, again in the South African city. Failure to reach the last four would damage the city team’s quest for HSBC SVNS Series... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3300223/hong-kong-sevens-side-come-out-firing-challenger-series-cape-town?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3300223/hong-kong-sevens-side-come-out-firing-challenger-series-cape-town?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Feb 2025 11:30:11 +0000 Japan’s rugby union said it was seeking answers on Tuesday after its chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi was suspended by Asia Rugby pending an investigation into a potential code of conduct breach. Asia Rugby said Iwabuchi, who was elected as one of the organisation’s three vice-presidents in November, had been suspended from “any duties and responsibilities until the pending investigation is concluded”. The regional governing body said it acted “in line with Asia Rugby principles of equality,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3300051/japan-seeks-answers-after-asia-rugby-suspends-its-chairman-code-conduct-probe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3300051/japan-seeks-answers-after-asia-rugby-suspends-its-chairman-code-conduct-probe?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:22:38 +0000