https://www.scmp.com/rss/513897/feed The Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is one of the biggest sporting events in Hong Kong and the premier tournament on the World Rugby Sevens Series calendar. Taking place at Hong Kong Stadium, it features the world’s best teams compete for the coveted title. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Josh Ball Josh Ball World Rugby has said the changes to its sevens competition were designed to secure the sport’s financial future and grow its global reach ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Confirming it was slashing the number of teams in the World Series from 12 to eight, and installing a six-team second division, the sport’s governing body also said regular tournaments would be cut from three days to just two. There was no word, however, on the format for the new World Championship Series, which will be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3308766/sevens-financial-future-stake-changes-necessary-olympics-world-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3308766/sevens-financial-future-stake-changes-necessary-olympics-world-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 May 2025 02:42:46 +0000 The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is over for another year, and what a weekend it was – an incredible coming-out party for the tournament’s new home and a thrilling three days of rugby. Argentina’s men won for the first time, and New Zealand’s women for the third in a row, and Hong Kong’s teams put together a double delight for the home crowd. So, after 74 matches, countless tries, world-class entertainment and a couple of hiccups, here are five things we learned this weekend. Kai Tak... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3304506/hong-kong-sevens-5-things-we-learned-another-incredible-weekend-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3304506/hong-kong-sevens-5-things-we-learned-another-incredible-weekend-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:43 +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 Hong Kong coaches have identified what their teams need to do in the months to come before the city hosts the National Games in November. The city’s men’s team retained the Melrose Claymores trophy with an emphatic 38-5 win over China, while their women’s counterparts blew Kazakhstan away in a 45-5 win, playing most of the final with a numerical advantage. Hong Kong Sevens debutant Sabay Lynam was again the star with another two tries, making her the team’s top scorer with five from three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3304475/hong-kong-coaches-lay-out-years-plans-after-teams-clinch-melrose-claymores-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3304475/hong-kong-coaches-lay-out-years-plans-after-teams-clinch-melrose-claymores-double?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Mar 2025 12:30:17 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Lo Hoi-ying,Harvey Kong Connor Mycroft,Lo Hoi-ying,Harvey Kong Rugby fans at the Hong Kong Sevens were left hungry and frustrated on Sunday as Kai Tak Stadium faced a food shortage despite the tourism minister’s call to improve supply the night before. Throughout the day, venue operators received complaints from attendees about long queues and a lack of food. While touring the stadium again on Sunday, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said she told the sports park’s management to increase food supply the previous day. “I queued... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3304477/ridiculous-hungry-hong-kong-sevens-fans-decry-lack-food-kai-tak-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3304477/ridiculous-hungry-hong-kong-sevens-fans-decry-lack-food-kai-tak-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Mar 2025 12:15:28 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport This live blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. The Sevens comes to a conclusion on Sunday, and there is sure to be as much interest in what happens off the pitch as on it. Saturday was not a good one for Kai Tak Sports Park, and the dismissive manner with which they handled people’s complaints over a lack of food and drink is not... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3304448/hong-kong-sevens-france-black-ferns-chase-history-citys-teams-finals-day-3-live?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3304448/hong-kong-sevens-france-black-ferns-chase-history-citys-teams-finals-day-3-live?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Mar 2025 01:59:59 +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 Hong Kong will stage more than 100 “mega-events” in the first half of this year, seeking to establish itself as a “capital” for high-profile international attractions. But as “super March”, with its packed schedule, draws to a close the city’s reputation as a host for such occasions rests on one of its oldest and best-known sports events. The Rugby Sevens are back and breaking new ground. Few would have imagined when the tournament was first staged at Hong Kong Football Club in 1976, before... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3304436/successful-sevens-can-score-hong-kong-international-arena?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3304436/successful-sevens-can-score-hong-kong-international-arena?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Mar 2025 17:18:05 +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 China’s women’s team have come to the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens to beat the United States, the side’s coach has revealed. Fan Shun-kei, technical coach with the mainland China squad, said on Friday he was “100 per cent confident” his side would retain their place in the HSBC SVNS Series and had targeted a win over the US along the way. In the SVNS Series, the bottom four teams at the end of the season compete in relegation play-offs at the Grand Final in Los Angeles. The top eight in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3304366/hong-kong-sevens-china-target-win-over-usa-aid-svns-series-survival-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3304366/hong-kong-sevens-china-target-win-over-usa-aid-svns-series-survival-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Mar 2025 01:00:19 +0000 This live blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Saturday at the Sevens can only mean one thing – fancy dress and lots of it. If Friday is the gentle introduction to the weekend, then Saturday is no holds barred, no turning back, a day when you go all in, both on and off the pitch. For the teams it’s about making the quarter-finals, or... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3304389/hong-kong-sevens-fancy-dress-fly-pasts-and-race-quarter-finals-day-2-live?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3304389/hong-kong-sevens-fancy-dress-fly-pasts-and-race-quarter-finals-day-2-live?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Mar 2025 01:00:19 +0000 The 2025 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens continues on Saturday March 29 at the new Kai Tak Stadium. As fans adjust to the tournament’s move across the harbour to Kowloon, the Post takes you through all you need to know. Hong Kong Sevens tickets As of Friday evening, three-day passes remained available from the event’s official ticketing platform for HK$1,950 (US$250) per adult or HK$950 per child (ages 3-12) plus fees. All corporate hospitality suites and corporate boxes have been sold. How to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3304362/hong-kong-sevens-2025-guide-day-2-tickets-schedule-how-get-there-saturday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3304362/hong-kong-sevens-2025-guide-day-2-tickets-schedule-how-get-there-saturday?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Mar 2025 23:30:08 +0000 A new era of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens began at Kai Tak Stadium on Friday, winning plaudits from players and supporters alike and with organisers hailing “an exciting new chapter in the tournament’s storied history”. With 90 per cent of the 47,000 tickets sold, officials said 33,735 fans passed through the gates on the first day, estimating that was around 5,000 more compared with recent years. And those supporters were not only dazzled by a three-minute light show during the opening... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3304367/hong-kong-sevens-kai-tak-stadium-heralds-start-exciting-new-chapter-events-history?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3304367/hong-kong-sevens-kai-tak-stadium-heralds-start-exciting-new-chapter-events-history?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:15:07 +0000 Australia’s women threw down the gauntlet on the first day of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, smashing bottom-of-the-series Spain 54-12 before winning a tough battle against Canada 26-15. The green and gold were bolstered by the return of Maddison Levi, who missed the Vancouver leg because of injury, as the 23-year-old scored a hat-trick against Spain before getting four more against Canada. But Australia’s biggest rivals, reigning Hong Kong Sevens champions New Zealand, kicked off their hunt... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3304361/hong-kong-sevens-2025-australia-new-zealand-women-shine-china-trouble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3304361/hong-kong-sevens-2025-australia-new-zealand-women-shine-china-trouble?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:00:09 +0000 This live blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Honestly, it feels as though we’ve been talking about this day for months, which, when you think about it, we have. Through the test events, the dark days of December and the last Sevens in Causeway Bay, everything has been building up to this. The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens has finally... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3304192/hong-kong-sevens-live-next-generation-shine-tourists-out-early-day-1-kai-tak?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3304192/hong-kong-sevens-live-next-generation-shine-tourists-out-early-day-1-kai-tak?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Mar 2025 02:00:55 +0000 The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens begins a new chapter on Friday when it makes its debut at the freshly completed Kai Tak Stadium. A third home for the city’s premier annual sporting occasion will house the biggest audience in its 49-year history, with the 50,000 capacity configured for up to 47,000 fans. Moving across the harbour to Kowloon gives a fresh look to a tournament long associated with Causeway Bay, following six years at Hong Kong Football Club then 41 editions at Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3304112/hong-kong-sevens-ready-grow-new-home-new-zealand-eye-double-three-peat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3304112/hong-kong-sevens-ready-grow-new-home-new-zealand-eye-double-three-peat?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:30:08 +0000 The captain of France’s 2024 Olympic champion heroes, Paulin Riva, has targeted Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens glory to complete a glittering treble of titles. Inspired by Antoine Dupont, France won last year’s HSBC SVNS Series championship, before striking gold in the Paris Games. Minus Dupont, the French were narrowly beaten by New Zealand in the Hong Kong final 12 months ago. Since their seismic summer, Benoit Baby has replaced Jerome Daret as head coach, while Dupont and Aaron Grandidier, who... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3303996/hong-kong-sevens-france-eye-first-title-and-why-australia-are-banking-chinese-proverb?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3303996/hong-kong-sevens-france-eye-first-title-and-why-australia-are-banking-chinese-proverb?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:00:21 +0000 Sarah Hirini has backed her Black Ferns Sevens side to come out on top against Australia, as the pair prepare to battle it out once again in Hong Kong this weekend. The two teams have history in the city, with New Zealand beating their arch-rivals in the final of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens in 2023, and then again in last year’s semi-final on their way to winning for a second successive year. But Black Ferns skipper Hirini, who has won two Olympic gold medals, said there was pressure on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3303678/hong-kong-sevens-black-ferns-skipper-says-side-will-beat-aussies-any-day-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3303678/hong-kong-sevens-black-ferns-skipper-says-side-will-beat-aussies-any-day-week?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:30:09 +0000 Two talented youngsters could make their international debuts in the white-hot atmosphere of this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, after the city’s 13-player men’s and women’s squads were named on Sunday. James Kee, 19, and 24-year-old Rory Stewart-Cox were both included in Jevon Groves’ party, as Hong Kong try to bounce back from a disappointing Challenger Series. Groves said his side had “reflected on why we were so poor” in South Africa, where ninth- and 10th-place finishes extinguished... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3303521/hong-kong-sevens-local-mens-pair-set-kai-tak-baptism-fire-new-era-begins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3303521/hong-kong-sevens-local-mens-pair-set-kai-tak-baptism-fire-new-era-begins?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Mar 2025 11:30:08 +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 An unsuccessful Challenger Series has offered positive takeaways for the Hong Kong women’s rugby sevens team before the year’s major events on home soil, head coach Andy Vilk said on Tuesday. As they prepare for next week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the home team are regrouping after missing out on the final Challenger leg in Krakow next month, having been placed 10th of 12 teams following the first two legs in South Africa this month. Still, Vilk was convinced that his players had learned... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3302889/hong-kong-sevens-citys-women-learned-challenger-series-losses-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3302889/hong-kong-sevens-citys-women-learned-challenger-series-losses-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Mar 2025 01:30:12 +0000 Rugby bosses expect this month’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens to have the largest crowd in the tournament’s history, with ticket sales for Kai Tak Stadium reaching record levels. According to organisers, they have sold nearly 38,500 three-day passes for the sevens, which will be played at the city’s new 50,000-seat venue for the first time. Total capacity for the stadium will be around 47,000, and Hong Kong China Rugby said all its corporate hospitality suites sold out months ago, while 99 per... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3302241/hong-kong-sevens-ticket-sales-near-40000-largest-crowd-ever-expected-kai-tak-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3302241/hong-kong-sevens-ticket-sales-near-40000-largest-crowd-ever-expected-kai-tak-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:30:12 +0000 If the world -class rugby action isn’t quite enough, fans coming to the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak Stadium also have some exciting music to look forward to. English indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs will be one of the headline acts at the new venue, while DJ Pete Tong will transform the venue into the world’s biggest disco with his Ibiza Anthems set. One of the highlights of the global rugby calendar, the Sevens makes its debut at Kai Tak this year after 41 years at Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3297284/kaiser-chiefs-dj-pete-tong-rubberband-rock-new-house-hong-kong-sevens-kai-tak?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3297284/kaiser-chiefs-dj-pete-tong-rubberband-rock-new-house-hong-kong-sevens-kai-tak?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Feb 2025 08:00:08 +0000 Rugby chiefs have promised an “upgraded” Hong Kong Sevens, after confirming one of the city’s blockbuster events will move to Kai Tak Sports Park in time for its 2025 edition. It was an open secret that the 2024 sevens would be the last hosted at Hong Kong Stadium, where it grew into an iconic spectacle after moving to the venue in 1982. The official announcement came on Monday, roughly six months before the 2025 event gets under way. Chris Brooke, the chairman of Hong Kong, China Rugby [HKCR],... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3280597/upgraded-hong-kong-sevens-set-kai-tak-2025-no-word-test-events-venue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3280597/upgraded-hong-kong-sevens-set-kai-tak-2025-no-word-test-events-venue?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:38:24 +0000 Next year’s Hong Kong Sevens will be held on the weekend of March 28 to 30, World Rugby has announced. The tournament was one of five stops for the 2024-25 season that the global governing body confirmed on Thursday, with Dubai kicking things off in just 10 weeks’ time, followed by stops in South Africa, Australia and Canada. Other events in what is normally an eight-stop season are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks. Officials are hoping to hold the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens at the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3274606/hong-kong-sevens-dates-announced-officials-hope-kai-tak-stadium-will-be-ready-host-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3274606/hong-kong-sevens-dates-announced-officials-hope-kai-tak-stadium-will-be-ready-host-event?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Aug 2024 09:00:12 +0000 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 Many definitive statements have been made about this being the Sevens rugby tournament’s last year at Hong Kong Stadium, but I would advise caution on the part of the government and the operator of... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3258741/dont-rush-hong-kong-sevens-new-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3258741/dont-rush-hong-kong-sevens-new-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Apr 2024 06:30:24 +0000 Hong Kong’s bars and restaurants appear to have had quite a reversal of fortunes over the past two weekends. Over Easter, multiple media reports detailed the dire situation for the hospitality and luxury retail sectors, with a disproportionate number of people leaving compared to those coming in. According to Immigration Department numbers, over half a million Hong Kong residents took off between March 29 and April 1, either overseas or to China to get more bang for their buck eating and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3258393/hong-kongs-shift-fortunes-easter-rugby-sevens-shows-why-city-must-appeal-more-western-tourists?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3258393/hong-kongs-shift-fortunes-easter-rugby-sevens-shows-why-city-must-appeal-more-western-tourists?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Apr 2024 23:45:10 +0000 Brazil’s performances at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens were nothing if not underwhelming, but any time on the pitch for Raquel Kochhann was a blessing. The 31-year-old only returned to the sport in January, after spending almost two years fighting and beating breast cancer. While Brazil’s 14-5 loss to Great Britain in the ninth place play-off left them further adrift of the safety of the top eight, Kochhann said every game “was an inspiration, not just in life but for everything”. “Rugby... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258200/hong-kong-sevens-every-game-blessing-brazil-star-kochhann-after-breast-cancer-battle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258200/hong-kong-sevens-every-game-blessing-brazil-star-kochhann-after-breast-cancer-battle?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Apr 2024 10:30:21 +0000 World Rugby chief Alan Gilpin said Hong Kong, “the jewel in the sevens crown”, was “definitely back” following a heady three days on and off the field. A large slice of the narrative around this year’s 47th edition has centred on the tournament saying goodbye to its celebrated Hong Kong Stadium home. However, the sport’s CEO said there was “more work to do” before the global governing body could “fully confirm” the proposed 2025 move to Kai Tak Sports Park. “We have been talking about Kai Tak... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258193/hong-kong-sevens-2024-world-rugby-chief-alan-gilpin-says-more-work-do-move-kai-tak-2025-confirmed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258193/hong-kong-sevens-2024-world-rugby-chief-alan-gilpin-says-more-work-do-move-kai-tak-2025-confirmed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Apr 2024 09:30:09 +0000 The Hong Kong Sevens closed in a barrage of fireworks and confetti on Sunday, as New Zealand’s men and women successfully defended their titles and a sell-out crowd sang themselves hoarse for the final time at the sport’s spiritual home. Expected to move to Kai Tak Sports Park next year, city leader John Lee Ka-chiu said this weekend’s tournament at Hong Kong Stadium, its home in various guises since 1982, had taken on a “special significance”. In a Facebook post, Lee called the Sevens a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258159/hong-kong-sevens-ends-bang-kiwis-seal-back-back-wins-and-world-rugby-chief-hails-jewel-sports-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258159/hong-kong-sevens-ends-bang-kiwis-seal-back-back-wins-and-world-rugby-chief-hails-jewel-sports-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Apr 2024 15:34:39 +0000 New Zealand’s women won the Sevens for the second year running on Sunday, with a decisive 36-7 victory over USA in Hong Kong Stadium. Victory moved them up to first in the HSBC SVSN Series on points difference, leaping frogging rivals Australia who they beat in the semi-finals and ultimately finished third. The Black Ferns have now won the past three tournaments in the series, picking up gold in Vancouver and Los Angeles before coming to Hong Kong. “To come back to Hong Kong with back-to-back... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258151/hong-kong-sevens-new-zealand-hat-trick-star-blyde-hails-really-special-win-black-ferns-grab-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258151/hong-kong-sevens-new-zealand-hat-trick-star-blyde-hails-really-special-win-black-ferns-grab-back?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Apr 2024 13:38:11 +0000 Coach Jevon Groves refused to blame missing players after the host city’s men lost 33-14 to Japan in the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens’ Melrose Claymore tournament on Saturday. And the home side could still have a rematch with their arch-rivals in Sunday’s final if the Japanese defeat China in their morning encounter. They would surely relish another crack at Japan, who wrecked their Olympic dream last November by winning an Asian qualifying final that Hong Kong led with a minute left. They... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3258091/hong-kong-sevens-citys-men-leave-fate-hands-china-and-japan-women-breeze-past-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3258091/hong-kong-sevens-citys-men-leave-fate-hands-china-and-japan-women-breeze-past-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:14 +0000 Last year’s final has become this year’s semi-final at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, with defending women’s champions New Zealand set for a meeting with their old rivals Australia a little earlier than expected. The Australians are leading the way in the series’ overall season standings, but their trans-Tasman rivals are hot on their heels, just four points behind. Most would have expected the pair to be kept apart until Sunday evening, but the Black Ferns lost their last pool game at Hong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258098/hong-kong-sevens-familiar-foes-meet-earlier-expected-new-zealand-and-australia-prepare-semi-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258098/hong-kong-sevens-familiar-foes-meet-earlier-expected-new-zealand-and-australia-prepare-semi-final?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Apr 2024 14:29:48 +0000 The third day of 2024’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens takes place on Sunday, as the knockout stages reach a climax with the Cup final and the lower-tier Melrose Claymore titles are decided. It is also supposed to be the last hurrah for Hong Kong Stadium as the tournament prepares to leave this site after 42 years. Here is everything you need to know. Hong Kong Sevens schedule Fans are allowed in from 8am on Sunday. After some junior rugby, the adult matches begin at 9.40am. First up are two... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258097/hong-kong-sevens-2024-schedule-results-tv-info-tickets-all-you-need-know-day-3?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258097/hong-kong-sevens-2024-schedule-results-tv-info-tickets-all-you-need-know-day-3?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Apr 2024 14:07:06 +0000 When Great Britain missed a Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens quarter-final spot by the barest of margins on Saturday, Abi Burton could apply a large dollop of perspective to the disappointment. Burton is playing in the tournament less than two years after waking from a medically induced 25-day coma. Her motivation for going to this year’s Paris Olympics stems not from a desire to salve the pain of losing a bronze medal match in the Tokyo Games, but from the opportunity to “prevent someone else from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258079/hong-kong-sevens-great-britains-burton-comes-full-circle-after-25-day-coma-olympic-games-next-agenda?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258079/hong-kong-sevens-great-britains-burton-comes-full-circle-after-25-day-coma-olympic-games-next-agenda?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Apr 2024 08:50:18 +0000 A wide-eyed Michael Hooper delivered a blunt assessment of how he felt in the minutes before making a long-awaited rugby sevens debut in the cauldron of Hong Kong Stadium. Sporting a fresh cut on his lower lip, after an influential substitute’s cameo in Australia’s 12-0 afternoon victory over Fiji, Hooper said: “I was bloody nervous. Like, really nervous. On the sidelines, it just felt completely new: the whole draw out of the day, and the fans already going nuts. “I have not started on the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258043/hong-kong-sevens-aussie-legend-hooper-has-roller-coaster-start-new-career-reveals-nerves-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258043/hong-kong-sevens-aussie-legend-hooper-has-roller-coaster-start-new-career-reveals-nerves-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 23:00:18 +0000 The objective is to defend titles, two of them, and defending had a lot to do with how New Zealand’s women’s and men’s reigning champions went about Friday’s first day of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. Following bullish statements of intent by Australia’s women, beaten in the final a year ago, the Black Ferns played as if defensive about any suggestion they were there for the taking. They hared, harried and hassled to the end of what on paper were two straightforward victories. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258042/hong-kong-sevens-2024-new-zealand-women-and-men-make-strong-cases-defence-their-titles-opening-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258042/hong-kong-sevens-2024-new-zealand-women-and-men-make-strong-cases-defence-their-titles-opening-day?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 22:00:31 +0000 The second day of 2024’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens takes place on Saturday, featuring the world’s 12 best men’s and women’s teams, probably for the last time at the present stadium. Hong Kong are playing for Melrose Claymore titles alongside the main draw. Here is everything you need to know. Hong Kong Sevens schedule Gates open at 7am on Saturday. After some mini rugby, Japan v Spain women kicks off day two at 9.30am. USA and Canada women will try to preserve their 100 per cent winning... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258050/hong-kong-sevens-2024-schedule-results-tv-info-tickets-all-you-need-know-day-2?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258050/hong-kong-sevens-2024-schedule-results-tv-info-tickets-all-you-need-know-day-2?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 20:41:15 +0000 The Hong Kong Sevens returned to something approaching normal for the first time since the pandemic, as overseas visitors flocked to the city and supporters packed out the stadium for the opening day of the tournament on Friday. More than 30,000 fans filed through the gates at the event’s iconic home in Causeway Bay, with organisers estimating that some 42 per cent of those had travelled from abroad to witness the last time it would take place at its home for the past 42 years. Those who did... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258040/vibrant-hong-kong-sevens-gets-great-start-businesses-already-concerned-over-kai-tak-switch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258040/vibrant-hong-kong-sevens-gets-great-start-businesses-already-concerned-over-kai-tak-switch?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:08:24 +0000 Great Britain’s chances of avoiding a relegation play-off in both the men’s and women’s HSBC SVNS Series took a serious blow on the opening day of the Hong Kong Sevens. The teams lost all their games at Hong Kong Stadium on Friday, making the second round of group matches on Saturday vital. Hong Kong is the sixth of eight stops this season in a series that features 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams. Those that finish in the bottom four will go into a play-off with the top four from the lower-tier... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258032/hong-kong-sevens-great-britains-men-and-women-struggle-opening-day-face-world-series-relegation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3258032/hong-kong-sevens-great-britains-men-and-women-struggle-opening-day-face-world-series-relegation?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 13:05:21 +0000 USA’s Ilona Maher has had a busy start to her time in the city for the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, meeting the Hong Kong Deaf Rugby Team, rambling the streets of Causeway Bay and filling up on roast duck and pineapple buns. Maher represented her country in at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, but it was her performance on TikTok that stole the show, with videos about finding love in the cafeteria, her love for a tie-dye bucket hat and social distancing from her coach all going viral. The USA team... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3257991/hong-kong-sevens-usa-star-ilona-maher-enjoys-sights-and-sounds-city-more-teams-first-displays-pitch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3257991/hong-kong-sevens-usa-star-ilona-maher-enjoys-sights-and-sounds-city-more-teams-first-displays-pitch?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:30:16 +0000 The rush for tickets to say a long goodbye to the iconic So Kon Po home of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens has created an additional narrative around the 2024 tournament. To use the phrase chosen by New Zealand player Scott Curry, Friday signals the beginning of a “bittersweet” three days, when a final celebration of sevens at its spiritual Hong Kong Stadium home, is tinged with the sadness that accompanies the end of any heady era. A penny for the thoughts of those over at Kai Tak Sports Park,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257827/hong-kong-sevens-stars-and-field-and-series-subplots-city-gets-ready-farewell-party?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257827/hong-kong-sevens-stars-and-field-and-series-subplots-city-gets-ready-farewell-party?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:00:21 +0000 New Zealand captain Dylan Collier said his team would manage the pressure of wearing the storied All Blacks jersey, when they bid to defend their Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens title this week. Collier, who replaced Scott Curry as skipper last year, is fit again after missing the past two tournaments, in Los Angeles and Vancouver, because of injury. By their own high standards, the Kiwis have endured a rotten few months. They found themselves scrapping with Samoa for 10th spot in world series legs... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257761/hong-kong-sevens-all-blacks-captain-collier-backs-defending-champions-handle-pressure-confident?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257761/hong-kong-sevens-all-blacks-captain-collier-backs-defending-champions-handle-pressure-confident?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Apr 2024 02:00:35 +0000 The captains of mainland China’s rugby sevens teams heaped praise on their “old rivals” from Hong Kong on Wednesday, and said they always enjoyed playing in the city and learning from their counterparts. China’s men and women will play in the Melrose Claymore competition that is running as part of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens this week, where they will take on teams from the city, Japan and Thailand. All the matches in the round-robin tournament will take place at Hong Kong Stadium, with a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3257758/hong-kong-sevens-china-captains-full-praise-old-rivals-hong-kong-honoured-be-part-melrose-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3257758/hong-kong-sevens-china-captains-full-praise-old-rivals-hong-kong-honoured-be-part-melrose-event?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:14 +0000 Organisers of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens have said this weekend’s event will be the tournament’s first sell-out since the pandemic. More than 39,500 of the 40,000 available tickets have been sold, with all remaining tickets expected to be snapped up by fans in the next 24 hours, organisers said on Tuesday. It is expected to be the last time the Sevens takes place at Hong Kong Stadium before a planned move next year to a new 50,000-seat venue being built at Kai Tak Sports Park. This year’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3257543/hong-kong-sevens-2024-set-be-declared-40000-sellout-international-visitors-return?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3257543/hong-kong-sevens-2024-set-be-declared-40000-sellout-international-visitors-return?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Apr 2024 06:15:40 +0000 Max Woodward insists the unstoppable juggernaut that is the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will be even better when it moves to Kai Tak Stadium next year. And the Hong Kong captain is looking forward to partying in the stands at the new venue after his own rugby race is run. Woodward is not yet ready to bow out, however, with the 33-year-old motivated by the challenge of “keeping up with the young lads” in a Hong Kong squad that has “crazy” depth. “You have to be at a top level every day, and as... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257476/hong-kong-sevens-2024-skipper-max-woodward-relishes-home-teams-incentive-and-future-partying-kai-tak?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3257476/hong-kong-sevens-2024-skipper-max-woodward-relishes-home-teams-incentive-and-future-partying-kai-tak?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:06:13 +0000 The final siren has sounded. The beer jugs have been collected. And the stadium has returned to the eerie silence that has, sadly, epitomised the venue for the last few years. The Hong Kong Sevens ended on a high note and injected a much-needed spirit of hope and optimism back into the community – probably the only event that could have done that, restrictions and all. But what next? As we look forward to a solid events calendar over the next few months, here are seven lessons from the Sevens... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3198742/seven-lessons-sevens-rugby-success-hong-kong-reopens-events?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3198742/seven-lessons-sevens-rugby-success-hong-kong-reopens-events?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:15:11 +0000