Hong Kong ponders hosting 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens with Kai Tak stadium at heart of bid

Hong Kong will consider bidding for the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens despite the city being likely to face strong competition from countries on the radar for global expansion.

Robbie McRobbie, deputy chief executive of the Hong Kong Rugby Union, said local officials may put forward a proposal when governing body World Rugby invite tenders next year.

Hong Kong hosted the 1997 and 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens and McRobbie said a third tournament would be the ideal way to open the city’s proposed new stadium at Kai Tak in 2022.

“We have hosted two World Cup and we know that both were fantastic,” said McRobbie, “We believe that there is interest and an appetite within the Hong Kong community for more events like the Hong Kong Sevens.

“Our priority will always be with the HSBC World Sevens Series and we wouldn’t want to jeopardise our place on the series. We want to put on the best possible event we can.

“In 2022, it will be around the time the new stadium could be coming on line. If it is ready, that could be a very fitting opening to the new Kai Tak sports hub by hosting the Rugby World Cup Sevens.