Advertisement
Hong Kong Sevens cancelled for second year as organisers turn to April 2022 – ‘the potential risk of exposure was just too great’
- Delta variant and travel restrictions force Rugby Union to make call just 90 days out, but domestic leagues to resume
- ‘We’re just not prepared to put the future of Hong Kong rugby in jeopardy,’ says chairman Donovan after significant annual loss reduction
Reading Time:5 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
3
The postponed Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, scheduled for November 5-7, has been cancelled for the second year running – this time because of the emerging Covid-19 Delta variant and global travel restrictions, organisers announced on Wednesday.
The Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) will look ahead to the 2022 Hong Kong Sevens, slated for April 1-3 next year, after discussions with the government, World Rugby and other participating unions.
This year’s edition of the city’s marquee sporting event was originally postponed from April to November, while last year’s was postponed from April to October before being cancelled in tandem with the remainder of the 2019-20 HSBC World Sevens Series season.
Advertisement
“It’s a huge disappointment from all concerned,” said HKRU chief executive Robbie McRobbie. “I hope our community trusts the fact that we make these decisions very much with public health at the forefront. That we are making the right decisions for our organisation, our community and Hong Kong.
Advertisement
“[The 2022 Sevens] is our big focus now, along with our commitment to delivering a really strong domestic season. We have two years of pretty disrupted domestic seasons, so it’s important to re-engage and put on a good show with our own community first.”
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x