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Rugby World Cup 2019
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The Rugby World Cup fanzone has been an instant hit with locals already down at the Central Harbourfront by the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. Photo: Ike Li/Ike Images
SportRugby

Hong Kong’s Rugby World Cup 2019 fanzone hits capacity in first three days of tournament

  • Hongkongers can watch all games live on the big screen by the Observation Wheel until November 2
  • Fanzone will be open from 11am to 11pm daily and admission is free
Rugby World Cup 2019
Patrick Blennerhassett
Patrick Blennerhassett
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If there was any doubt Hong Kong is rugby mad, it has been quashed. The Rugby World Cup official fanzone, which is co-sponsored and organised by Societe Generale and the Hong Kong Rugby Union Community Foundation, has been so popular it’s hit capacity nearly every day it has been open.
The area features free admission along with a VIP section, a 10-by-5 metre big screen, as well as four mini screens. The event will show every game live right up until the final on Saturday, November 2.

HKRU chairman Patrick Donovan said the event is selling itself.

“It’s an iconic location,” he said, joking they’re trying to give Tokyo Stadium a run for their money “The weather has been fantastic and the support from the Hong Kong rugby community is excellent.”

Fans have packed the 650 capacity space to watch multiple games on the big screen. Photo: Ike Li/Ike Images
The HKRU said more than 1,200 people came through the fanzone alone on Saturday, in which New Zealand beat South Africa in one of the marquee pool games, which many believe could be a preview of the final.

Hong Kong Rugby Union chief executive officer Robbie McRobbie said planning for a potential fanzone started as soon as it was announced Japan would be the first Asian country to host the tournament, and the first outside the sport’s traditional strongholds.

“We’d hoped there might be a Hong Kong team taking part in this edition,” McRobbie said, “but regardless of that we wanted to make sure that we use this opportunity to build exposure and the brand of the game in this city.”

It’s been standing room only for ground zero to watch the Rugby World Cup in Hong Kong. Photo: Ike Li/Ike Images

The fanzone has a full schedule of events for the next few days. On Thursday, there will be a Zumba by George Yu class at noon, then Italy vs Canada at 3pm, a live performance from the Morris Dancers at 6pm and then England vs US at 6:45pm.

Friday is an off day for the tournament, but Saturday has a packed schedule. First is a CrossFit Asphodal Kids Class at 11am, Argentina v Tonga at 12:45pm, kids entertainment including face painting and a roaming circus, plus music from the Naggin Eejits Celtic Band, then Japan v Ireland at 3:15pm, South Africa v Namibia at 5:45pm and a live performance by Cracklebox at 9pm to finish off the day.

Sunday will see a yoga class at 11am, then Georgia vs Uruguay at 1:15pm, kids entertainment at 3pm, the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir at 3pm and then Australia vs Wales at 3:45pm.

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