Advertisement
Hong Kong Sevens
RugbyHK Sevens
Tim Noonan
Tim Noonan

Opinion | Singapore vs Hong Kong? Let that debate rage on everything – except rugby sevens events

  • Singapore’s sevens event ranks higher than Hong Kong’s, according to World Rugby
  • Hong Kong’s event is usually a sell-out; Singapore’s National Stadium is a superb venue

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
A rather empty looking Singapore National Stadium during the Singapore Sevens. Photo: Sam Agars
Tim Noonan

I really dig Singapore, it’s so fantastically radiant. Walk the four-kilometre stretch from stylish Orchard Road to the Marina Bay Sands and you won’t find a blade of grass out of place in this immaculately sculpted testament to the vision and resolve of its founding father Lee Kuan Yew.

Advertisement

What Mr Lee built, basically from scratch, in 1965 is unprecedented. Equal parts nation-builder and Walt Disney, Singapore, like Disneyland, is spectacular, safe, family-friendly and contrived – very contrived. But the one thing you cannot build overnight is a legacy. Irrespective of official designations, that takes time.

The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens has a rich legacy, the Singapore Sevens does not. However, according to an internal World Rugby report, that somehow became external, Singapore’s event was ranked number two in 2018 behind Vancouver while Hong Kong was fifth out of 10. The ranking was based on a poll of players and coaches using a wide-ranging criteria and was cause for crowing down in Singapore.
“For us to go one up on Hong Kong is a great achievement, and we were very close to becoming No 1,” said Singapore Rugby Union president Terence Khoo.
Singapore’s National Stadium is a stunning facility, but it isn’t full for the sevens tournament. Photo: Sam Agars
Singapore’s National Stadium is a stunning facility, but it isn’t full for the sevens tournament. Photo: Sam Agars

The difference between people in Hong Kong and Singapore is people in Hong Kong don’t really talk about Singapore. Personally, I like both and find both sevens events perfectly encapsulate their home.

Advertisement
Hong Kong’s is a rip-roaring nod to its colonial legacy that is desperately in need of finding its way into the new millennium, while Singapore’s event is state-of-the-art modern and largely soulless. Being the only two Asian stops they should complement and inspire each other. Still, it’s purely delusional for any sporting official in Singapore to say they are one up on Hong Kong and close to becoming the number one event. But don’t take my word for it, listen to an impartial and seasoned observer.
Singapore is an incredible setting for a sevens stop, but it’s a stretch to call it the second best on the calendar. Photo: SPH
Singapore is an incredible setting for a sevens stop, but it’s a stretch to call it the second best on the calendar. Photo: SPH

US Rugby Sevens coach Mike Friday knows the history of the game as well as anyone. Not only is he bringing a red hot, top of the table team into the Hong Kong event, he was the captain of the seminal England squad that won four championships here from 2002-2006.

loading
Advertisement