Hong Kong Sevens: Keep the money tap turned on, HKRU chief urges Kai Tak overlords New World

Key issue for the rugby union is the corporate element in the new HK$30 billion Hong Kong sports park

Sevens accounts for 95 per cent of union’s revenue so there is a lot at stake in negotiations with winning consortium

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The corporate boxes at the Hong Kong Sevens generates the majority of revenue for the Hong Kong Rugby Union. Photo: SCMP / Sam Tsang

Published: 8:00am, 8 Apr 2019Updated: 8:00am, 8 Apr 2019

The Hong Kong Sevens accounts for 95 per cent of the local rugby union’s HK$230 million-plus annual income – with a major portion via renting out corporate boxes – and officials are hoping “the tap is not turned off” when the new Kai Tak Sports Park stadium comes on line after 2023.

Hong Kong Rugby Union chief executive Robbie McRobbie said initial talks were already under way with New World Development, which will build and operate the 50,000-seater stadium that is expected to be the new icon of Hong Kong’s sports and entertainment landscape.

The key issue for the union is the status of the corporate suites and boxes, which are snapped up by the body’s patrons, sponsors and supporters, helping to generate millions of Hong Kong dollars in revenue from the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.

McRobbie said he hoped a similar arrangement can be agreed with New World when it is time for the Sevens to move to the bigger stadium.

“The corporate element of the Sevens is critical,” McRobbie told the South China Morning Post. “I use corporate in the broadest sense because we have to remember that of those patron boxes, not all are rented by corporates. Our premiership clubs each get a box. Also, there are various long-standing community groups, so it’s become an integral part of the event.

Hong Kong Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Robbie McRobbie. Photo: SCMP / Xiaomei Chen