Exclusive | Hong Kong Sevens to return for first time since 2019, November tournament backed by government at ‘highest levels’
- The landmark event will be back from November 4 to 6, but is expected to be held with some restrictions
- Players to be shuttled between hotels and ground with closed-loop system in effect
The Hong Kong Sevens will return to the city in November for the first time in almost three years, after rugby bosses were given approval to host the tournament from “the highest echelons of the government”.
On Saturday, Robbie McRobbie, the Hong Kong Rugby Union CEO, said officials had “really swung behind” the idea of bringing the landmark event back after the coronavirus pandemic made staging it impractical in 2020 and again last year.
McRobbie said he believed this could be a “watershed moment” for Hong Kong, and the decision sent an important message to the international community that the city was open for business.
“Hopefully, together with the international business leaders forum and the fintech conference and all the other good stuff that is in the works for November this will send an important message,” he said.
Given that some Covid-19 restrictions are still likely to be in place, the Sevens will operate with a closed loop similar to that used during the Beijing Winter Olympics earlier this year, meaning players and those involved in running the event are likely to be limited to the confines of their hotel and Hong Kong Stadium.
