Hong Kong Sevens 2022: Fans applaud the return of sport showpiece as city gets ‘back on its feet’
- ‘There was never a question that we weren’t going to come,’ says one long-time resident, who has supported the Sevens for 24 years
- ‘It’s great to see it back,’ says resident and rugby referee Paul Teague. ‘It’s actually better than what I expected. It’s just what the city needs right now’
Fans have overwhelmingly applauded the return of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, with many saying this weekend’s event will be remembered as one of the most unique in Sevens history – and an important milestone for the city as it returns to normality.
Yesterday’s event peaked at just under 21,000 attendees, but you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise. The stadium was at times deafening, with roars from enthusiastic fans echoing across Hong Kong Stadium.
Claire, a Hong Kong resident of 25 years, said she was at this year’s event to help Hong Kong “get back on its feet”.
“There was never a question that we weren’t going to come. I remember coming in 2003 after Sars and that was a really important event to come back and support, this year felt the same.”
The finance executive said the atmosphere even had “echoes of the old Sevens”.
“It feels almost the same as it was before. The Mexican wave that went around the stadium was electric,” she said in reference to yesterday’s wave that went around the stadium a full five times.
Others were in complete agreement.
“It’s great to see it back,” said Paul Teague, a Hong Kong resident. “It’s not quite as full on as it has been in previous years, but it’s actually better than what I expected. It’s just what the city needs right now.”
Teague admitted that the 2022 event was really just a warm up for next April, an event he hopes will be free from restrictions.
“We’re really just waiting for next year and the real Sevens to return.”
Finance executive Jarl, here on day three with his sons Tyser and Kaito, has been coming to the Sevens since 2016 and they are “excited to be here”.
“It’s so good. Expectations have been high, but we also have to be realistic – this is a journey towards opening up.”
Walking through the stadium over the weekend it was hard not to get overwhelmed with a sense of pride, something many were quick to point out.
“We only decided today to bring the kids down and let them have the experience of the Sevens. We’re really glad we did,” ESF educator Sian said.
“We were here on Friday because we got some tickets from the Union to bring the kids down and that was just so good. We wanted to bring them back today for the experience.”
Children were spoiled on the pitch side, with players taking selfies and autographs and handing out free merchandise.
It’s fair to say that all eyes will be set firmly on the Sevens return in April 2023.
