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Singer Joyce Cheng performs during day 1 of the 2023 Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong Sevens makes a sparkling return to fun of the past – ‘it’s well and truly back’

  • This was a no mask, no barrier, no-restrictions return after last November’s test run, with entertainment back in full force
  • Businesses expecting to double revenues as officials hail return of normal service, and not even constant rain could dampen the occasion

The Hong Kong Sevens made a sparkling return on Friday, resuming its usual spot in the city’s social and sporting calendar for the first time since 2019.

If last November’s event was a test run after years of Covid-enforced cancellations, this was a no mask, no barrier, no-restrictions return to the fun of the past.

With businesses reportedly expecting to double their revenues of recent years, and officials hailing the return of normal service, not even the constant rain could dampen the occasion.

From the morning’s mini-rugby, to the dragon dance and singer Joyce Cheng Yan-yee’s sequinned turn at the opening ceremony, and thumping atmosphere that greeted Hong Kong’s men as they ran out to take on France in the last game of the day, this was the city back to its best.

Robbie McRobbie, the Hong Kong Rugby Union CEO, said while November’s tournament had been “wonderful” it had still been missing “key elements that people know and love about the Sevens”, such as the mini and youth rugby and some of the entertainment.

The Hong Kong Sevens welcomed back the traditional dragon dance. Photo: Sam Tsang

“This event, with those elements back, and the women’s teams as well, we’ve ended up with three absolutely fantastic full days of entertainment on and off the pitch,” McRobbie said.

“There was a real buzz around the stadium today. I think people are really aware of the fact that this is a full-bore, 100 per cent Sevens, that we all remember, and know and love.

“We know not all our international fans and friends are back this year, but it was always about ensuring that those who attend have a brilliant time, and I’m confident they will, but also making sure that the Sevens is well and truly back.”

Mini rugby also made a welcome return to the Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Elson Li

But there have been changes too since 2019. For the first time a women’s World Rugby Seven Series leg is being held alongside the men’s, and Hong Kong’s players certainly left an impression as they made history.

Agnes Tse Wing-kiu scored the team’s first try ever in the competition, a moment that brought easily the biggest cheer of the day up to that point even though it came during a 22-5 loss to Canada.

“Oh my god, I was thinking ‘just run, just run’ and I saw the space in front of us, I just ran,” Tse said.

“I think it’s amazing. We feel very excited and I think this is a moment where we can challenge ourselves, and showcase our team in our hometown.”

Hong Kong’s Tse Wing-kiu scores a try against Canada. Photo: Sam Tsang

In the spirit of the Sevens, the second loudest cheer was from a large group of schoolchildren when a paper aeroplane successfully made its way from the top tier of the West Stand to the pitch.

Tamara Miyonette, a form 5 pupil at Sir Ellis Kadoorie Secondary School (West Kowloon), said watching the women’s teams was “inspiring”, and would push her to pursue her dream of playing the game professionally.

“This is the first time I’ve seen women play professional rugby,” she said. “It feels amazing watching women being represented on such a big stage.”

As expected there were costumes, painted faces, funny hats and perhaps most importantly for a city trying to recapture past glories, a smattering of overseas fans, with more expected this weekend.

Travelling Fiji fans cheer on their team during day 1 at the Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Sam Tsang

Dressed up in a sombrero and poncho, which he planned to keep on all weekend, Joe Hayes, 25, called the atmosphere inside the stadium “immense”.

“It’s great just seeing everyone smiling and happy,” he said. “I’ve just got to keep track of my moustache.”

And while the wet weather kept the seats in Hong Kong Stadium largely empty, the 39,000 tickets that were sold or given away for the opening day ensured the concourses under the stands were as busy as ever.

Carlsberg said it had brought in 3,000 kegs of beer for the three days and orders were up 60 per cent on last time, while one local food vendor said they expected a similar rise in demand.

In the city’s nightspots, meanwhile, bars and clubs in Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong readied themselves for an influx of business expected to far surpass that of November.

There was plenty of beer on top at Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: Antony Dickson

Chris Foalle, the general manager for Devil’s Advocate on Lockhart Road, said he was “100 per cent confident” revenue would double, and had already seen business grow over the past week as international tourists return to the city.

And alongside the returning Fijians, some of whom had to come via a circuitous route because direct flights to Hong Kong have not yet resumed, and a group of six first-time visitors from Britain, were a German quartet giving their friend the surprise birthday trip of a lifetime.

Visiting Asia for the first time was something “we had to do” said Max of their present for 24-year-old friend Ricky, who used to play for his university rugby team.

“We’re so happy to be here,” Ricky said. “The atmosphere is great and the energy in the South Stand is fantastic.”

Additional reporting by Connor Mycroft

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