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SCMP

This article was first published on March 29, 1976.
By Jack Beattie
World ‘sevens’ for HK?
A seven-a-side rugby union world cup competition – and possibly staged in Hongkong!
That’s the exciting prospect that emerged after yesterday’s first International “Sevens” Championships held at the Hongkong Football Club.
Last night Rothmans and Cathay Pacific, the joint-sponsors of this unique event, which had 12 countries competing, were playing it a bit coy – but both agreed that a similar promotion was a definite starter next season.

The only question marks are over the venue and the number of competing teams.
Both Mr Ian Gow, Rothmans promotions manager, and Mr Jock Campbell, of Cathay Pacific, voted the inaugural sevens a “great success” and agreed that not only would they be repeated – but that they might be expanded.
This means that there is a distinct possibility of countries such as Wales and England being invited.
Yesterday’s tournament provided splendid entertainment. It was a kaleidoscope of colour, full of the pace and grace, thrills and spills and the glorious uncertainty that make seven-a-side rugby arguably the fastest and best ball game in sport.
There were many memorable highlights – the sleight of hand passing of the exciting Fijians, who won the hearts of the crowd, and who will forget the “seven league” strides of their captain, the 6ft 4 ins Ilaitia Tuisese? There was the sheer competence of the New Zealand victors, Cantabrians, and, of course, Hongkong’s magnificent fightback against Tonga to win the Plate competition.
As Ian Duncan’s extra time penalty kick cleanly bisected the posts in the Plate final there was also the poignant sight of Tonga’s manager, Mr Mail Angi, resplendent in red blazer and long native skirt, sadly rolling up his side’s banner.

On such an afternoon then, it was a pity that probably the most unforgettable incident was the ugly semi-final flare-up between the Fijians and the Australian side, Wallaroos.
Fists flew in flurries in a blazing touchline brawl that ended with Figian hooker Rauto making the long, lonely trek for an early bath.
Incensed, the Fijians spent some time “hunting heads” and two players, guilty of wicked, scything swings with the boot, could have joined their teammate in the dressing room.
However, cooler heads eventually prevailed and both sides got on with playing the game. This is more than could be said of the crowd who sensing their favourites, reduced to six men, were on the verge of defeat, loudly booed and cat-called whenever the Australians attempted a kick at goal.
Mr “Tokkie” Smith, chairman of the Hongkong Rugby Union, leapt to his feet and tried to quieten the crowd – but he had as much success as Canute, and the incident certainly tarnished the sporting image of the local fans.
The Tongans too hardly lived up to their reputation of the “Friendly Islanders” in the cliffhanger with Hongkong and the last of their indiscretions was responsible for their sudden-death defeat.

But in rugby, the heat-of-the-moment incidents are rarely carried over and the sport’s camaraderie and good fellowship were obvious in the international sing-song in the Convention Centre last night.
Overall there is no doubt that the credit marks far outweighed those on the debit side. The event was a huge success and that a tournament of this magnitude ran so smoothly – and on time – is a real credit to the organisers. The referees and linesmen also deserve a big hand.


First Hong Kong Sevens rugby tourney held in 1976 – SCMP archive

Trip down memory lane: how the Hong Kong Sevens has evolved into a world-class event

Hong Kong sevens head has unfinished business, underlines world and Olympic aims

Hong Kong Sevens hits 50 but fans more focused on ticket prices for ‘just an ordinary week’

Hong Kong Sevens

Hong Kong players run out on to the pitch at the first sevens in 1976. Photo: HKRFU

Fijian winger Seremaia Tui Cavuilati shows the dash that made his team such a big hit in the Rothmans/Cathay Pacific sevens at Hongkong Football Club on March 28, 1976. Photo: SCMP

The Rugby Sevens coverage on March 29, 1976 (the first Rugby Sevens tournament) on SCMP

Hong Kong subway shootout in 2006 leaves 2 policemen dead – SCMP archive

The shootout happened at the junction of Canton Road and Austin Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Handout

A clipping from the frontpage of SCMP’s March 18, 2006 issue. Photo: SCMP

A file picture of Police Constable Tsui Po-ko who was later discovered to have also been behind the murder of another policeman five years earlier. Photo: Handout

The wife of Police Constable Tsang Kwok-hang (middle) burning joss-sticks and paper offerings at a road rite. Photo: Robert Ng

Japan hit by worst earthquake and tsunami in its history in 2011 – from the SCMP archive

Tsunami waves hit residences after a powerful earthquake in Natori, Miyagi prefecture, Japan, on March 11, 2011. Photo: AP Photo

A whirlpool is seen near Oarai City, Ibaraki Prefecture, in Japan, on March 11, 2011. Photo: Reuters

Houses swept out to sea burn following a tsunami and earthquake in Natori City in Fukushima prefecture, on March 11, 2011. Photo: Reuters

A woman holds her granddaughter at a shelter at Natori city in Fukushima prefecture on March 12, 2011. Photo: AFP Photo

Parts of a beer factory facilities are collapsed as the employees gather on the rooftops after a powerful earthquake in Sendai, Miyagi prefecture, on March 11, 2011. Photo: AP Photo

Sport

Rugby

HK Sevens

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Hong Kong

50 years ago today, the city hosted its first international rugby sevens tournament at the Hong Kong Football Club


50 years ago today, the city hosted its first international rugby sevens tournament at the Hong Kong Football Club.


.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}50 years ago today, the city hosted its first international rugby sevens tournament at the Hong Kong Football Club

World ‘sevens’ for HK?

50 years ago today, the city hosted its first international rugby sevens tournament at the Hong Kong Football Club