HSBC Sydney Sevens to return after 3-year hiatus for rugby ‘extravaganza’
- Australian fans will have the chance to get behind their champion Rugby Sevens stars for the first time since 2019
- Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said the event has a track record of being an ‘extravaganza’ of rugby and a celebration of the many cultures involved in the game
While all attention has turned to Hong Kong and this week’s return of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Rugby Sevens, HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series has announced its return to Sydney for the first time in three years at the newly renovated Allianz Stadium.
The event, set to run from January 27 to 29, will serve as the fourth round of the 2022-23 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series for the women’s teams, and the fifth round for the men’s competition in what is a crucial Olympic qualification year for the sport.
Australian teams have had outstanding 2021-22 season so far, with both achieving historic firsts for Rugby Australia’s Sevens programme.
The women’s team has been one of the most successful sporting teams in the country, winning every major trophy available this season – the Rugby World Cup Sevens, Commonwealth Games gold medal and the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
The men’s squad also became HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Champions for the first time, with a nail-biting win over New Zealand in the London final, and a tense final round of the season in Los Angeles. Australian fans will now have the chance to get behind their champion Rugby Sevens stars as they aim for glory on home soil.
The HSBC Sydney Sevens was first held in 2016 at Allianz Stadium – where the event was held for three years until 2018. The Sevens party moved to Homebush in 2019, before its last staging at the then-new rectangular stadium at Parramatta in 2020.
After a Covid-induced hiatus, the cultural celebration of HSBC Sydney Sevens returns to its original location at Allianz Stadium for what promises to be a spectacular international sporting event.
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Andy Marinos, Rugby Australia CEO, said the event has a track record of being an “extravaganza” of rugby and a celebration of the many cultures involved in the game.
“It is unique for us to be able to hold a Sevens event with both of our teams as the reigning World Series Champions,” he said. “It is massive for Aussie sports fans to be able to get behind these amazing teams, and I am sure that the players will appreciate the support of the home crowd.”
Antony Shaw, HSBC Australia CEO added he was “thrilled” with the return of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series to Australia.
“Rugby has always been a global connector of people and cultures, and the tournament’s return reinforces that Australia is truly open to the world again. As a global bank, we’re proud to be playing a part in reigniting these international connections.”
HSBC Sydney 7s has also received the backing of the NSW Government and will serve as a major tourism event under the Destination NSW initiative.
