Scintillating Sevens score for Hong Kong’s image on international stage
- Iconic rugby competition roars back for first time since lifting of pandemic curbs to show world what it has been missing
The successful return of the Hong Kong Sevens in November, after an absence of 3½ years, marked the beginning of the city’s push to return to normal life after the pandemic.
But with Covid-19 restrictions still in place, the rugby tournament was not as big or bold as in the past. That made last weekend’s fully fledged tournament all the more important. The flagship event, with its carnival atmosphere and intense sporting action, signalled the city is on the way back.
The three-day competition at Hong Kong Stadium was attended by 75,000 people. This time, there were few masks and more visitors from overseas. The famous party atmosphere was back, giving bars and restaurants a much-needed boost.
There was some top class rugby, too. New Zealand claimed the honours with winning men’s and women’s teams.
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Hong Kong Sevens rugby returns, kicking off 3 days of partying
There was much for local fans to cheer. The Hong Kong men’s team won silverware for the first time since 2010, claiming the shield. For the first time, a leg of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series was held alongside the men’s tournament. The Hong Kong women’s team scored their first try in the competition.
The battling spirit of both local teams, roared on by an enthusiastic crowd, was inspiring.
The Sevens are one of the top international sporting events returning to Hong Kong now pandemic restrictions have been lifted.
Only six such events took place between 2020 and 2022, with 21 cancellations. These contests can play a key part in restoring Hong Kong’s status as an international city.
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The Sevens are the most iconic, having first been held in the city in 1976. They were postponed five times during the pandemic.
The Hong Kong Rugby Union suffered a heavy loss in revenue and cut its staff by almost half. Now the Sevens are back, the sport should go from strength to strength.
But there are challenges ahead. The number of teams competing in the world series is to be cut from 16 to 12 this year. This means the future participation of Hong Kong’s teams in the event it hosts is not guaranteed.
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Hong Kong Sevens returns in full glory: What is it all about?
Hopefully, they will qualify. But if not, the rugby authorities should find a way of allowing them – and other host teams – to participate in their home events. It would not be the same without them.
The tournament is due to move to a new 50,000-capacity stadium in Kai Tak in 2025. Every effort should be made to ensure the new venue provides the same exciting atmosphere. The slogan of the Sevens is “where the world comes to play”.
This was not possible during the pandemic, but long may they live on as Hong Kong opens up.
