Topic
The HKRU (formerly HKRFU) is the governing body for rugby union in Hong Kong. Founded in 1952 and since 1988 an affiliate of World Rugby (IRB) the union organises the world-renowned Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens plus international 15s test matches and tournaments, domestic leagues for men and women, and age-grade competitions for all standards of play.
The sold-out rugby tournament is perfectly placed to send the message that Hong Kong is back in action with more than 40 per cent of tickets taken by people outside the city.
Iconic rugby competition roars back for first time since lifting of pandemic curbs to show world what it has been missing.
New rules introduced after an embarrassing gaffe involving the national song at a rugby match involving Hong Kong place responsibility with organisers and there should be no repeat.
Suspended since 2019 because of pandemic restrictions, the rugby spectacle is set for a November comeback that will signal to the world another city step towards normal life.
- Ireland’s men must beat Fiji on Saturday to guarantee quarter-final berth, as they chase Argentina at top of series standings
- New Zealand and Australia women enjoy perfect opening days in pursuit of league leaders’ prize, USA suffer twin blow
Ireland are piecing together a formidable HSBC SVNS Series campaign after shedding ‘impostor syndrome’ over five years on elite circuit, said legend Brian O’Driscoll.
Rugby bosses seeking out next generation of stars as drubbing in Australia highlights need for larger player pool, while elite coach Paul John wants to see ‘as many sevens tournaments as possible’ played domestically.
Tournament holds its third edition in the city, as proceeds go to medical missions in the Philippines, and grass-roots rugby programmes in the Philippines, Laos and Hong Kong.
Readers discuss talk of moving the Sevens rugby tournament to Kai Tak Sports Park, and the suggestion that the government take a stake in Cathay Pacific.
Hamish Kenny says his documentary tells how the sport is growing across the continent and helping communities.
Seeing USA play on same stage as men in Hong Kong was ‘cool’, while Olympic inclusion has made the 2028 LA Games a major draw for teenage girls, Abby Gustaitis says.
Readers discuss the significance of an iconic rugby tournament, and crowd management at the city’s border checkpoints.
Salom Yiu retired again on Sunday, and claimed this time he meant it, after Hong Kong’s men beat Japan to win the Melrose Claymore competition.
Men in green close gap behind series leaders Argentina with one regular leg remaining, and target Olympic glory.
‘We earmarked this competition really early in the season,’ Scott Curry says, adding that Hong Kong was an event ‘where we wanted to peak’.
Les Bleus and Ireland prepare for a well poised semi-final clash on Sunday, with France chasing successive sevens series titles and the Irish a first ever tournament crown.
Having ousted crowd favourites and perennial finalists Fiji, All Blacks now face old foes Australia for place in the final, and a chance to be the last winners ever at city’s iconic venue.
Abby Gustaitis says sevens is capturing the imagination of her compatriots, as women advance to Hong Kong Sevens semi-finals with emphatic 33-7 win over Fiji.
Abi Burton has ‘come full circle’ after playing in the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens following fears her career was over because of a serious illness that left her in a coma
Ireland rugby royalty Brian O’Driscoll says Hong Kong remains the cream of the world series circuit crop, ‘prestige and history’ elevate city’s event above others.
Australia legend Michael Hooper reveals the extent of his nerves before a debut at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, former 15s captain enjoys bright start, but day ends on sour note
The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens continues on Saturday with group and knockout matches. Here’s everything you need to know on day 2.
The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens roared into action on Friday, with sold-out crowds revelling in home success and splashing out on city stays
Hong Kong captain Natasha Olson-Thorne says marking her 50th appearance with a try in a swashbuckling victory over China, in front of a jubilant home crowd, is among her top-3 rugby moments
Hong Kong is preparing for its annual sevens jamboree, with a hosts of stars in the city, and a series of subplots underpinning what should be an intriguing three days of rugby.
Dylan Collier says his team can overcome a slump in form and shoulder the weight of wearing New Zealand jersey in Hong Kong title defence.
The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens takes place Friday to Sunday. Here’s everything you need to know on day 1.
Bryan Habana is backing former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper to successfully cross into the ‘fast-paced, thrilling’ sevens code.
Crossover talent is set for a key role on the field at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens after making the brutal transition from 15s.
Skipper rues home team’s drop to a secondary competition, but vows they are ‘taking it seriously’ as he keeps his fancy dress costumes in the wardrobe for another year.
‘It meant so much growing up, and after playing for 10 years, the excitement is not different from the first time,’ Hong Kong’s Cado Lee says of home tournament.
Bryan Habana, one of the world’s greatest rugby players, says James Sawyer and Fong Kit-fung must ‘look up and enjoy the experience’ at this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.
Tournament involving non-contact version of sport attracts teams from across Asia, with almost 500 players taking part.
