https://www.scmp.com/rss/310895/feed Hong Kong and international rugby union news, match reports and fixtures. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Paul McNamara Paul McNamara He has been involved in designing the USA’s space policy, and graduated from Harvard and Cambridge Universities, but it was only when he played in this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens that Ryan Santos achieved his “lifelong goal”. A back for the USA, Santos, 26, played mini-rugby in the tournament for Valley Fort during nearly four years living in Hong Kong from 2006. “We were in it about four times and, as long as I can remember, playing in Hong Kong was my dream, it’s motivated me... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350641/hong-kong-trained-rugby-player-achieves-lifelong-dream-playing-sevens-usa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350641/hong-kong-trained-rugby-player-achieves-lifelong-dream-playing-sevens-usa?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:18 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara South Africa ended 29 years of hurt, brutally and ruthlessly wresting the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens crown from Argentina at a charged Kai Tak Stadium on Sunday. The king maybe dead, but rugby sevens has anointed a new all-powerful monarch. On easy street from the ninth minute, when Ryan Oosthuizen crossed to open up a 12-point lead, South Africa ran riot. They added 16 points in the closing five minutes to win 35-7, claiming their first Hong Kong title and a fourth straight tournament... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350648/south-africa-end-nearly-30-years-hurt-finally-grab-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350648/south-africa-end-nearly-30-years-hurt-finally-grab-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:00:28 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong brought the curtain down on its 50th anniversary Sevens in front of another record crowd on Sunday, and with the head of World Rugby calling the city a “significant global player”. According to organisers, some 113,395 supporters passed through the gates over the three days of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the biggest official attendance since the tournament began in 1976. And while New Zealand’s women successfully defended their title, South Africa’s men won in Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350650/hong-kong-recognised-global-player-world-rugby-after-record-breaking-sevens-party?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350650/hong-kong-recognised-global-player-world-rugby-after-record-breaking-sevens-party?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:52:42 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan There was no stopping the New Zealand women’s team at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens as they dominated and beat Australia to keep their record in Hong Kong intact on Sunday. A 19-14 win at Kai Tak Stadium handed the Black Ferns their fourth Sevens title in the city in as many years, with star player Jorja Miller an integral part of that record. “It’s an amazing accomplishment by our team. To come out here and do it four years in a row is pretty amazing,” she said. “We love playing in an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350645/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-jorja-miller-four-new-zealand-keep-record-intact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350645/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-jorja-miller-four-new-zealand-keep-record-intact?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:30:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong’s men’s team lived up to their own vow to exact revenge over Japan at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens with a 19-15 win over their arch-rivals at Kai Tak Stadium on Sunday. The thrilling win, just one day after their seven-point loss in the round-robin stage on Saturday, handed the city’s men their third Melrose Claymores trophy in as many years. And after doing so despite being shown a yellow card in each half, co-captain James Christie heaped praise on the team effort. “We gave them... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350633/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-citys-men-get-one-back-japan-win-3rd-melrose-claymores?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350633/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-citys-men-get-one-back-japan-win-3rd-melrose-claymores?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:30:14 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong will host another significant rugby tournament this year, with the game’s global governing body awarding the city the WXV Challenger in September. The two-week tournament, featuring some of the best women’s teams in the world, including Hong Kong, is expected to be held at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. Announcing the decision on Sunday on the sidelines of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson called the WXV a “very, very important competition” for his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3350611/world-rugby-boss-robinson-hails-hong-kongs-global-influence-wxv-announcement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3350611/world-rugby-boss-robinson-hails-hong-kongs-global-influence-wxv-announcement?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:09:38 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport It’s finals day in Hong Kong, and both of last year’s champions are still in with a shot of successfully defending their titles. For New Zealand, Canada stand in their way of yet another final appearance in the city, while Argentina’s men need to get past Spain. On the other side of the women’s draw, Australia have been steamrollering all before them, although France should provide tougher opposition than others. In the men’s, South Africa are somehow still alive, but now New Zealand are between... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350603/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-australia-black-ferns-finals-collision-course?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350603/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-australia-black-ferns-finals-collision-course?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:47:13 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Canadian duo Olivia Apps and Florence Symonds said they were ready to take on the heavyweights at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens after reaching the semi-finals on Saturday. A 19-7 win over the United States sent the Paris Olympic silver medallists to the last four for only the second time this season. They previously reached the final stages of a Sunday in Singapore in February. Charity Williams scored twice – the opening and closing tries – for Canada. Ariana Ramsey gave the USA some hope... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350587/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-ready-ultimate-test-against-big-guns-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350587/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-ready-ultimate-test-against-big-guns-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:20 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A record crowd packed into Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday, drawn by the prospect of some thrilling Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens action on the pitch and a chance to party like it was 1999 off it. The 41,457 fans who passed through the gates made up the biggest single-day attendance figure for a Sevens in the city, and organisers expect the three-day total to set a new high as well. Those that made the trip watched the men’s and women’s defending champions, Argentina and New Zealand, reach the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350594/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-record-single-day-crowd-watch-gripping-mens-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350594/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-record-single-day-crowd-watch-gripping-mens-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:30:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Revenge was the word on the lips of the Hong Kong players after they paid the price for an untidy performance in their 14-7 loss to Japan at a partisan Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday. Unless China inflict a fairly heavy beating on Japan early on day three of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, these two teams are poised for a speedy rematch in Sunday afternoon’s Melrose Claymores final. And the prospect of a quick-fire second shot at their arch-rivals swiftly erased the stench of defeat for the city... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350583/hong-kong-eye-revenge-after-japan-shock-partisan-kai-tak-stadium-crowd?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350583/hong-kong-eye-revenge-after-japan-shock-partisan-kai-tak-stadium-crowd?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:00:10 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Haruka Uematsu said she felt as though she was in a dream standing on the pitch at Kai Tak Stadium after being called on in a 24-12 loss to Thailand during the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Saturday. There was double delight for debutant Uematsu, who scored late on in front of a raucous South Stand in her side’s Melrose Claymores defeat. “The moment I was called upon, I knew I had to clear my mind so that I could stay focused and listen only to my teammates’ voices in a very noisy stadium,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350578/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-dreamlike-debut-haruka-uematsu-despite-thailand-loss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350578/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-dreamlike-debut-haruka-uematsu-despite-thailand-loss?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:09 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport In some ways, Saturday at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is like hump day, the bit to be successfully navigated so you can get to the fun stuff - at least it is for the players. Pool matches this morning give way to quarter-finals this evening, and for those who make it through, the promise of better days tomorrow. That’s not the case in stands, where the second day of the city’s iconic sporting event is universally known among supporters as fancy dress day, party day and the day when the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350548/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-blitzboks-seek-vital-win-australia-face-canada-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350548/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-blitzboks-seek-vital-win-australia-face-canada-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:03:06 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Aden Ekanayake acknowledged careers were on the line at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, but challenged his Australia team “to stay on the winning train” and dispel any relegation fears. The bottom four finishers in the three-leg HSBC SVNS World Championship, which is beginning with the Hong Kong tournament, will be condemned to impoverished second-tier rugby next season. But the towering 21-year-old figure of Ekanayake said his team, who finished third in the regular season standings, should... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350534/australia-star-acknowledges-players-careers-line-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350534/australia-star-acknowledges-players-careers-line-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:19 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Rory Stewart-Cox said Hong Kong would aim to “lay down a marker” when they meet Asian Games hosts Japan at Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday. Earning his third cap, Stewart-Cox scored the pick of Hong Kong’s six tries on Friday as the city team began their Melrose Claymores campaign with a 36-14 demolition of overmatched China. Evading four challenges as he sprinted half the length of the pitch, Stewart-Cox touched down to banish the frustration of an injury-hit past six months. “It’s been an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350536/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-hosts-aiming-put-down-asian-games-marker-against-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350536/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-hosts-aiming-put-down-asian-games-marker-against-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:00:17 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong welcomed back its iconic Sevens rugby tournament for a 50th year on Friday, with an opening ceremony featuring robots, K-pop and a light show almost as sparkling as some of the action on the pitch. Not even a hole in the roof of the HK$30 billion Kai Tak Stadium could put a dampener on proceedings, even if the rain that leaked in left some fans running for cover. Even so, the thunderstorms that hovered over the city for much of the afternoon did little to deter spectators generally,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350541/hong-kong-sevens-heaven-dazzling-display-marks-start-50th-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350541/hong-kong-sevens-heaven-dazzling-display-marks-start-50th-year?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:06:53 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong head coach Andy Vilk said there were always positives to take away after the city’s women escaped with a draw against Denmark on Friday. Playing in the Melrose Claymores tournament at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the reigning champions found themselves in a bit of a hole after the visitors jumped to a 14-0 lead through tries from Sofie Giessing and Mille Elmbak either side of half-time. Veteran Chong Ka-yan salvaged the day for the hosts with a pair of tries inside the final three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350533/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-hong-kong-coach-sees-positive-side-womens-close-escape?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350533/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-hong-kong-coach-sees-positive-side-womens-close-escape?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:30:07 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Australia and New Zealand look highly likely to meet again in the women’s final at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday, after both teams made perfect starts to their world championship campaigns. However, while New Zealand dispatched Brazil 29-12 and Japan 38-7 at Kai Tak Stadium and should be untroubled by Fiji in their final pool match against Fiji on Saturday, the Australians have a tougher assignment ahead against Canada. Australia sit second in Pool B behind Canada despite thrashing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350504/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-australia-new-zealand-look-set-inevitable-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350504/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-australia-new-zealand-look-set-inevitable-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Out of public view beneath Kai Tak Stadium’s South Stand, Germany’s players huddled around Pablo Feijoo and listened to the head coach tell them they should not be surprised by the speed and ferocity they had just encountered. Among those listening to the Spaniard address his squad in English following their 42-5 defeat by Fiji was Niklas Koch, the captain who combines trying to put rugby on the map in a football-crazy country with working as a policeman. Stepping away from the debrief, he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350485/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-german-star-combining-rugby-police-duties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350485/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-german-star-combining-rugby-police-duties?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:00:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Cheers, music, and lights broke through the roof of the Kai Tak Stadium on Friday as fans old and new joined the opening day of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens for the “best weekend of the year”. Following eight hours of action, 21 matches, and hundreds of points, the city’s Sports Minister Rosanna Law Shuk-pui and former Australian rugby player Michael Hooper performed the traditional “eye-dotting” ceremony for five dragons on the pitch at the start of a thumping opening ceremony. Accompanied... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350525/rugby-fans-old-and-new-celebrate-best-weekend-year-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350525/rugby-fans-old-and-new-celebrate-best-weekend-year-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:23:01 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport After all the talk, and there has been plenty, it’s finally time for the serious business of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens to get started – and while the players work hard, the fans are undoubtedly going to play hard. For the teams, it’s the opening leg of the newly created HSBC SVNS World Championship. Points have been reset, sides have been added, and the sprint to the finish in Bordeaux in June begins today. South Africa won the men’s regular season title, and in much less of a shock, New... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3350388/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-all-eyes-blitzboks-black-ferns-early-day-1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3350388/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-all-eyes-blitzboks-black-ferns-early-day-1?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:00:34 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The talking is done, the planning is over and all that is left is for the fans to enter the stadium and the players to get onto the pitch. It’s 50th anniversary Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, and as usual there is plenty you should know about the three days that lie ahead. So, here’s our handy guide to some things you should know on Friday. 1 It’s a sell-out Anyone hoping to grab a three-day ticket is going to be disappointed, according to organisers, who say they have all sold out. All that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350371/boks-chasing-first-title-tickets-sell-out-5-things-know-day-1-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350371/boks-chasing-first-title-tickets-sell-out-5-things-know-day-1-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:00:26 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Bryn Phillips is aiming to inspire the next generation of city players at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, while also plotting his exit strategy from a high-achieving career. A key member of the 12-man Hong Kong squad for the exhibition Melrose Claymores tournament at Kai Tak Stadium, the scrum-half is ultimately aiming to follow in the footsteps of teammates Tom and Alex McQueen and become an airline pilot. Playing his ninth year of international rugby, however, Phillips has plenty more he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350306/hong-kong-rugby-star-aiming-inspire-sevens-plotting-cathay-career?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350306/hong-kong-rugby-star-aiming-inspire-sevens-plotting-cathay-career?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:17 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport It feels as though we have been talking about the 50th anniversary of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens for months, which, in fairness, some people have. Planning for the week has been serious business, both for organisers and those with three days of partying and rugby in mind. And as usual, there is as much action off the pitch as on it, with K-pop artists, a Eurodance group and DJs all performing at Kai Tak Stadium. But making the most of what to see and do requires almost as much groundwork... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350362/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-event-planner-your-guide-ultimate-sports-party?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350362/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-event-planner-your-guide-ultimate-sports-party?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:00:16 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara He has seen the man who 16 months ago beat him over 100 metres attain global stardom, but after committing to rugby, the fast-developing Bailey Roberts-Lintmeijer is ready for his turn to “get on the world stage and prove myself”. In Hong Kong to represent First Nations & Pasifika in the Tradition HKFC 10s, Roberts-Lintmeijer, 18, began training with Australia’s senior sevens squad last year. After banishing his butterflies over rubbing shoulders with the country’s best sevens players, he has... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350363/racing-gout-gout-chasing-sevens-stardom-aussie-teen-gas-burn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350363/racing-gout-gout-chasing-sevens-stardom-aussie-teen-gas-burn?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:00:50 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Eugene Cheung admitted that his role as the on-site dentist at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens keeps him just as busy on the pitch as it does off the pitch. Cheung started working at the tournament in 2017 after a colleague, who had the job previously but decided to change speciality, recommended him to the Hong Kong China Rugby Union. With his experience covering tournaments at Hong Kong Stadium and at Kai Tak Stadium, Cheung revealed that the players are generally pretty aware about dental... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350288/hong-kong-sevens-dentist-kept-his-toes-fans-just-much-players?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350288/hong-kong-sevens-dentist-kept-his-toes-fans-just-much-players?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:19 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Fourteen years after a freak accident left him paralysed, the formidable Jake Howe is plotting to upgrade his Paralympics bronze from 2024 and win a second World Wheelchair Rugby Championships title later this year. Part of the Australian team that triumphed in this week’s inaugural Hong Kong 5s at Kai Tak Arena, Howe began playing the sport within one year of sustaining his injury. “I’ve always had a positive outlook,” he said. “My partner at the time was three months pregnant, so you’re not... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350212/aussie-howe-eyes-paralympic-gold-wheelchair-rugby-first-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350212/aussie-howe-eyes-paralympic-gold-wheelchair-rugby-first-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:40 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Aussie pop icon Jason Donovan, an Abba tribute act and rugby officials, players and fans brought a party atmosphere to Happy Valley, as racing took its turn in the Hong Kong Sevens spotlight on Wednesday. And the racecourse was dressed for the occasion, with rugby-themed decorations and activities drawing crowds of fans already in town for the city’s biggest sporting week. The venue’s “Shout Stand” resembled the infamous South Stand at Kai Tak Stadium, with costumed spectators singing along to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350218/rugby-and-racing-fans-bring-party-atmosphere-hong-kong-sevens-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350218/rugby-and-racing-fans-bring-party-atmosphere-hong-kong-sevens-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:21:54 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara South Africa captain Impi Visser believes World Rugby’s “confusing” closed-shop sevens model has stunted the sport’s growth. The elite HSBC SVNS Series was cut from 12 to eight teams this season, although for three concluding World Championship legs, which begin with this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the numbers are back up to 12. The streamlining has had a damaging knock-on effect, with second-tier teams limited to three competitive tournaments, unless they gained promotion to feature... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350185/south-africa-captain-impi-visser-believes-changes-sevens-format-confusing-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350185/south-africa-captain-impi-visser-believes-changes-sevens-format-confusing-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:18:23 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara She has two Olympic golds and two World Cup winner’s medals, but New Zealand great Portia Woodman-Wickliffe acknowledged she was plagued by nerves before her Tradition HKFC 10s debut on Tuesday. Representing Aone Sports New Zealand Legends in the three-day tournament, the 34-year-old performed a retirement U-turn to play in last year’s 15s World Cup before calling time on her career for a second time two months ago. Woodman-Wickliffe initially quit after starring in New Zealand’s golden 2024... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350060/new-zealand-rugby-legend-woodman-wickliffe-feeling-nervous-ahead-hong-kong-10s-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350060/new-zealand-rugby-legend-woodman-wickliffe-feeling-nervous-ahead-hong-kong-10s-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:00:18 +0000 Shah Sahari Shah Sahari The Tradition HKFC 10s celebrates its 40th anniversary this week and it’s fair to say a lot has changed since that inaugural tournament in 1986. Shah Sahari looks back at that first event ahead of Tuesday’s opening matches. Ah, 10-a-side rugby: the version for those who fancy themselves as sevens players but without quite having the speed, mobility and physique for it. Back in the dawn of time – 40 years ago, actually – the Hong Kong Football Club, having already launched what was to become the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3349859/hong-kong-10s-was-my-first-proper-rugby-tour-40-years-later-i-still-remember-it-all?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3349859/hong-kong-10s-was-my-first-proper-rugby-tour-40-years-later-i-still-remember-it-all?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The tattoos inscribed on the arms of Au King-to will be joined by a design celebrating her Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens debut, after she overcame self-doubt to earn a place in the city’s team this week. On Sunday, the 29-year-old was named in a 12-strong women’s squad that covers the full range of experience, from a 48th cap for the evergreen Nam Ka-man to 19-year-old Haruka Uematsu, who will make her Hong Kong debut in her side’s Melrose Claymores campaign. There were plenty of fresh faces in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349793/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-debut-15s-stalwart-after-overcoming-self-doubt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349793/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-debut-15s-stalwart-after-overcoming-self-doubt?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:39 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong Jockey Club spent more than a decade working to convince the city’s rugby community they should be allowed to play a part in sevens week – the two sides finally came together on Sunday for the start of eight days when athletes of all stripes will thunder across different types of turf. The men and women who will represent the city at Kai Tak Stadium formed the centrepiece of the event at Sha Tin Racecourse, and for several, including women’s debutant Haruka Uematsu, it will be their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349801/many-firsts-and-new-faces-rugby-racing-finally-share-stage-hong-kong-7s-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349801/many-firsts-and-new-faces-rugby-racing-finally-share-stage-hong-kong-7s-week?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:04:52 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A genuine Olympic star with two medals from three Games, Charity Williams is planning to “have a blast” on her Kai Tak Stadium debut at this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. The Canada wing sat out a series of Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) training matches on Saturday, icing her shoulder as her side faced Fiji, Denmark and the city team. And there is no danger of “just a little stinger” ruling the 29-year-old out for a second straight year. “It’s still awesome to be here [HKSI], this is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349748/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-olympic-star-williams-plans-having-blast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349748/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-olympic-star-williams-plans-having-blast?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:15 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Told by a surgeon at the age of 31 that chronic damage to his right shoulder meant he would never play rugby again, former Wales international Richard Parks “fell off the edge of a cliff”. “It was like I was in free fall without anything to grab onto,” the ex-Newport and Pontypridd flanker told the South China Morning Post, adding that his self-worth spiralled as his identity slipped away. “If I wasn’t Richard Parks the rugby player, who was I?” he said. “I always enjoyed being good at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3349671/ex-wales-flanker-richard-parks-dark-thoughts-and-going-pole-pole-will-smith?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3349671/ex-wales-flanker-richard-parks-dark-thoughts-and-going-pole-pole-will-smith?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:15 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Jevon Groves has a “burning desire” to help Hong Kong make their Olympic sevens qualifying breakthrough, but the head coach said he would review his future following the 2028 Games cycle. The city team contested a full-blooded friendly training match against Fiji at Football Club on Wednesday as part of their preparations for the exhibition Melrose Claymores tournament, which will also feature Japan and China, at next week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. It is illustrative of the increasingly... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349400/hong-kong-7s-coach-has-desire-olympics-first-targets-kai-tak-asian-games-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349400/hong-kong-7s-coach-has-desire-olympics-first-targets-kai-tak-asian-games-double?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:00:11 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Returning to the scene of the first-ever Hong Kong Sevens, former city rugby captain Bob Lloyd admitted there was “no way” he could have imagined 50 years ago that the tournament would become what it is today. The first edition that kicked off at the Football Club on March 28, 1976, was the only Sevens tournament Lloyd competed in. A former England international with five caps and two career tries between 1967 and 1968, after he finished playing, Lloyd became the coach for the city’s team in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3348258/former-hong-kong-sevens-captain-bob-lloyd-relives-50-years-rugby-magic-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3348258/former-hong-kong-sevens-captain-bob-lloyd-relives-50-years-rugby-magic-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:30:12 +0000 SCMP 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... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3348128/first-hong-kong-sevens-rugby-tourney-held-1976-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3348128/first-hong-kong-sevens-rugby-tourney-held-1976-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:30:07 +0000 Mike Rowse Mike Rowse It was entirely by chance that I attended the first Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament 50 years ago. It has been a priority annual event for me every year since. I was living in the old government quarters site at Leighton Hill at the time (later sold and now a luxury residential development) when a neighbour encouraged me to go. He had attended at the Football Club stadium just down the hill from us on the Saturday, really enjoyed it, and persuaded me to join him on the Sunday. Having nothing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3348092/trip-down-memory-lane-how-hong-kong-sevens-has-evolved-world-class-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3348092/trip-down-memory-lane-how-hong-kong-sevens-has-evolved-world-class-event?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:09 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse New All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie on Tuesday named his back room team to take New Zealand through to next year’s Rugby World Cup, retaining one old face but turning mostly to former assistants from his successful club coaching career. The 62-year-old former Wallabies coach Rennie has been tasked with whipping New Zealand into shape for next year’s World Cup in Australia following a scathing 2025 performance review and a rumoured player revolt against previous head coach Scott Robertson. New... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3347750/new-zealand-coach-dave-rennie-shakes-back-room-team-2027-rugby-world-cup-looms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3347750/new-zealand-coach-dave-rennie-shakes-back-room-team-2027-rugby-world-cup-looms?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:00:12 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Fresh from being honoured at the Hong Kong Coaching Awards last weekend, Paul John said he still had unfinished business as head of the city’s sevens programme. Into his 10th year in the role, John was rewarded with the best team coach prize after Hong Kong’s men claimed National Games gold and strolled to Asia Rugby Sevens Series success in 2025. This year began on a low note, however, when the city team narrowly lost an HSBC SVNS 3 semi-final to Canada, costing them promotion to the second... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3347627/hong-kong-sevens-head-has-unfinished-business-underlines-world-and-olympic-aims?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3347627/hong-kong-sevens-head-has-unfinished-business-underlines-world-and-olympic-aims?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:13 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A fiercely proud and industrious First Nations & Pasifika team have been told they will be “playing to keep the jersey alive” on their Tradition HKFC 10s debut next month. Comprised of players of Indigenous Australian or Pacific Islander origin, First Nations & Pasifika gave the British & Irish Lions a tremendous fright in their inaugural fixture last year. While the side ultimately beaten 24-19 featured “the best of the best”, according to general manager Matt Sonter, it will be a younger but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3347474/first-nations-pasifika-aiming-unearth-international-stars-hong-kong-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3347474/first-nations-pasifika-aiming-unearth-international-stars-hong-kong-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:22:14 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens celebrates its 50th birthday next month, although there appears to be little excitement in the city as the tournament approaches. Rather than being ready to mark the special occasion, fans and businesses the South China Morning Post spoke to were more inclined to treat it as “just an ordinary week”, while bemoaning the rise in ticket prices. A first rise in prices since 2018 has taken the cost of a three-day ticket to HK$2,250 for adults and HK$1,100 for children... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3346719/hong-kong-sevens-hits-50-fans-more-focused-ticket-prices-just-ordinary-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3346719/hong-kong-sevens-hits-50-fans-more-focused-ticket-prices-just-ordinary-week?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:30:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ben Gollings believes world rugby chiefs still need to locate the “sweet spot that will bring the attractiveness back to sevens”, after a controversial overhaul last year shrank their marquee HSBC SVNS Series. Sevens royalty following a record-breaking playing career, Englishman Gollings is on the frontline of attempts to grow the sport in India, and he will lead the recently formed franchise team Chennai Bulls in this year’s expanded Tradition HKFC 10s. “We want to provide more opportunities... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3344368/rugby-7s-royalty-ben-gollings-bringing-chennai-bulls-play-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3344368/rugby-7s-royalty-ben-gollings-bringing-chennai-bulls-play-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:11 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong rugby bosses believe they can be successful on several fronts over the next 18 months, despite a relatively small player pool and the setting of some ambitious targets. While preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup are likely to dominate the headlines for the next year and more, the city’s men also have their eyes on retaining their Asian Games sevens title and reaching the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Officials have spent the past six months thrashing out what that entails in terms of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3343190/olympic-sevens-and-world-cup-ambition-can-go-hand-hand-hong-kong-rugby-bosses-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3343190/olympic-sevens-and-world-cup-ambition-can-go-hand-hand-hong-kong-rugby-bosses-say?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:42:38 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport South Africa’s rugby sevens men’s team won an HSBC SVNS series tournament for the second time this season when they beat overall leaders Fiji 21-19 in Perth on Sunday. The Blitzboks, who also won their home Cape Town leg in December, last won in Australia more than a decade ago, but they made up for lost time with an exciting and hard-fought victory that cut the Fijians’ lead in the series to just four points. Fiji now have 70 points after four of the six legs, while the South Africans are on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3342843/hsbc-svsn-perth-new-zealand-women-win-again-south-africas-blitzboks-halt-fijian-momentum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3342843/hsbc-svsn-perth-new-zealand-women-win-again-south-africas-blitzboks-halt-fijian-momentum?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:57:14 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong head coach Logan Asplin is under no illusions as to the “harsh reality” his side will face over the next 18 months as they prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The tournament’s opening game against Australia on October 1, followed by Chile and then the All Blacks two weeks later, will be preceded this year and next by Test matches against higher-ranked opposition in the Nations Cup and as many training games as can be arranged before the main event. The side’s South American rivals in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3342396/hong-kong-ready-harsh-reality-rugby-world-cup-coach-proud-progress?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3342396/hong-kong-ready-harsh-reality-rugby-world-cup-coach-proud-progress?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:02:41 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens in April is promising to be the biggest in the tournament’s 50-year history, with organisers saying they had already sold the equivalent of 100,000 tickets. Last year’s crowd for the Sevens’ debut at Kai Tak Stadium was more than 110,000 for the three days, and officials expect to surpass that figure with all corporate boxes and individual hospitality sold out. The South Stand Pass category offering access to the infamous party area is also sold out, although... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3342359/hong-kong-sevens-rugby-expects-another-bumper-crowd-2026-after-selling-100000-tickets?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3342359/hong-kong-sevens-rugby-expects-another-bumper-crowd-2026-after-selling-100000-tickets?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:30:37 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Eddie Jones said on Tuesday that next year’s Rugby World Cup schedule gives smaller teams a “fair” chance of upsetting the sport’s big boys as he plots another shock with Japan. Organisers unveiled the fixture list for the tournament in Australia in 2027, with the event featuring 24 teams for the first time and giving all sides roughly a week between matches. The tournament opens on Friday, October 1, with the hosts playing debutants Hong Kong at Perth Stadium. Jones was in charge when Japan... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3342209/japan-coach-eddie-jones-says-rugby-world-cup-schedule-fair-helps-small-teams?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3342209/japan-coach-eddie-jones-says-rugby-world-cup-schedule-fair-helps-small-teams?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 07:16:53 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong head coach Logan Asplin said he was as surprised as anyone to learn his team had been handed the daunting task of facing Australia in the opening game of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Asplin also acknowledged that the neutral supporter would not necessarily “go out of their way” to watch what promises to be a singularly one-sided affair. Officials released the match schedule on Tuesday, pitching the game in Perth on Friday, October 1, between debutants ranked No 22 in the world and a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3342163/hong-kong-face-australia-opening-game-2027-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3342163/hong-kong-face-australia-opening-game-2027-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:44:46 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Fiji edged out France 21-12 in a thrilling men’s final, while New Zealand downed old foes Australia to secure a third successive women’s crown at the HSBC SVNS Singapore on Sunday. The French fought hard throughout, but it was Fijian flair that won the day as they capped a brilliant weekend in style. France charged into a 12-0 interval lead with tries from Jordan Sepho and Paulin Riva. But Fiji, blessed with so many attacking options, steadied themselves and roared back to take the title. Viwa... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3342010/hsbc-svns-singapore-fiji-men-rampant-black-ferns-claim-titles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3342010/hsbc-svns-singapore-fiji-men-rampant-black-ferns-claim-titles?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:00:17 +0000