Hong Kong recognised as ‘global player’ in world rugby after record-breaking Sevens party
Record numbers show up to watch world-class action over three days, with more in store for city with September’s WXV Global Series Challenger
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 for the first time, adding to the HSBC SVNS Series crown they clinched in New York last month.
Hong Kong’s men also made it a day to remember for their home fans, beating Japan in the Melrose Claymores final, 24 hours after being humbled by the same opponents in the group stages.
“We love Hong Kong. The fans brought it out today,” James Christie, the Hong Kong co-captain, said. “They’re always our eighth man on the field. Every pass, every instant of the game, they’re just cheering for us, and that helped us massively throughout.”
Although fewer in number than Saturday’s record crowd, the 37,570 spectators making the trip on the last day again included fans visiting for the first time.