Hong Kong Sevens
Encyclopedia
The Hong Kong Sevens is considered the premier tournament on the IRB Sevens World Series
in rugby sevens
—a variant of rugby union
.
Organised by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union
(HKRFU), the event is held annually at the last weekend of March in Hong Kong, commencing on a Friday afternoon, and concluding on the Sunday evening. In 2012 the event will take place slightly earlier, 23 - 25 March.
Bill McLaren
, in his autobiography Talking of Rugby writes at length about his Hong Kong Sevens experiences:
, Jardine Matheson Limited, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Director of HSBC
) and Ian Gow, a Rothmans' Tobacco company executive. Gow wanted his firm to sponsor a rugby union tournament with top teams from throughout the world. McTavish and Smith suggested that a rugby sevens
tournament would be more logistically feasible and be a better spectacle than a 15-a-side tournament. After an initial proposal was refused by the Rugby Football Union
in England, the HKRFU changed its focus and sent out invitations to Asian and Pacific sides.
On 28 March 1976, clubs from Indonesia, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Japan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Fiji participated in the first Hong Kong Sevens Tournament at the Hong Kong Football Club
in Happy Valley
sponsored by Rothmans' Tobacco and Cathay Pacific. This was an important step as this was one of the first rugby tournaments that attracted commercial sponsorship. Of the countries represented in the inaugural sevens tournament, only Australia and New Zealand did not send national sides, instead being represented by the Wallaroos and the Cantabrians respectively. These two clubs met in the final where the Cantabrians won 24-8.
The series then grew into a competition with national representative sevens sides competing, and with this growth, the tournament moved to the Hong Kong Stadium
in 1982.
The Hong Kong Sevens were ahead of their time, and an influential force in the modernisation of rugby union, for example, the Hong Kong Sevens were one of the first rugby union tournaments to attract major sponsorship, when the airline Cathay Pacific
sponsored the 1976 tournament. They also provided a level of cosmopolitan international competition, which tended not to exist in rugby before the first Rugby World Cup
in 1987, especially since was not seen as one of the "Big Eight", and other than some involvement with , the Commonwealth
teams tended to be notoriously clannish. By 1986, the Hong Kong Sevens were held up as a positive example to others:
However, despite this apparent diversity, some of the same old problems which had dogged international rugby were still manifest in the Hong Kong Sevens in the 1980s - for example, in a photograph of the vs game at the tournament in 1984, the teams do not appear to include anyone who is ethnically Arabian or Chinese, instead both teams are quite clearly of northern European ethnic origin.
In 1994, the venue was deemed too small for the tournament and was rebuilt into a 40,000 seat stadium now named the Hong Kong Stadium
. Today, 24 national representative sides compete in the tournament. These include the 16 'core' members of the IRB Sevens World Series
, plus eight further invited teams.
In 1997 and 2005, the Hong Kong Sevens was not held; taking its place was the Rugby World Cup Sevens, which Hong Kong hosted in both years. Fiji won both World Cup Sevens tournaments.
In 1998, the first tournament after the transfer of sovereignty to China, tickets were not sold internationally and the event was stricken with a bankrupt sponsor Peregrine
. The Union's Organising Committee worked hard, and successfully implemented its marketing strategy to get the local population involved through "Friday Night is Party Night" and secured CSFB
as sponsors "on a spur-of-the-moment", the event was a comparatively huge success. In 2011, after HSBC negotiated title sponsorship to the entire World Sevens Series tournaments, it was no longer possible for Credit Suisse to sponsor the Hong Kong leg after 14 years.
, it is contested by 24 teams; all other World Series tournaments have 16 teams participating. The teams are divided into six pools of four teams, who play a round-robin within the pool. The winning team of the tournament acquires 30 points towards its rankings in the World Series instead of the normal 24, and the runner-up earns 25 points instead of the normal 20. Through the 2008–09 IRB Sevens season, the Hong Kong Sevens awarded 24 points to the runner-up, and 16-team events offered only 20 points for the winner and 16 for the runner-up.)
The 2010 edition saw several significant changes to the tournament format. Foremost among these changes was the introduction of the fourth-level Shield trophy, which had not previously been awarded in Hong Kong. More important within the context of the IRB Sevens as a whole, the Cup and Plate are now contested in the same manner as in other competitions, with the losing quarter-finalists in the Cup parachuting into the Plate semifinals.
The total prize money stands at US$150,000. The Cup Champion wins US$100,000, and the runner-up takes home US$25,000; each semi-finalist loser receives US$12,500.
For spectators, particular emphasis on the South Stand, where hordes of rugby fans dress up and dance for most of the duration. Activities that typically ensue as the weekend progresses include the throwing of empty beer jugs around the South Stand, Mexican waves, and streakers running across the pitch. Outside the stadium, the 'Sevens Village' at the Indian Recreation Club nearby is an alternative venue to gather and watch matches on giant screens, eat and drink to excess while matches are in progress; and after the match, partying continues with champagne and live music and DJs in the champagne tent.
Since 2007 the South Stand has been made officially accessible to over-18s only, due to its hyper and somewhat provocative atmosphere. Streakers were formally arrested. In addition, following an incident in 2010 when one spectator invaded the pitch, climbed onto the crossbars at the south end of the stadium before dodging back into the stands and disappearing, organisers stepped up security and announced a zero-tolerance policy of invaders in 2011. Out of concerns for safety, the local Rugby Union sent out notification that anyone entering the playing area who should not enter would be arrested by the police, instead of just being ejected from the arena.
2011 Hong Kong Sevens
For New Zealand
, Jonah Lomu
, Christian Cullen
, Zinzan Brooke
, John Schuster
, Rodney So'oialo
, Joe Rokocoko
, Mils Muliaina
and Rico Gear
were first introduced to the international game of Sevens. For Australia
, former Australian captain George Gregan
first demonstrated his ability at the Hong Kong Sevens in the same team as Joe Roff
and Ben Tune
. Sevens launched the careers of Rupeni Caucau
, Napolioni Nalaga
, Sireli Bobo
, Noa Nadruku
, Joeli Vidiri
, William Ryder, Marika Vunibaka
and Vilimoni Delasau
to name just a few Fijians. For England
, Lawrence Dallaglio
, Matt Dawson
, Austin Healey
, Josh Lewsey
, Mathew Tait
and David Strettle
have developed their game in the shortened code. For Wales
, Jamie Roberts
, James Hook
has gone on to play at fly-half for his national team after playing in the Hong Kong Sevens. South Africa, also, have seen Jean de Villiers
, Bryan Habana
, Ricky Januarie
, Brent Russell
and Kabamba Floors
showcase their variety of skills at the event. Sevens also launched the international career of former Argentina 15s
captain Agustín Pichot
, who now serves on the coaching staff of the country's sevens team
.
IRB Sevens World Series
The IRB Sevens World Series, known officially as the HSBC Sevens World Series as of the 2010-11 season, through sponsorship from banking group HSBC, and also sometimes called the World Sevens Series, is a series of international rugby union sevens tournaments organised for the first time in the...
in rugby sevens
Rugby sevens
Rugby sevens, also known as seven-a-side or VIIs, is a variant of rugby union in which teams are made up of seven players, instead of the usual 15, with shorter matches. Rugby sevens is administered by the International Rugby Board , the body responsible for rugby union worldwide...
—a variant of rugby union
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
.
Organised by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union
Hong Kong Rugby Football Union
Hong Kong Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Hong Kong. It was founded in 1953 and became affiliated to the International Rugby Board in 1988. They organise the annual Hong Kong Sevens tournament....
(HKRFU), the event is held annually at the last weekend of March in Hong Kong, commencing on a Friday afternoon, and concluding on the Sunday evening. In 2012 the event will take place slightly earlier, 23 - 25 March.
Bill McLaren
Bill McLaren
William Pollock "Bill" McLaren CBE was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. Until his retirement in 2002, he was known as 'the voice of rugby'...
, in his autobiography Talking of Rugby writes at length about his Hong Kong Sevens experiences:
- "I remember a big South Sea islander saying that, in his view, the Hong Kong sevens were really the Olympic games of Rugby Union. Certainly, the Hong Kong event encapsulates all the really good things that the game has to offer–splendid organisation, wonderful sporting spirit, universal camaraderie, admirable field behaviour, the most enjoyable crowd participation, the chance for emergent rugby nations to lock horns with the mighty men of , , , , and the Barbarians. There is, too, scintillating running and handling which is what the game is supposed to be all about."
History
The Hong Kong Seven heads were established in 1976 after a discussion between the chairman of the HKRFU, South African entrepreneur, A.D.C. "Tokkie" Smith, Duncan McTavish (HKRFC then captain), Trevor J. Bedford OBE (Chairman of Hong Kong LandHongkong Land
Hongkong Land is one of Asia’s leading property investment, management and development groups with premium commercial and residential property interests across the region. It owns and manages some five million square feet of commercial space in Hong Kong’s Central Business District serving...
, Jardine Matheson Limited, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Director of HSBC
HSBC
HSBC Holdings plc is a global banking and financial services company headquartered in Canary Wharf, London, United Kingdom. it is the world's second-largest banking and financial services group and second-largest public company according to a composite measure by Forbes magazine...
) and Ian Gow, a Rothmans' Tobacco company executive. Gow wanted his firm to sponsor a rugby union tournament with top teams from throughout the world. McTavish and Smith suggested that a rugby sevens
Rugby sevens
Rugby sevens, also known as seven-a-side or VIIs, is a variant of rugby union in which teams are made up of seven players, instead of the usual 15, with shorter matches. Rugby sevens is administered by the International Rugby Board , the body responsible for rugby union worldwide...
tournament would be more logistically feasible and be a better spectacle than a 15-a-side tournament. After an initial proposal was refused by the Rugby Football Union
Rugby Football Union
The Rugby Football Union was founded in 1871 as the governing body for the sport of rugby union, and performed as the international governing body prior to the formation of the International Rugby Board in 1886...
in England, the HKRFU changed its focus and sent out invitations to Asian and Pacific sides.
On 28 March 1976, clubs from Indonesia, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Japan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Fiji participated in the first Hong Kong Sevens Tournament at the Hong Kong Football Club
Hong Kong Football Club
The Soccer Section of Hong Kong Football Club has few teams. The First Team is competitng in Hong Kong Second Division League.-History:...
in Happy Valley
Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Happy Valley is a mostly residential suburb of Hong Kong, located in the northern part of Hong Kong Island. Administratively, it is part of Wan Chai District....
sponsored by Rothmans' Tobacco and Cathay Pacific. This was an important step as this was one of the first rugby tournaments that attracted commercial sponsorship. Of the countries represented in the inaugural sevens tournament, only Australia and New Zealand did not send national sides, instead being represented by the Wallaroos and the Cantabrians respectively. These two clubs met in the final where the Cantabrians won 24-8.
The series then grew into a competition with national representative sevens sides competing, and with this growth, the tournament moved to the Hong Kong Stadium
Hong Kong Stadium
Hong Kong Stadium is the main sports venue of Hong Kong. Redeveloped from the old Government Stadium it reincarnated as Hong Kong Stadium in 1994...
in 1982.
The Hong Kong Sevens were ahead of their time, and an influential force in the modernisation of rugby union, for example, the Hong Kong Sevens were one of the first rugby union tournaments to attract major sponsorship, when the airline Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, with its head office and main hub located at Hong Kong International Airport, although the airline's registered office is on the 33rd floor of One Pacific Place...
sponsored the 1976 tournament. They also provided a level of cosmopolitan international competition, which tended not to exist in rugby before the first Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup is an international rugby union competition organised by the International Rugby Board and held every four years since 1987....
in 1987, especially since was not seen as one of the "Big Eight", and other than some involvement with , the Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
teams tended to be notoriously clannish. By 1986, the Hong Kong Sevens were held up as a positive example to others:
- "This Seven-a-Side international tournament is without a doubt the most spectacular, exotic, best organized Rugby competition of its kind in the world, and it has consistently produced the highest standard of Sevens Rugby seen anywhere.
- "I was not surprised on my first visit to see quality play from the Australian, New Zealand, Fijian, and British players, but I was staggered at the amazingly high quality play produced by countries I never even knew played Rugby. and Western SamoaSamoa national rugby union team (sevens)The Samoa national rugby union team represent Samoa internationally in rugby sevens, a competitive sports tournament titled the IRB Sevens World Series which takes place annually in seven countries; United Arab Emirates, South Africa, New Zealand, United States, Hong Kong, Australia, England and...
were every bit as good as and . , and found their lack of sheer size and bulk an insuperable handicap, but against each other they displayed a range of running and handling skills which demanded unqualified praise. , and the were inevitably outgunned by the teams from the major Rugby-playing nations but they still have a remarkably high level of skill which promises well for the future of the game."
- "The week of the Hong Kong tournament allows 24 Rugby-playing nations to intermingle for several days, and the huge cross-fertilisation of ideas can only be beneficial in the long term for the emerging nations. After the first day of the play when the top eight seeded teams meet the smaller fish in a pool system, the second day is divided into three different competitions... The strength of this great tournament is that on the opening day the most famous players in the world share a pitch with unknown opponents from countries where Rugby is a minority sport... While tournaments like the Hong Kong Sevens continue to be played, Rugby administrators can be confident that the game will continue to thrive in over 100 countries worldwide."
However, despite this apparent diversity, some of the same old problems which had dogged international rugby were still manifest in the Hong Kong Sevens in the 1980s - for example, in a photograph of the vs game at the tournament in 1984, the teams do not appear to include anyone who is ethnically Arabian or Chinese, instead both teams are quite clearly of northern European ethnic origin.
In 1994, the venue was deemed too small for the tournament and was rebuilt into a 40,000 seat stadium now named the Hong Kong Stadium
Hong Kong Stadium
Hong Kong Stadium is the main sports venue of Hong Kong. Redeveloped from the old Government Stadium it reincarnated as Hong Kong Stadium in 1994...
. Today, 24 national representative sides compete in the tournament. These include the 16 'core' members of the IRB Sevens World Series
IRB Sevens World Series
The IRB Sevens World Series, known officially as the HSBC Sevens World Series as of the 2010-11 season, through sponsorship from banking group HSBC, and also sometimes called the World Sevens Series, is a series of international rugby union sevens tournaments organised for the first time in the...
, plus eight further invited teams.
In 1997 and 2005, the Hong Kong Sevens was not held; taking its place was the Rugby World Cup Sevens, which Hong Kong hosted in both years. Fiji won both World Cup Sevens tournaments.
In 1998, the first tournament after the transfer of sovereignty to China, tickets were not sold internationally and the event was stricken with a bankrupt sponsor Peregrine
Peregrine Investments Holdings
Peregrine was an investment company based in Hong Kong...
. The Union's Organising Committee worked hard, and successfully implemented its marketing strategy to get the local population involved through "Friday Night is Party Night" and secured CSFB
Credit Suisse First Boston
Credit Suisse First Boston was the former name of the banking firm Credit Suisse.-History:In 1978, Credit Suisse and First Boston Corporation formed a London-based 50-50 investment banking joint venture called the Financière Crédit Suisse-First Boston...
as sponsors "on a spur-of-the-moment", the event was a comparatively huge success. In 2011, after HSBC negotiated title sponsorship to the entire World Sevens Series tournaments, it was no longer possible for Credit Suisse to sponsor the Hong Kong leg after 14 years.
Format
The Hong Kong Sevens is the sport's most prestigious annual rugby sevens event organised by the IRB Sevens World SeriesIRB Sevens World Series
The IRB Sevens World Series, known officially as the HSBC Sevens World Series as of the 2010-11 season, through sponsorship from banking group HSBC, and also sometimes called the World Sevens Series, is a series of international rugby union sevens tournaments organised for the first time in the...
, it is contested by 24 teams; all other World Series tournaments have 16 teams participating. The teams are divided into six pools of four teams, who play a round-robin within the pool. The winning team of the tournament acquires 30 points towards its rankings in the World Series instead of the normal 24, and the runner-up earns 25 points instead of the normal 20. Through the 2008–09 IRB Sevens season, the Hong Kong Sevens awarded 24 points to the runner-up, and 16-team events offered only 20 points for the winner and 16 for the runner-up.)
The 2010 edition saw several significant changes to the tournament format. Foremost among these changes was the introduction of the fourth-level Shield trophy, which had not previously been awarded in Hong Kong. More important within the context of the IRB Sevens as a whole, the Cup and Plate are now contested in the same manner as in other competitions, with the losing quarter-finalists in the Cup parachuting into the Plate semifinals.
The total prize money stands at US$150,000. The Cup Champion wins US$100,000, and the runner-up takes home US$25,000; each semi-finalist loser receives US$12,500.
Pool
Points are awarded in each pool on a different schedule from most rugby tournaments—3 for a win, 2 for a draw, 1 for a loss. The first tiebreaker is the head-to-head result between the tied teams, followed by difference in points scored during the tournament.Trophies round
Like all other World Series tournaments, four trophies are awarded at the end of a knockout tournament. The six pool winners, plus the two top-rated second-place teams play for the Cup and Plate. The Cup is awarded to the overall tournament champion. As for the other IRB tournaments, four quarterfinal losers drop into the bracket for the Plate. The Bowl is contested by the four remaining second-place teams, plus the four top-rated third-place teams, while the Shield is contested by the eight remaining teams. The Shield was contested in Hong Kong for the first time in 2010.Atmosphere
The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is traditionally one of if not the biggest event on the Hong Kong sporting calendar. As such, there is a tremendous party atmosphere, with the involvement of the entire rugby-playing community. A one-day women's tournament, The Cable&Wireless Worldwide Hong Kong Women's Rugby Sevens, precedes the men's contests. Under the auspices of the Hong Kong Mini Rugby Football Union, children with local clubs aged between 6 to 12 years play tournaments before the main matches each day. They also take part in the March Past immediately before the semi-final round.For spectators, particular emphasis on the South Stand, where hordes of rugby fans dress up and dance for most of the duration. Activities that typically ensue as the weekend progresses include the throwing of empty beer jugs around the South Stand, Mexican waves, and streakers running across the pitch. Outside the stadium, the 'Sevens Village' at the Indian Recreation Club nearby is an alternative venue to gather and watch matches on giant screens, eat and drink to excess while matches are in progress; and after the match, partying continues with champagne and live music and DJs in the champagne tent.
Since 2007 the South Stand has been made officially accessible to over-18s only, due to its hyper and somewhat provocative atmosphere. Streakers were formally arrested. In addition, following an incident in 2010 when one spectator invaded the pitch, climbed onto the crossbars at the south end of the stadium before dodging back into the stands and disappearing, organisers stepped up security and announced a zero-tolerance policy of invaders in 2011. Out of concerns for safety, the local Rugby Union sent out notification that anyone entering the playing area who should not enter would be arrested by the police, instead of just being ejected from the arena.
Summaries
| Year | Venue | Cup | Plate | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | Final Score | Runner-up | Winner | Final Score | Runner-up | ||
| 1976 | HK Football Club Stadium | Cantabrians Canterbury Rugby Football Union The Canterbury Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in a substantial part of the Canterbury region, in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand... |
24-8 |  Wallaroos |
19-16 | ||
| 1977 | HK Football Club Stadium | 28-18 | Marlborough Marlborough Rugby Union Marlborough Rugby Union was a New Zealand rugby union team that played from 1888-2005.Marlborough was founded in 1888 and played at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim.-Championships:... |
20-4 | |||
| 1978 | HK Football Club Stadium | 14-10 | Manawatu Manawatu Rugby Union Manawatu Rugby Union is the governing body of the sport of Rugby union in the Manawatu rugby province. The Union is based in the city of Palmerston North but has a catchment area from nearby towns in the province, including Feilding, Rongotea, Linton, Bulls, Pahiatua, Dannevirke and... |
10-0 | |||
| 1979 | HK Football Club Stadium | 39-3 | 13-10 | ||||
| 1980 | HK Football Club Stadium | 12-8 |  Co-Optimists |
44-0 | |||
| 1981 | HK Football Club Stadium | Barbarian F.C. Barbarian F.C. The Barbarian Football Club, usually referred to as the Barbarians and nicknamed the "Baa-Baas", is an invitational rugby union team based in Britain... |
12-10 | 22-18 | |||
| 1982 | Hong Kong Stadium | 18-14 | Scottish Border Club |
32-6 | |||
| 1983 | Hong Kong Stadium | 14-4 | 30-6 | ||||
| Year | Venue | Cup | Plate | Bowl | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | Final Score | Runner-up | Winner | Winner | ||
| 1984 | Hong Kong Stadium | 26-0 | ||||
| 1985 | Hong Kong Stadium | 24-10 | Public Schools Wanderers |
|||
| 1986 | Hong Kong Stadium | 32-12 |  French Barbarians French Barbarians The Barbarian Rugby Club, more commonly known as the French Barbarians , are an invitational rugby union team that is based in France. The team is based on the Barbarians and was founded by Jean-Claude Skrela after he played for and adored the Barbarians in the later days of his career... |
|||
| 1987 | Hong Kong Stadium | 12-6 | French Barbarians French Barbarians The Barbarian Rugby Club, more commonly known as the French Barbarians , are an invitational rugby union team that is based in France. The team is based on the Barbarians and was founded by Jean-Claude Skrela after he played for and adored the Barbarians in the later days of his career... |
|||
| 1988 | Hong Kong Stadium | 13-12 |  Taiwan Taiwan Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following... |
|||
| 1989 | Hong Kong Stadium | 22-10 | ||||
| 1990 | Hong Kong Stadium | 22-10 | ||||
| 1991 | Hong Kong Stadium | 18-14 | ||||
| 1992 | Hong Kong Stadium | 22-6 | ||||
| 1993 | Hong Kong Stadium | 14-12 | ||||
| 1994 | Hong Kong Stadium | 32-20 | ||||
| 1995 | Hong Kong Stadium | 35-17 | ||||
| 1996 | Hong Kong Stadium | 19-17 | ||||
| 1997 1997 Rugby World Cup Sevens The 1997 Rugby World Cup Sevens was the second edition of the tournament and held in Hong Kong. Fiji defeated South Africa 24-21 to take the title for the first time. The match is still considered one of the best Sevens matches of all time... |
Hong Kong Stadium | 24-21 | ||||
| 1998 | Hong Kong Stadium | 28-19 | ||||
| 1999 | Hong Kong Stadium | 21-12 | ||||
| 2000 | Hong Kong Stadium | 31-5 | ||||
| 2001 | Hong Kong Stadium | 29-5 | ||||
| 2002 | Hong Kong Stadium | 33-20 | ||||
| 2003 | Hong Kong Stadium | 22-17 | ||||
| 2004 | Hong Kong Stadium | 22-12 | ||||
| 2005 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens -The winning team::Fiji national rugby sevens team*Waisale Serevi*Sireli Bobo*Vilimoni Delasau*William Ryder*Marika Vunibaka*Semisi Naevo*Nasoni Roko*Ifereimi Rawaqa*Jone Daunivucu*Lepani Nabuliwaqa*Norman Ligairi*Viliame Satala*Apolosi Satala... |
Hong Kong Stadium | 29-19 | ||||
| 2006 | Hong Kong Stadium | 26-24 | ||||
| 2007 2007 Hong Kong Sevens The 2007 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens was a rugby union sevens tournament held on 30 March till 1 April 2007 in Hong Kong at the 40,000 capacity Hong Kong Stadium... |
Hong Kong Stadium | 27-22 | ||||
| 2008 2008 Hong Kong Sevens The Hong Kong Sevens is contested annually as part of the IRB Sevens World Series for international rugby sevens . The 2008 competition, which took place between March 28 and March 30 in Hong Kong, was the fifth Cup trophy in the 2007-08 IRB Sevens World Series and was won by New Zealand... |
Hong Kong Stadium | 26-12 | ||||
| 2009 2009 Hong Kong Sevens The Hong Kong Sevens, referred to as the Cathay Pacific Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens for sponsorship reasons, is the 5th stop on the IRB Sevens World Series. The 2009 event was played between the 27–29 March, and was won by Fiji... |
Hong Kong Stadium | 26-24 | ||||
| Year | Venue | Cup | Plate | Bowl | Shield | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | Final Score | Runner-up | Winner | Winner | Winner | ||
| 2010 2010 Hong Kong Sevens The 2010 Hong Kong Sevens is a rugby union sevens tournament, part of the 2009–10 IRB Sevens World Series. The competition was held from March 26-28 in at Hong Kong Stadium in Hong Kong and featured 24 teams. Samoa won its third consecutive Cup after defeating New Zealand in the final... |
Hong Kong Stadium | 24-21 | |||||
| 2011 2011 Hong Kong Sevens The 2011 Hong Kong Sevens was a seven-a-side rugby union tournament, part of the 2010–11 IRB Sevens World Series. The competition was being held from 25–27 March in at Hong Kong Stadium in Hong Kong and featured 24 teams.- Teams :... |
Hong Kong Stadium | 29-17 | |||||
2011 Hong Kong Sevens
A developing ground for young players
Sevens has proved to be a fertile ground for nurturing young players.For New Zealand
New Zealand national rugby union team (sevens)
The New Zealand national rugby union sevens team is the New Zealand representative team in rugby union sevens and competes in the IRB Sevens World Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games.-IRB Sevens:...
, Jonah Lomu
Jonah Lomu
Jonah Tali Lomu, MNZM is a New Zealand rugby union player. He had sixty-three caps as an All Black after debuting in 1994. He is generally regarded as the first true global superstar of rugby union. He has had a huge impact on the game...
, Christian Cullen
Christian Cullen
Christian Mathias Cullen is a former New Zealand rugby union footballer. He played most of his rugby at fullback for New Zealand , for the Hurricanes in the Super 12, and for Manawatu, Wellington and later Munster at first-class level. He was nicknamed the Paekakariki Express...
, Zinzan Brooke
Zinzan Brooke
Zinzan Valentine Brooke is a former New Zealand rugby union footballer who played at number eight...
, John Schuster
John Schuster
Nesetorio Jonny Schuster born 17 January 1964 in Apia, Samoa is a Samoan former international rugby league and rugby union player, a dual-code international.-Rugby union:...
, Rodney So'oialo
Rodney So'oialo
Rodney So'oialo is a New Zealand rugby union player currently playing in Japan for the Honda Heat. Previously, he had been a stalwart for the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby competition, making 101 appearances for the franchise. He also made 62 test appearances for the All Blacks between 2002 and 2009...
, Joe Rokocoko
Joe Rokocoko
Josevata Taliga "Joe" Rokocoko is a professional New Zealand rugby union player. Rokocoko is known for his speed and strength which has accounted for his prolific try strike rate...
, Mils Muliaina
Mils Muliaina
Junior Malili Muliaina , better known as Mils Muliaina, is a rugby union player. He plays for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and New Zealand at international level. He was born in Salesi, Samoa, then moved with his family to Invercargill, New Zealand, at the age of two...
and Rico Gear
Rico Gear
Rico Levi Gear is a New Zealand rugby union international player. He is a specialist right wing but can also cover midfield positions. He currently plays for Kintetsu Liners in the Top League....
were first introduced to the international game of Sevens. For Australia
Australian national rugby union team (sevens)
The Australian national rugby union sevens team competes in the World Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games.-Honours:* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 1979* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 1982* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 1983...
, former Australian captain George Gregan
George Gregan
George Musarurwa Gregan AM is an Australian rugby union halfback who has made more appearances for his national team than any other player in the sport's history....
first demonstrated his ability at the Hong Kong Sevens in the same team as Joe Roff
Joe Roff
Joe Roff is a retired Australian rugby union footballer and a product of the Tuggeranong Vikings Rugby Union Club in Canberra, who played on the wing or at fullback for Brumbies and Australia and played 5 tests as a centre in the early part of his test career...
and Ben Tune
Ben Tune
Ben Tune is an Australian rugby union player. He played most of his rugby career on the wing but later switched to outside centre....
. Sevens launched the careers of Rupeni Caucau
Rupeni Caucaunibuca
-Early years:Caucaunibuca or "Rups", as called by those who knew him, grew up most of his life in the village. Caucaunibuca's father was a church minister based around the Bua province on the northern parts of Fiji so his family frequently moved....
, Napolioni Nalaga
Napolioni Nalaga
Napolioni Vonowale Nalaga is a Fijian rugby union footballer. He plays as a wing, flanker and Centre. He is nicknamed Napoleon or Naps or Napo...
, Sireli Bobo
Sireli Bobo
Isireli Bobo is a Fijian rugby union footballer, currently playing for the Paris club Racing Métro 92 in the Top 14 club competition in France.-Career:...
, Noa Nadruku
Noa Nadruku
Noa Nadruku is a Fijian former rugby footballer of the 1980s and 90s. After representing Fiji in rugby union he played rugby league in Australia for the Canberra Raiders and was named as one of the best 25 players for the Raiders' 25-year anniversary...
, Joeli Vidiri
Joeli Vidiri
Joeli Vidiri is a retired Fijian rugby union footballer who also played for the All Blacks. He played as a wing.-Career:...
, William Ryder, Marika Vunibaka
Marika Vunibaka
Marika "Dawainavesi" Vunibaka is a Fijian rugby union footballer. He has represented the national team on numerous occasions, including at the 1999 Rugby World Cup in Wales and the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia....
and Vilimoni Delasau
Vilimoni Delasau
Vilimoni Waqatabu Delasau is a Fijian rugby union footballer. He plays as a wing. His nickname is Delz.-Career:...
to name just a few Fijians. For England
England national rugby union team (sevens)
The English national rugby union sevens team compete in the World Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games.-Honours:* 1973 International Seven-A-Side Tournament - Winners* Rugby World Cup Sevens Winners 1993* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2002* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2003*...
, Lawrence Dallaglio
Lawrence Dallaglio
Lorenzo Bruno Nero "Lawrence" Dallaglio, OBE is a retired English rugby union player and former captain of the English national team. He played as a flanker or number eight for London Wasps and never played for another club, having arrived at Sudbury as a teenager...
, Matt Dawson
Matt Dawson
Matthew James Sutherland "Daws" Dawson, MBE is a retired English rugby union player who played scrum half for Wasps and Northampton Saints. During his international career he toured with the British and Irish Lions three times and was part of England's 2003 Rugby World Cup winning side...
, Austin Healey
Austin Healey
Austin Sean Healey is a former English rugby union player, who played as a utility back for Leicester Tigers, and has represented the England national rugby union team and the British Lions....
, Josh Lewsey
Josh Lewsey
Owen Joshua Lewsey MBE is a former English rugby union footballer who played fullback, wing or centre for Wasps.-Career:...
, Mathew Tait
Mathew Tait
Mathew Tait is an English rugby union footballer. He is an outside centre, a fullback or wing...
and David Strettle
David Strettle
David Strettle, , is an English rugby union player who plays on the wing for Saracens and England.- Biography :Strettle grew up in Thelwall, Cheshire, attending Lymm High School and playing for Lymm RFC. Strettle then went on to study at Sheffield Hallam University...
have developed their game in the shortened code. For Wales
Wales national rugby union team (sevens)
The Wales national rugby union sevens team is the international rugby sevens side for Welsh rugby union players. They currently compete in the IRB Sevens World Series, the Rugby World Cup Sevens and in the Commonwealth Games....
, Jamie Roberts
Jamie Roberts
Jamie Roberts is a Welsh international rugby union footballer currently playing for Cardiff Blues in the RaboDirect Pro12. He also plays for the Wales and the British and Irish lions.Roberts' position of choice is as a centre....
, James Hook
James Hook (rugby player)
James William Hook is a Welsh rugby union player for USA Perpignan. Hook is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in world rugby....
has gone on to play at fly-half for his national team after playing in the Hong Kong Sevens. South Africa, also, have seen Jean de Villiers
Jean de Villiers
Jean de Villiers is a South African rugby union footballer. He started his career at wing, but now primarily plays centre. De Villiers plays for Western Province and internationally for South Africa....
, Bryan Habana
Bryan Habana
Bryan Gary Habana is a South African rugby union player who plays as a wing for the Western Province in the Currie Cup, the Stormers in Super 14, and the 2007 Rugby World Cup champions Springboks...
, Ricky Januarie
Ricky Januarie
Enrico "Ricky" Januarie is a South African rugby union scrum-half. Formerly of the Lions, he signed with the Stormers, in the Vodacom Super 14 in 2008. He was also a member of the national Springboks squad. He announced his retirement from international rugby on 24 July 2011...
, Brent Russell
Brent Russell
Robert Brent Russell is a South African rugby union player. He is a "utility back" who plays for Clermont in the French Top 14. Previously, he had played with Saracens in England, and before that the Natal Sharks in the Currie Cup and the Sharks in the Super 14 for many years...
and Kabamba Floors
Kabamba Floors
Lucas "Kabamba" Floors is a South African rugby union footballer who plays for the Free State Cheetahs in the domestic Currie Cup club competition, and for the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs in the international Super 14 competition...
showcase their variety of skills at the event. Sevens also launched the international career of former Argentina 15s
Argentina national rugby union team
The Argentina national rugby team, nicknamed Los Pumas, represents Argentina in international rugby union matches. The team, which plays in sky blue and white jerseys, is organised by the Argentine Rugby Union .Argentina played its first international rugby match in 1910 against a touring British...
captain Agustín Pichot
Agustín Pichot
Agustín Pichot is a retired Argentine rugby union player, formerly captain of the Argentine team and the English club Bristol. In addition to Bristol, he played for French sides Stade Français and Racing Métro after leaving Argentine team CASI from San Isidro in 1997...
, who now serves on the coaching staff of the country's sevens team
Argentina national rugby union team (sevens)
The Argentina national rugby union sevens team compete in the World Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens.-Current squad:A 12-man squad for the 2010–11 IRB Sevens World Series:#Santiago Bottini#Francisco Cuneo#Gonzalo Gutierrez Taboada#Francisco Merello...
.
See also
- Hong Kong Women's SevensHong Kong Women's SevensRugby Union Sevens - a short form of the sport of rugby union - was first played in 1883, with the first internationals taking place in 1973...
- Singer Sri Lankan Airlines Rugby 7'sSinger Sri Lankan Airlines Rugby 7'sThe Singer Sri Lankan Airlines Rugby 7's is an annual international rugby sevens event held in Kandy, Sri Lanka of the Kandy Sports Club and staged at the Bogambara Stadium. It Is usually held in September and runs for three days...
- Rugby SevensRugby sevensRugby sevens, also known as seven-a-side or VIIs, is a variant of rugby union in which teams are made up of seven players, instead of the usual 15, with shorter matches. Rugby sevens is administered by the International Rugby Board , the body responsible for rugby union worldwide...
- IRB Sevens World SeriesIRB Sevens World SeriesThe IRB Sevens World Series, known officially as the HSBC Sevens World Series as of the 2010-11 season, through sponsorship from banking group HSBC, and also sometimes called the World Sevens Series, is a series of international rugby union sevens tournaments organised for the first time in the...
- Rugby World Cup SevensRugby World Cup SevensThe Rugby World Cup Sevens is the premier international Rugby sevens competition. The event is organised by the sport's governing body, the International Rugby Board , and is contested by the men's national sevens teams every four years. The inaugural tournament was held in 1993 in Scotland, the...
External links
- Official website, with coverage
- Pictures From the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, About.com, Rory Boland
- "7 reasons to love the Hong Kong Sevens" CNNGO
Printed sources
- Starmer-Smith, NigelNigel Starmer-SmithNigel Starmer-Smith is a former international rugby union player, who is now a respected British rugby journalist and commentator.-Playing career:...
(ed) Rugby - A Way of Life, An Illustrated History of Rugby (Lennard Books, 1986 ISBN 0 7126 2662 X)