Hong Kong Sixes organisers want to replicate Rugby Sevens success – but they need a bigger venue
Tournament director Glyn Davies says the Kowloon Cricket Club provides a backdrop and atmosphere that is ‘impossible to beat’
Hong Kong Sixes tournament director Glyn Davies says the Kowloon Cricket Club ground provides a backdrop that is “impossible to beat” but the venue’s limited seating capacity means the event is unable to mimic the growth of the Rugby Sevens.
KCC is again preparing to host the tournament, which is returning in October after a five-year absence, as Cricket Hong Kong attempts to revitalise a competition that has gained global recognition but has been hindered by a lack of sponsorship.
Local cricket veteran Davies said the Hong Kong Sevens benefited from moving to the old Stadium from Football Club in the 80s and then again when the venue was upgraded in 1994.
“The Sevens got so big but the Sixes never did in the same way, even though it has some of the same elements,” said Davies. “The Sevens started at the old Football Club, then they moved to the Stadium, which was knocked down and rebuilt.
“There were a set of happy coincidences as far as the generation of that particular endeavour for the Sevens is concerned and the tournament kept moving on and upwards.
