Hosting World Cup Sevens in 2018 ‘an insurance policy’, says Gregory
HKRFU boss says union has bid for showpiece event in case IRB doesn’t include Hong Kong as part of World Series
Hong Kong has bid to host the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in a move described as an "insurance policy" by leading official Trevor Gregory.
The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union had previously stated it would not bid for the 2018 edition as it could not host two major sevens tournaments - the Hong Kong Sevens and the World Cup - in one year at the Hong Kong Stadium.
"But we have now put our hand up because we are not sure if the International Rugby Board will include Hong Kong as part of the World Series when they announce the cities in the next cycle. So as an insurance policy we have bid for the World Cup," said Gregory, HKRFU chairman.
Of course, we expect to be part of the World Series in the future. But until the process is complete nothing can be guaranteed
The IRB has confirmed an unprecedented level of interest in hosting elite international sevens events, underscoring the enormous global appeal of the newest Olympic sport.
Twenty-five unions formally confirmed their interest in hosting a round of the popular HSBC Sevens World Series from the 2015-16 season. Twelve of the unions are also interested in hosting the showcase men's and women's World Cup Sevens in 2018.
"Of course, we expect to be part of the World Series in the future. But until the process is complete nothing can be guaranteed and if for some inexplicable reason we don't get it, we would then hope we will be given the 2018 World Cup Sevens," Gregory said.
Hong Kong has hosted the World Cup Sevens twice - in 1997 and 2005.
