Advertisement
Hong Kong Sevens ‘makes no commercial sense’ unless at least 50 per cent of stadium is filled, says Rugby Union boss
- HKRU chief executive Robbie McRobbie ‘disappointed but relieved’ after World Rugby agrees to postpone marquee event to November 2021
- Organisers say competing teams were ‘desperate’ to travel and quarantine in the city had April date gone ahead
Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
1
Next year’s postponed Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will only go ahead if at least 50 per cent of Hong Kong Stadium can be filled with fans, Rugby Union chief executive Robbie McRobbie said.
Advertisement
Following the Sevens being pushed from April to November 2021 – officially confirmed by the Union and organising body World Rugby on Thursday – staff have more time to tighten their already comprehensive Covid-19 protocol blueprints.
“It’s disappointing but the overwhelming sentiment is one of relief. With our efforts to have the event in April as the clock ticked, it was – as before – the uncertainty that was the big killer for us,” McRobbie said.
“When we found out that World Rugby were open to the idea of rescheduling to later in the year, frankly speaking we jumped at it. It was a no-brainer. We are always disappointed when we’re not able to deliver as originally scheduled, but extremely happy that we have an event on in the 2021 calendar.”
That the city’s marquee sporting event – along with remaining 2019-20 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series legs – was postponed then cancelled last year means the Union has long been in contact with medical experts and governing bodies to ensure an eventual safe and successful return.
Advertisement
Advertisement