Hong Kong Sevens curtain-raiser HKFC 10s to return in March – ‘all systems go’
- After a three-year hiatus, annual event is back with an expanded remit that includes a women’s tournament and new title sponsor
- ‘It’s been missed,’ chairman Paul Christopher says – ‘It’s perfect timing. Hong Kong is reopening and we’re welcoming people back’
It’s been three more than years in the making, but the Hong Kong Football Club’s 10s rugby tournament will return in March as a curtain-raiser for the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, with a new women’s tournament taking centre stage.
First played in 1986, the event will spring back to life over two days from March 29 to 30 at the Hong Kong Football Club, with a new title sponsor and expanded format.
Paul Christopher, chairman of the Tradition HKFC 10s, said the inclusion of a women’s competition was a testament to the growth of the game.
“This is a very big and exciting new addition to the 10s,” Christopher said. “Women’s rugby has gone from strength to strength in the last few years and we’re hoping to play a part in supporting that growth.”
Initially launched to celebrate Hong Kong Football Club’s centenary, the HKFC 10s has grown into one of the top 10s tournaments in the world, thanks to star power from All Blacks legends Conrad Smith, Jerome Kaino and Nehe Milner-Skudder, and more than 20 Rugby World Cup winners, including George Gregan, Australia’s most capped international.
Early confirmations of top invitational sides already include 2019 runners-up Samurai International and two-time finalists Tradition YCAC. Home favourites and hosts Hong Kong Football Club, as well as tournament veterans HK Scottish Exiles, Overseas Old Boys, and Shanghai Delta Blues will also compete for top honours.
