Hong Kong Sevens: stars on and off the field, and a series of subplots, as city gets ready for farewell party
- New Zealand will try to retain their men’s and women’s crowns at this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens
- Australia lead women’s world series, with Argentina topping men’s standings, and aiming for first Hong Kong triumph
The rush for tickets to say a long goodbye to the iconic So Kon Po home of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens has created an additional narrative around the 2024 tournament.
To use the phrase chosen by New Zealand player Scott Curry, Friday signals the beginning of a “bittersweet” three days, when a final celebration of sevens at its spiritual Hong Kong Stadium home, is tinged with the sadness that accompanies the end of any heady era.
A penny for the thoughts of those over at Kai Tak Sports Park, where minds, surely, have been focused by repeated reminders that they have only 12 more months to get ready for welcoming this three-day jamboree.
The 46th edition features a number of intriguing subplots, although the broader ramifications of on-field events might be lost on some of those who have snapped up nearly 40,000 three-day passes.
It is barely 18 months since the event returned, in slightly reduced form, from a 3½-year Covid-enforced absence. It was back with a bang last year, but memories of the fallow years are fresh enough that many supporters, especially the 16,000 travelling from overseas, want the full Hong Kong experience.
