BACK TO NEWS

The South China Morning Post, the official English language media partner of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Sevens, takes a look at how the Sevens grew from humble beginnings into a world-famous sports event.

As the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union leads the celebrations of 40 Years of the Sevens in Hong Kong, the South China Morning Post, the region's leading English language daily newspaper, is featuring a series of highlights from its news and photo teams from the event over those four decades.

If you spot yourself in any of the SCMP's pictures you could win free tickets to the 2015 Cathay Pacific/Hong Kong Sevens!

Sevens fans won't want to miss the SCMP's two Cathay Pacific/Hong Kong Sevens special editions on Friday and Sunday.

From humble beginnings in 1976 .. 40 years of the Hong Kong Sevens – part 1 (1976-1980)
Established as a global sporting phenomenon, at its So Kon Po home. 40 years of the Hong Kong Sevens - part 2 (1981-1985)
Certified as the world's largest rugby tournament by Guinness World Records. 40 years of the Hong Kong Sevens - part 3 (1986-1990)
An age of greats as the event is graced by the likes of Eric Rush, Waisale Serevi, Jonah Lomu and David Campese. 40 years of the Hong Kong Sevens - part 4 (1991-1995)
The action in the stands continues its vital role in the event's success. Brazen behaviour: how fans like to party hard at Hong Kong Sevens
It's the new Millennium and the tournament shows its continued strength. SARS: Survival Apparel Rugby Style - how the Sevens defied a world crisis
The Southern Hemisphere resumes its grip on Hong Kong Sevens success, in 2006-2010, while the party continues in the stands Raising the bar: Fans take Hong Kong Sevens to whole new level
Bringing us up to date, with Hong Kong eyeing a place on the HSBC Sevens World Series Pitch invaders, pints and painted ladies: Hong Kong Sevens fever takes hold