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The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens shows just how powerful rugby is at uniting and uplifting people.

There's more to the weekend than just fast-paced fun. Since the first Hong Kong Sevens tournament over four decades ago, we have been steadily growing our community and positively increasing the impact we have and the initiatives we run. Here’s how:

Looking to the Future

An increasingly important part of any major sports event is to demonstrate its legacy – in terms of the broader impact not just on the local economy, but also across the wider issue of sustainability. This is an area that the Hong Kong Sevens has proactively addressed and, in doing so, has long been recognised as a leader in this field.

The Sevens is a “M” Mark event. One of the principal objectives of the scheme is to instil a sustainable sporting culture, fostering a sense of pride and social cohesion and bringing tangible economic benefits to our community – along with enhancing Hong Kong's image as Asia's sports events capital.

As Hong Kong China Rugby looks ahead to the opening of the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park and the hosting of the 2025 National Games, it is critical that we ensure that the new world-class facility is filled with events that deliver enduring positive social impact. This is also in line with the Chief Executive’s 2021 Policy Address, which pledged to explore ways to further promote sports development in Hong Kong through enhanced professionalism in the sports sector and the development of sports as an industry.

Advocating for Sustainability

This year, Hong Kong China Rugby, in partnership with BrandHK, is hosting the first-ever Sport & Sustainability Summit on Wednesday, April 3. Invitations have been extended to 150 leaders and key decision-makers from corporates, foundations and family offices – both regionally and in Hong Kong – to join an afternoon of insightful discussions on various aspects of sport and sustainability. The summit will feature a top-notch line-up of speakers across four panels, covering topics such as governance, social impact and environmental sustainability.

An established component, now sitting within the summit itself, is the annual HKCR Value of Sport Lunch. Held since 2013, this event comes with thought-provoking panel discussions featuring world-famous athletes. Conversations at the summit promise to tackle inclusivity, sustainability and how we can address today's challenges together through the power of play.

A Greener Sevens

Several ground initiatives keep us conservation-minded during the tournament weekend.

By teaming up with social impact organisation BottLess, we’re serving fans’ favourite drinks in reusable cups – with no deposit required. Fans just need to drop theirs off at any collection kiosk, from there they’ll be cleaned, washed, sanitised and re-used.

Fans can also pick up official gear that’s planet-friendly as well as trendy. One Kukri t-shirt alone is made with 21 plastic bottles. Not only are these easy-care garments a responsible choice, but they're perfect for working up a sweat – whether playing or cheering from the stands. We have also worked with Kukri to develop corporate seat covers that are not only made from recycled plastic, but are also turned into stylish string bags once the tournament is over.

Finally, we’re excited to partner with Feeding Hong Kong to make sure that unsold food and beverage items don’t go to waste. Wherever possible, these items will be donated to organisations helping those living in poverty.

Growing the Game

Since 2017, the HSBC Try Rugby Programme has seen 57% of local primary schools adopt a programme-certified teacher – allowing 67,500 students to embrace the fun of tackles and tries.

Through the support of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, we’ve brought rugby programmes to over 200 local schools. The All About Rugby programme blends the skills and core values of rugby – empathy, honesty, passion and inclusion – with life lessons and mental health awareness for students.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Our community initiatives are open to all. We focus on nurturing a lasting passion for rugby and developing essential life skills. The enthusiastic participation we witness is a testament to Hong Kong’s growing sports network.

Hong Kong boasts a vibrant rugby scene, with 51 senior rugby teams comprising more than 2,400 talented male and female players. Additionally, our dynamic youth league includes 44 teams – with over 1,000 young players and over 3,000 mini rugby players – spread across 27 clubs in Hong Kong, alongside a thriving community of over 2,000 touch rugby enthusiasts.

Perhaps the most fundamental sign of impact are the thousands of children participating in mini and youth rugby. Many of our hometown heroes taking to the pitch during the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens started in their shoes – highlighting the significance of building up the next generation and supporting a cycle of growth.

Empowering All Athletes

With the power to move past language limitations and social barriers, rugby acts as a catalyst for equality, integration and social inclusion.

In 2013, we supported the establishment of Rugby For Good (previously the Hong Kong Rugby Union Community Foundation) to advance this important mission. In 10 years, Rugby For Good has grown to provide its programme in 18 districts and to over 225 local schools, with 16 active projects reaching over 32,000 beneficiaries across communities in need throughout Hong Kong.

Through our ongoing partnership with charity Laureus Sport For Good, we raised over HK$3 million for equal opportunities rugby programmes, including a programme for ADHD children and their families, Deaf Rugby and additional programmes provided by Inspiring HK Sports Foundation.

At the recent Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, we were proud to see both the Hong Kong Deaf Rugby Team and Agnes Sordan celebrated as finalists. This ensured recognition for the resilience of the Deaf Rugby Team’s efforts at the Deaf World Cup in Argentina, and for Sordan in pioneering a rugby development programme specifically for migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.