[Hong Kong, June 30th 2020]: World Rugby has today announced the cancellation of the remaining tournaments on the 2019/2020 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, including the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2020.
Originally scheduled for April 2020, the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens was postponed to 16-18 October following the emergence of Covid-19. The continued global uncertainty surrounding the intensifying pandemic has occasioned the cancellation of the tournament in 2020. It is the first time the Hong Kong Sevens has been cancelled since its debut in 1976.
In its official statement World Rugby said:
“Following a comprehensive consultation process the remaining rounds of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 in Langford, London, Paris, Singapore and Hong Kong have been cancelled due to the on-going and dynamic global situation with the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing the 2020 Series to an early conclusion.
The decision follows detailed and constructive dialogue with the host and participating unions, and has been taken with the health and wellbeing of the rugby community and the wider public as top priority.”
For the full World Rugby press release, please visit: https://www.world.rugby/sevens-series/news/572989
The HKRU remain appreciative of the significant and sustained efforts exerted by all parties including World Rugby, other tournament hosts, participating teams and the players themselves in seeking to complete the Series.
“We are of course disappointed not to be hosting the world-famous Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens for the first time in 45 years, but we understand the extraordinary circumstances surrounding today’s cancellation of the remainder of the Series,” said Mr Robbie McRobbie, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Rugby Union.
“Like our national sevens athletes, we now turn our attention to preparations for the 2021 season, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to help us celebrate the 45th Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the world’s biggest rugby party.”
The 2021 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is scheduled for 2-4 April.
All tickets purchased through official HKRU channels will be honoured for the April 2021 event or can be refunded, while the public ballot will not be redrawn - more information on ticketing is available via the Hong Kong Sevens website at www.hksevens.com.
The Hong Kong Sevens
Established in 1976 and organised annually by the Hong Kong Rugby Union, the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is the world’s premier international sevens event. Since 1999, the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens has been a part of World Rugby’s HSBC Sevens Series. The Hong Kong Rugby Union is the only international rugby union to have hosted two Rugby World Cup Sevens, in 1997 and 2005.
Hong Kong Rugby Union
The Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) was founded in 1952, and became an affiliated union of World Rugby in 1988. In 1968, the HKRU became a founding member of Asia Rugby and remains committed to the development of the game in Asia. In 2008, the HKRU presented the first neutral-venue Bledisloe Cup – followed by a second match in 2010. In 2013, the HKRU hosted the first British & Irish Lions match played in Asia and the following year hosted the first regional Olympic qualifier tournament for Rugby Sevens. The HKRU is a member of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and provides competitive and social rugby opportunities for men and women at every age and skill level.
ENDS
Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Rugby Union by Elite Step Asia. For further information please contact Sean Moore (English-language media) or Andy Yeung (Chinese-language media) on +852 2808 0977 or +852 2808 0767 or by email on [email protected] or [email protected].