[Hong Kong, 15 January 2026]: Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) has announced an exciting new partnership with two of the city’s sporting icons – The Hong Kong Jockey Club, a long-time supporter of rugby in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC), which is set to host the 40th edition of its international 10s rugby tournament in 2026.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has been the Official Community Partner of the world-famous Hong Kong Sevens since 2020. In 2026, Hong Kong Football Club will host the Tradition HKFC 10s – widely regarded as the World’s Best 10s Rugby Tournament – in the days leading up to the Sevens.
A key part of the expanded partnership will offer fans “Racing with Rugby” experiences at both Sha Tin and Happy Valley Racecourses during Rugby Week in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club will continue its role as the Official Community Partner of the Hong Kong Sevens, which will be held from 17-19 April 2026 at Kai Tak Stadium, while adding support for the Tradition HKFC 10s, which will become a three-day event running from 14 – 16 April 2026.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club will share the excitement of the Sevens and the 10s with many thousands of people through The Jockey Club Sevens Community Programmes, a series of outreach initiatives held before and during the tournaments.
In 2025, The Jockey Club Sevens Community Programmes hosted over 1,500 people from underprivileged community groups to enjoy each day of the first Hong Kong Sevens tournament to be held at Kai Tak Stadium. It hosted a further 5,000 local students through the Jockey Club Sevens School Tour to enjoy the action and entertainment on Friday 30 March. In addition, over 1,500 young players took to the field for the Jockey Club Mini Rugby Showcase on the Friday and Saturday mornings of the Sevens.
The partnership will offer something for everyone, with 100,000-plus fans expected to attend Rugby Week in 2026. Attendees will enjoy free Hong Kong Jockey Club game booths and activities in fan villages at both the Sevens and the 10s.
“We are delighted to be able to expand our long-running and successful collaboration with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and HKFC,” said HKCR Chairman Mr Chris Brooke.
“Our organisations share a similar vision for the role that sport can play in our community. With the support of the Hong Kong Jockey Club we have been able to share the experience and values of rugby with literally thousands of people from all over Hong Kong and within the Greater Bay Area. We look forward to growing these numbers together with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and HKFC even further in future,” Mr Brooke added.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said, “The Rugby Sevens and horse racing are two of Hong Kong’s most iconic sporting attractions, each drawing thousands of visitors to the city every year. It’s fantastic that we have been able to bring these traditions together through the Racing with Rugby Week. The Jockey Club has long been a committed supporter of the city’s sports development and the Rugby Sevens community outreach programme. This partnership not only strengthens that commitment to community support, but also reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a world-class sports tourism destination, creating a truly unique experience for local fans and visitors alike.”
The expanded partnership for 2026 will include a series of celebratory public events at the city’s two Hong Kong Jockey Club racing venues in the build-up to the Hong Kong’s flagship Sevens tournament.
Hong Kong’s Rugby Week will kick-off with the official announcement of the Hong Kong China Men’s and Women’s 7s teams at Sha Tin Race Course Parade Ring on Sunday 12 April.
Racing with Rugby Week will now feature horse racing, another of the city’s favourite past-times and bucket-list tourism experiences, with the race meeting on Wednesday 15 April moving from Sha Tin to the iconic Happy Valley track. This Happy Wednesday race meeting will feature a rugby theme blending the thrill of racing with the passion of rugby for a unique fan experience.
Ticket packages for fans to enjoy the racing and rugby events together will be launched soon, with details to follow at hksevens.com.
The Tradition HKFC 10s, another significant tourism draw and a cornerstone of Rugby Week, is set to mark its 40th anniversary in 2026 and will take place from Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 April at Hong Kong Football Club. It will feature a revised schedule on Wednesday 15 April to allow players and fans time to walk over to Happy Valley to enjoy race night.
“The Rugby Sevens was born at Hong Kong Football Club in 1976 and is a key time in our club history. Since the first 10s in 1986, the tournament has played host to some of the best players and teams in the world. This new partnership enables further reach into the community and development of the tournament, ensuring that the fan experience is enhanced and that we continue to attract the best players,” said Hong Kong Football Club Chairman Neil Jensen.
With Hong Kong China Rugby, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Hong Kong Football Club teaming up for Rugby Week, tourists and locals alike will have even more to celebrate as the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens turns 50 this April!