RUGBY WORLD SET TO WELCOME 50 YEARS OF THE CATHAY/HSBC HONG KONG SEVENS

RUGBY WORLD SET TO WELCOME 50 YEARS OF THE CATHAY/HSBC HONG KONG SEVENS

15 April 2026

Only 1,000 3-day tickets remain!

The 50th anniversary of the most historic and storied rugby sevens tournament in the world will double as the unveiling of a bold new frontier for HSBC SVNS World Series at Kai Tak Stadium this weekend (17-19 April), with the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens playing host to the first ever staging of an HSBC SVNS World Championship tournament.

As part of the new format introduced by World Rugby this season in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, teams have been battling across five continents, three tiers of competition and 10 tournaments for the right to earn a spot in the coveted HSBC SVNS World Championship which will open up with the first round in Hong Kong, before round 2 in Vallodolid, Spain, and round 3 in Bordeaux, France.

While the top eight men’s and women’s teams have locked horns in six HSBC SVNS Series events around the world, a host of hopefuls have been staking their claim in the lower tiers – starting with HSBC SVNS 3 in Dubai in January.

After Canada narrowly defeated Hong Kong China in extra-time in the Dubai semi-final to join Belgium on the men’s side, and South Africa and Argentina earned the right to progress for the women to HSBC SVNS 2, 12 teams – six men’s and six women’s teams – have duked it out across three tournaments for a chance to join the HSBC SVNS Series teams in Hong Kong.

Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and Spain did just that on the women’s side and will join Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand and USA this weekend.

In the men’s series, Germany, Kenya, Uruguay and USA shone in qualifying, earning the right to take aim at Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa and Spain in this weekend’s showdown at Kai Tak Stadium.

It is fitting that the most consequential tournament of the season so far takes place on the biggest weekend of sevens of the year, and too that it is South Africa that carry all the momentum into the Hong Kong men’s draw after winning four of the six HSBC SVNS Series tournaments – including the last three on the bounce – to finish in top position on the table.

One of the great anomalies of the first half century of the Hong Kong Sevens is that powerhouses South Africa have never tasted victory at the most sought-after tournament on the circuit. Argentina have however, prevailing 12 months ago to become only the sixth nation in 49 years to capture the Hong Kong Sevens title, joining Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa and England.

They could only manage a sixth-placed finish in the HSBC SVNS Series, with prolific Hong Kong winners Fiji and New Zealand joining Australia and France in rounding out the top five spots. Argentina are finding form at the right time, however, finishing third behind South Africa and perennial Hong Kong threats Fiji in the most recent leg in New York last month.

New Zealand led the way for the women, winning five of six HSBC SVNS Series legs to finish clear of Australia on top of the table. Their only blemish was a second-place finish in Cape Town.

Riding a wave of three consecutive victories at the Hong Kong Sevens, it will take a lot to stop the Black Ferns Sevens this weekend.


Growth of a Rugby Phenomenon

From humble beginnings as a one-day event in 1976 – played in front of an (even then) sellout crowd of 3,000 at the Hong Kong Football Club, the Sevens has grown into a three-day extravaganza of sport, fancy dress and music.

Over five decades, the Hong Kong Sevens has developed an inimitable reputation as a showcase for rugby legends like Jonah Lomu, and a soundstage for some of the world’s biggest music acts from The Beach Boys, Madness and The Wailers to last year’s South Stand set from rockers Kaiser Chiefs.

“Hong Kong China Rugby is proud that the Sevens is today acknowledged as one of Asia’s top sporting weekends as well as one of world sport’s true bucket list events. However, closer to home, the Sevens’ true importance lies in the role which it has had throughout the decades as the rally point for rugby friends and families the world over.

“The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens also has an impact far beyond the Stadium lights, both in terms of funding the vast majority of our rugby activities, and in generating economic benefits for our city with an estimated USD97 million in spending generated in 2025 alone, figures we hope to better in 2026,” said Mr Chris Brooke, Chairman of Hong Kong China Rugby.

Confirming its enduring popularity, organizers Hong Kong China Rugby have confirmed that the event has passed over 130,000 tickets sold for the 2026 tournament. With kick-off of the 50th anniversary Sevens less than 48 hours away, only 1,000 three-day tickets (the most economical purchase option), are still available for purchase. Limited individual tickets still remain for sale via Klook.

The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is proud of being an “M” Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia’s sports event capital. The “M” Mark awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolises intense, spectacular and signature events in the territory’s sports calendar.

Prices for three-day General Admission Hong Kong Sevens 2026 tickets are HK $2,250 for adults. Three-day General Admission child tickets are available for HK $1,100 (aged 12 and under).

The Sevens’ general admission seating policy will remain in force, with tickets in all non-corporate or non-tournament seating areas inside the stadium being open on a first come, first served basis over the event weekend.

Tickets will also be sold on a first come, first served basis, and while supplies last.

Fans can learn more about all available ticketing options for the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens here, and find out more general information on the event at hksevens.com.