Ladies and gentlemen, rugby enthusiasts of all ages, get ready to lace up your boots and charge onto the pitch because we’re about to tackle one of the most exciting event that will happen in Hong Kong this year : the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens! For over four decades, this epic tournament has been the pinnacle of rugby sevens, attracting top teams from around the world to compete in the bustling city we all love. With its electrifying atmosphere, lightning-fast action, and a history as rich as the game itself, the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is a spectacle not to be missed.

Whether you’re a seasoned rugby fanatic or just looking for a good time, here is what you need to know about the HK Sevens 2023.

A historic event in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is more than just a sport event – it’s a celebration for all rugby fans and a unique moment for Hong Kong with fans coming from all over the world to visit the city. Hong Kong Sevens, that was last held in November 2022 after two cancelled editions due to COVID, is set to return to Hong Kong between March 31 and April 2, 2023.

At its heart, the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is a rugby tournament that features some of the best teams in that discipline but it’s so much more than that. The tournament has a long and storied history, dating back to the 1970s, and has become a beloved tradition in Hong Kong and beyond.

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What sets the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens apart is its infectious energy and festive atmosphere. The tournament is known for its colourful costumes, raucous cheers, and carnival-like atmosphere. It’s a place where fans can let loose and have fun, whether they’re die-hard rugby enthusiasts or just casual observers.

hong kong rugby 7 fan costumes
Fans and players enjoy the Hong Kong Sevens fun (© Elite Step Asia)

The tournament is also a showcase for the diverse cultures and communities that make up the rugby world. Teams from all over the globe come to compete, bringing with them their unique styles of play, traditions, and personalities. It’s a chance to explore the world without leaving Hong Kong.

In short, the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is more than just a rugby tournament – it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of sport, culture, and community that has become a beloved tradition in Hong Kong and beyond.

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens 2023 schedule

Mark your calendars and get ready for an action-packed weekend of rugby as the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens 2023 Schedule has been released, featuring both men’s and women’s tournaments.

hk7 2023 day 1
Day 1 Schedule (© Hong Kong Rugby Union)
hk7 2023 day 2
Day 2 Schedule (© Hong Kong Rugby Union)
hk7 2023 day 3
Day 3 Schedule (© Hong Kong Rugby Union)

Meet the Hong Kong teams

Get ready to witness history at the Rugby Sevens Series event in Hong Kong in 2023, as the men and women’s teams share the stage for the first time. Experienced co-captains Natasha Olson-Thorne and Melody Li Nim-yan will take the women’s team into its first ever HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament.

Hong Kong, China Women’s Sevens Squad for Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens (31 Mar – 2 Apr)
Back (L-R): Rosie WRIGHT, Chloe CHAN, Julia MBA-OYANA, Micayla BALTAZAR, LAM Tsz-yan, Maggie AU YEUNG Sin-yi Front (L-R): Stephanie CHAN Chor-ki; Jessica HO Wai-On, Melody LI Nim-yan (co-capt.), Natasha OLSON-THORNE (co-capt.), Agnes TSE Wing-kiu, NAM Ka-Man

The men’s side is also laden with experience with nine players returning from November’s Sevens including captain Max Woodward – marking his sixth tournament (five times as captain) in 2023. Hong Kong Rugby’s most capped player, the evergreen Salom Yiu Kam-sing, will celebrate a 12th appearance at the Sevens. This weekend also marks Yiu’s 70th sevens appearance for Hong Kong.

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Hong Kong, China Men’s Sevens Squad for Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens (31 Mar – 2 Apr)
Back (L-R): Salom YIU Kam-shing, Callum McCULLOUGH, Pierce MACKINLAY-WEST,  Max WOODWARD (Capt.), Liam HERBERT, Max DENMARK, Alex McQUEEN  Front (L-R): Alessandro NARDONI, MAK Kwai-chung, Seb BRIEN, Russell WEBB, James CHRISTIE, Hugo STILES

Enjoy the full experience this year

The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens 2023 promises to be a full experience of what the tournament used to be before COVID with an ultimate party experience and non-stop entertainment. The event will features performances by top-notch music and dance acts like Plastic Bertrand (“Ouh-Ouh-Ouh-Ouh”), DJ Soda, The Red Stripes, the Two Simons, Ben Cullen and “a surprise opening ceremony performance from one of Cantopop’s top award-winning artists”.

dj soda and plastic bertrand
DJ Soda and Plastic Bertrand are set to appear at Hong Kong Sevens 2023 (© Elite Step Asia)

The upcoming tournament will be a celebration of sport, music, and entertainment, bringing together rugby fans from all over the world to create unforgettable memories.

Fans of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens 2023 can look forward to an exciting line-up of teams competing for the coveted title with the first ever appearance of the Hong Kong women’s team:

  • Women’s tournament (12 teams): Australia, Brazil, Canada, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, the United States of America and Hong Kong.
  • Men’s tournament (16 teams): Australia, Argentina, Canada, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Samoa, Spain, South Africa, United States of America, Uruguay and Hong Kong.

The Rugby Sevens 2023 will be held at the Hong Kong Stadium (55 Eastern Hospital Road, So Kon Po, Causeway Bay) on between March 31 and April 2. So, pack a snack, your sunscreen, your sunglasses, your best costume, your ticket and be ready to enjoy one of the best event in the city this year!

Header Image Credit: HKRU

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