The Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament drew a record 113,000 fans over three days, up 3% from last year. South Africa won the men's title by routing Argentina 35-7, while New Zealand defended the women's cup with a 19-14 victory over Australia. Hong Kong defended its Melrose Claymores title with a 19-15 win over Japan.
The Hong Kong Sevens marked its 50th anniversary with an electric atmosphere on Super Sunday, as spectators in creative and flamboyant costumes filled the South Stand.
Over three action-packed days, a record 113,000 fans passed through the turnstiles, a 3% increase over last year. In the men’s competition, South Africa routed Argentina 35-7 to claim their first Hong Kong title. New Zealand defended their women’s cup title, beating Australia 19-14.
Earlier, Hong Kong defended their Melrose Claymores title in front of raucous home support with a heart-stopping 19-15 victory over Japan.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in a social media post that he had spoken with people from various mainland Chinese and foreign enterprises, who hailed the Hong Kong Sevens and expressed great confidence in the city’s future development. “As a ‘super-value-adder’ for businesses worldwide, Hong Kong is perfectly positioned to play its vital role as an international metropolis and bridge, helping different enterprises achieve their ‘touchdowns’ through perseverance and drive as they go global,” Lee said.
