Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024 Week – Ultimate Fan Guide
rugbyasia247
Posted On April 1, 2024
With 30 years of memorable action at the Hong Kong Stadium, the Cathay / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will be played for the final time at the iconic venue from 5-7 April 2024 before moving in 2025 – which only adds to the excitement of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.
We look at what events are on, what rugby tournaments are being played and other best tips in our Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024 Ultimate Fan Guide!
Updated 2nd April 2024
In 2025, the HK Sevens tournament will move to the new Kai Tak Sports Park but before it does, the world’s top 24 HSBC SVNS teams and the six Asian Melrose Claymores participating teams will be looking to excite a packed house of 40,000 fans.
There is also plenty of youth, tens and social rugby that week, never mind sporting events, charitable dinners, guest dinners and many rugby legends in town as MCs and special guests.
We will keep updating this article with more events – so bookmark it now!
Tickets Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024
By December 2023, 65 per cent of stadium capacity tickets had been sold. and by the end of February, it was confirmed more than 100,000 tickers had been snapped up!
It’s anticipated to be a sellout as it’s the last time the 7s will be played at the current stadium and many people we have spoken to have expressed a desire to attend (better late than never) – expect the South Stand to be its usual messy and festive self – as diehard fans will send off the memorable seated area in style come April 2024!
The latest update in March 2024 suggested that over 85% of the total capacity of tickets had been sold based on the event’s seating configuration.
Robbie McRobbie, CEO of Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) added, “We believe that the tournament is on track to return to its pre-pandemic sell out status and are confident to bid the Stadium a good farewell with another weekend of Hong Kong Sevens magic.”
All signs are pointing to a sell-out in Hong Kong in the days leading up to the tournament- with only 500 tickets remaining by the 2nd April 2024. There has been renewed interest amongst international visitors, with overseas ticket sales returning to over 40 per cent of totals in 2024, and strong demand from the UK, Australia and Fiji.
Live Music – Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024
The Wailers, Journey’s Arnel Pineda, Celine Tam, Cantopop Lolly Talk and former rugby international DJ James Haskell have all been confirmed for the 2024 edition of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.
- Friday, 5 April 2024: At 18.42 there will be a multi-cultural celebration featuring a traditional eye-dotting ceremony to wish the tournament an auspicious start, which will be followed by 40 minutes of live music at the Hong Kong Stadium.
- Friday, 5 April 2024: Hong Kong singing sensation Celine Tam is due to perform!
- Friday, 5 April 2024: Former England international and British & Irish Lions
star James Haskell will be DJing with a set during the Opening Ceremony of the HK Sevens 2024! - Friday, 5 April 2024: Emerging all-female Cantopop group, Lolly Talk will be performing – the 8-piece has played the festival scene and headlined their solo concerts – with songs like Triple Sweetness, 5 Ciphers of Love, and My Seven Stars the hits to watch out for.
- Saturday, 6 April 2024 – Reggae legends The Wailers, led by Aston Barrett Jr continue
to preserve the legacy of their iconic island sound with classics from Bob
Marley and anthems such as Three Little Birds, Could You Be Loved, and One Love will be enticing fans at the Hong Kong Sevens for a massive singalong. - Sunday, 7 April 2024: Arnel Pineda joined Journey as the lead singer after a worldwide talent search. They have played to sold-out stadiums globally and he will be fronting his own band, AMMO – expect hits like Don’t Stop Believin’ and ‘Anyway You Want It’!
Sixteen-year-old Hong Kong singing sensation Celine Tam will also be performing – she was made famous by her America’s Got Talent season 12 where she reached the semi-finals as a nine-year-old! She also achieved a Top 8 finish in the World’s Got Talent show.
Cathay / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024 Ambassadors
A full list of star ambassadors was announced a month before the Cathay / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens tournament.
- Waisale Serevi
- David Campese
- DJ Forbes
- Huriana Manuel
- Maggie Alphonsi MBE
- Jamie Roberts
- Benjamin Kayser
- John Barclay
- James Haskell
- Christy Cheng
In terms of the HSBC Ambassadors in 2024 in Hong Kong – they are confirmed to be; Bryan Habana, Brian O’Driscoll, Nolli Waterman and Abby Gustaitis.
Cathay / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Greatest Hits Relay Campaign
Hong Kong China Rugby, have launched a global campaign “to invite stakeholders, legends, and, of course, the fans to sound off on their most memorable moments.”
Robbie McRobbie, CEO of Hong Kong China Rugby, who will be involved for one more time in his capacity as CEO, said, “The Greatest Hits Relay is one of the many ways we are marking this milestone tournament with fans in Hong Kong and around the world. We hope that fans will enjoy participating, and are very confident that the grand prize winner will enjoy the Ultimate Rugby Fan Experience we have in store.”
From the 5th of February 2024, the Hong Kong Sevens campaign shared memories across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Xiaohongshu and for every day of the campaign until March 5th, will feature a different memory posted from event stakeholders and Hong Kong Sevens legends like David Campese and Waisale Serevi.
HKCR added, “The fan whom the judges felt shared the most iconic memory with a great Sevens story behind it will win the Ultimate Rugby Fan Experience prize”.
- The prize includes a chance for the winner and a mate to watch the Sevens and rub shoulders with some rugby legends inside the Captain’s Corner at Hong Kong Stadium.
- The grand prize also includes a $10,000 Cathay Pacific travel voucher, rooms at Ovolo Southside Hotel, a Tomahawk dinner at Feather and Bone and a Sevens gift pack with merchandise, an official SVNS ball and, of course, a couple of Beers!
Fans can tag @hksevens and use #HK7sGreatestHits and #HK7s for a chance to win a literal once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Sevens this April.
Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024
The pools for the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024 were drawn at the start of March 2024.
Key times to take note of for Hong Kong 7s fans – All times below are local HK times. You also read the Hong Kong Sevens Guide To Whats On.
Friday 5 April 2024
Gates open at 07:30 and the day starts with over two hours of mini and youth rugby.
The tournament officially kicks off at 10:30 with Canada versus Japan women and the tournament’s opening ceremony will take place between the two Hong Kong China games in the Melrose Claymores at 18:42.
The final match of the day will be France versus Australia men at 20:58 with play ending at 21:30.
Saturday 6 April 2024
Gates open from 07:00 with mini rugby games leading up to the start of play at 09:30.
- At 14:09, Hong Kong China women will face Thailand in round two of the Melrose Claymores competition
- This is followed by the famous Hong Kong Sevens March Past and some island beats from legendary reggae band, The Wailers.
- At 15:11, Hong Kong China men will play Japan in their second Melrose Claymores match, followed by the start of HSBC SVSNS quarter-finals action.
- Action finishes with the placing match semi-finals at 20:30.
Sunday 7 April 2024
Gates open at 08:00 with mini and youth showcase matches through 09:40
- The final round of Melrose Claymores action sees China playing Thailand in the women’s bracket and Japan in the men’s.
- The finals of the Melrose Claymores will be at 15:28 (women) and 15:56 (men)
- This is followed by a performance from Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda.
- The 3rd place finals will start at 17:10, with the women’s Cup Final kicking off at 18:13 and the men’s at 18:53.
Melrose Claymores Competition 2024
This special 2024 Melrose Claymores Shield Competition showcase tournament of the best Asian Sevens men’s and women’s teams will be run as a triangular competition interspersed between the SVNS matches at the Hong Kong Sevens Stadium.
As part of this tournament, Hong Kong China Rugby and Melrose RFC will exchange trophies for their respective rugby sevens tournaments to celebrate their shared global sevens legacies.
The competing teams are:
- China (Women and Men)
- Japan (Men)
- Hong Kong, China (Women and Men)
- Thailand (Women)
Find out more from HKCR Women’s Captain Natasha Olson-Thorne
Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024 Dinners, Lunches & Events
Bula Dinner – Fiji Chamber of Commerce – Hong Kong
The Fiji Chamber of Commerce has annunced details for its annual Bula Dinner in the leadup to the Hong Kong Sevens, confirming the dinner will take place on 2nd April 2024.
The Chamber said, “We extend a warm invitation to everyone as we celebrate the spirit of Fiji and cheer for the Fiji National Teams in their upcoming games at the HK Sevens.”
Attending will be the Fiji women’s and men’s sevens rugby teams with special MCs for the evening
- Date: Tuesday 2nd April 2024, 6:30PM
- Venue: HKFC
AustCham Rugby Sevens Cocktails 2024
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong will be hosting members of the Australian Men’s and Women’s Sevens rugby teams and coaches at the Official Residence of the Australian Consul General in Hong Kong.
The event will provide an opportunity to meet with and hear insights from the players and coaches, while also raising funds for raising funds for the Australian Rugby Foundation through an auction of signed Australian team kit.
- Date: Tuesday 2nd April 2024, 6-8PM
- Venue: Official Residence of the Australian Consul General in Hong Kong
Southern African Association of Hong Kong – HK Sevens Blitzbok Dinner 2024
The SAAHK said, “Don’t miss our annual Sevens Dinner – a fantastic evening for a great cause – with the Blitzboks and the legendary Duane Vermeulen, in support of Ons Plek, a charity for girls sleeping on the streets of Cape Town.”
Over the past seven years, SAAHK has raised over one million HK$ for Ons Plek – a home for abused and disadvantaged young girls sleeping on the streets of Cape Town in South Africa.
- Date: Wednesday 3rd April 2024, 6PM
- Venue: Hong Kong Football Club
Doddie Weir Dinner 2024 – HK 7s 2024 – ‘Greatest Rugby Dinner in the World’
The benefit dinner will once again be celebrating all things life and rugby – with an amazing lineup of speakers and guests due to support of a great cause – My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in search of treatments for MND.
We expect the usual – a night filled with raucous laughter, guest appearances, fond memories, and plenty of whisky.
- Date: Wednesday 3rd April 2024
- Venue: Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong
Irish Chamber Dinner 2024 – Hong Kong Sevens Week
The Irish Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Dinner 2024 will be held at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and an opportunity for attendees to meet the Ireland Men’s and Women’s Sevens Rugby teams.
- Date: Wednesday 3rd April 2024
- Venue: Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
Hong Kong Sport & Sustainability Summit 2024
Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR), supported by Brand Hong Kong, is hosting the inaugural Hong Kong Sport & Sustainability Summit featuring the Value of Sport Lunch and several panel discussions which include members of rugby union as well as other sports.
- Date: Wednesday 3rd April 2024
- Venue: Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel
BritCham & KPMG Rugby Dinner 2024
The BritCham & KPMG Rugby Dinner is confirmed to take place on Thursday 4 April 2024 at the Hong Kong Football Club and will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the BritCham & KPMG Rugby Dinner.
- HKCR CEO Robbie McRobbie is the guest MC
- Ada Milby – PRFU President and World Rugby EXCO Member (former Philippines 7s and XVs player)
- David Campese – Former Australian Rugby Union Player and RWC winner
- John Barclay – Former Scottish Rugby Union Player
- Date: Thursday 4th April 2024
- Venue: HKFC
Kick Offs And Kick Ons (KOKO) – Game On In Hong Kong
Ovolo Hotels are hosting the hosts of the rugby podcast as well as Wallabies including; Drew Mitchell and Adam Ashley-Cooper. The event is free.
- Date: Thursday 4th April 2024, 5:30-7:30 PM
- Venue: Ovolo Southside
Sandy Bay HK7s Dinner 2024
The Sandy Bay RFC HK7s Dinner will see special guest speakers Ryan Paul Jones MBE (Wales) and Huriana Manuel-Carpenter (Black Ferns) attend
Silent auctions will be held to support Phenomenally Pink, ImpactHK & The Mekong Club.
- Date: Thursday 4th April 2024, 7-11PM
- Venue: The Millions Room, Happy Valley Race Course
24th Valley Long Lunch 2024
The traditional annual long lunch will be serving a 3-course meal with free-flowing drinks and curated wines.
Speakers include retired former Wales captain Alun Wyn-Jones, All Black Eric Rush, & two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok Duane Vermeulen.
The event will also be supporting some great children’s charities in Asia.
- Date: Friday 5th April 2024
- Venue: TBC
Christina Noble Children’s Foundation (CNFC) Ladies Long Lunch 2024
The CNCF Long Lunch 2024 will once again be serving fine food, champagne, and great entertainment, with an auction being held to raise funds for the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation – one of the longest-serving children’s foreign NGOs in Asia.
Contact hongkong@cncf.org to secure your seat.
- Date: Friday 5th April 2024, 12:30-15:30
- Venue: Happy Valley Racecourse, Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Sports and Emergency Medicine Conference 2024
The Hong Kong International Sports and Emergency Medicine Conference 2024 takes place from 3-4 April 2024 at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong and will focus on the latest trends in Injury Prevention, Cardiology, Brain Health, Nutrition, and Psychology.
Speakers include experienced local and international professionals.
- Date: Thursday & Friday 3-4 April 2024
- Venue: Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong
Sports Matters – North Asia 2024
On the 1st February 2024, it was announced that Branded, in association with The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Hong Kong China Rugby, will host the Sports Matters North Asia 2024 event in Hong Kong on the eve of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.
The sports conference will be held at the HKJC Happy Valley Racecourse on Friday 5th April 2024, with a focus on the North Asian sports industry (Greater China, Japan and Korea).
Confirmed speakers hail from a range of sports including rugby (Hong Kong China Rugby & World Rugby), as well as The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Asia Football Group, HSBC, Cathay, Mastercard, Havas Play, Standard Chartered Bank, Kai Tak Sports Park, Mission Hills, InvestHK, Laureus Sport for Good with more to be announced as well as a lineup of well-known athletes.
The sporting conference will highlight four legends in the sports world:
- Ex All Black Captain Sean Fitzpatrick
- British & Irish Lions Captain Brian O’Driscoll
- Womens Rugby World Cup winner Nolli Waterman
- World & Olympic Rowing Champion Sir Steve Redgrave
The Sports Matters event is invitation-only and you can register online.
- Date: Friday 5th April 2024
- Venue: HKFC, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Scottish RFC – HK7s Breakfast 2024
The Hong Kong Scottish RFC HKS 7s Breakfast features special guest Dr James Robson MBE who has been Scottish Rugby’s Chief Medical Officer and is to retire after more than 30 years working in the sport.
Other notable guests include former Scottish internationals; Andy Nicol, Kelly Brown, and Greig Laidlaw.
- Date: 6 April 2024, 9AM
- Venue: Hong Kong Yacht Club
Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024 Rugby Tournaments
Hong Kong International Touch Championship 2024
With Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams involved, in the Hong Kong International Touch Championship 2024, the organisers hope the ITC will be an annual attraction for clubs around the world to add to their annual calendar.
- Date: Sunday 31 March 2024
- Venue: Happy Valley Recreation Ground (Pitch 3 & 4 & 6)
All Girls Rugby Sevens 2024
The AGIR 7s returns in 2024 at Kings Park in Hong Kong as the All Girls International Rugby 7’s tournament aims to showcase teams from Hong Kong and beyond across 7 different age grades in the leadup to the Hong Kong Sevens.
- Date: Saturday & Sunday 29-30th March 2024
- Venue: Kings Park, Hong Kong
Kowloon RugbyFest 2024
The very popular Kowloon RugbyFest returns to the Hong Kong Sevens week after not having been played since 2019. This will be the 20th edition of the Social Tens tournament and the one-day event features Women’s and Men’s rugby, as well as Men’s Vets (Over 40).
The organisers told Rugby Asia 247 “We are delighted to confirm that the Kowloon RugbyFest will return on 4th April 2024. Started in 2002, the Kowlon RugbyFest is a social 10-a-side competition for Men’s and Women’s social teams and a new Men’s Veterans (over 40) section.”
For more information contact tournament@rugbyfest.org
- Date: Thursday, 4th April 2024
- Venue: Kings Park, Hong Kong
Tradition HKFC Tens 2024
The 2023 edition of the popular HKFC Tens tournament saw the inclusion of a women’s division for the first time and 2024 will see the return of the men and women from 3-4 April 2024.
The tournament attracts some of the best touring rugby teams and players in the world and carries the smoker of being “The World’s Best 10s tournament.”
The organisers told us that some exciting VIP ambassadors will be unveiled soon and the exact teams due to be involved will also be announced soon so stay tuned.
Laureaus is once again the charitable partner for the Tradition HKFC Tens in 2024. Traditionally, the tournament is held the Wednesday & Thursday before the Hong Kong 7s and will be streamed online.
- Date: Wednesday & Thursday 3-4 April 2024
- Venue: HKFC, Hong Kong
REVOLUTION 10s Invitational Rugby 2024
A new rugby tournament, the REVOLUTION 10s invitational is planned to be held at Kowloon Tsai Park Sports Ground on 4th April (Thursday) and has the support of Hong Kong China Rugby.
The Rugby Tens tournament joins an already congested week but overseas rugby teams or university teams are invited to register.
- Date: Thursday 4 April 2024
- Venue: Kowloon Tsai Park Sports Ground, Hong Kong
Bali Memorial Matches 2024
The Pot Bellied Pigs RFC will be organising the annual Bali Memorial matches in 2024, as is the tradition, the matches due to be played on Friday 5th April.
- Date: Friday 5th April
- Venue: TBC – Hong Kong
If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Hong Kong, close to the HKFC grounds and public transport to reach the Hong Kong Stadium, Rugby Asia 247 recommends The Charterhouse who have been our accommodation partner for the past two years for the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024 Week.
Sevens Rugby 2024 Tournament News
- World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 – Dates And Venues Announced.
- Hong Kong China Rugby CEO Robbie McRobbie Stepping Down In 2024.
- HSBC SVNS 2023-2024 Explained.
- Borneo 7s International Rugby Tournament 2024.
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