The excitement is palpable as the 2025 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens kicks off today, March 28, at the newly inaugurated Kai Tak Sports Park. This three-day tournament promises to be one of the most thrilling editions yet, moving away from the traditional Hong Kong Stadium, which has hosted the event for decades. With a capacity of 50,000 fans, the new venue is set to welcome an estimated 130,000 spectators over the weekend, making it a significant event for both rugby and the local economy.
In a radio interview, Kowloon City district councillor Vivian Wong expressed confidence that the area would handle the influx of spectators without congestion. "During the Hong Kong Sevens, spectators will be coming in and out at all times," Wong stated. "They won't enter or leave at the same time. Therefore, it's kind of different than, say, the opening ceremony on March the first when they could test out what problems would arise if people left the venue all at once." This careful planning aims to ensure a smooth experience for all attendees.
The inaugural Sevens fan village is expected to be a major draw, offering live music, meet-and-greet opportunities with rugby teams, and a variety of food and drink booths. Alongside this, the Kai Tak Dining Cove Carnival, which opened earlier this month, is set to attract revellers looking for entertainment and dining options.
Mark Lam, a local restaurant owner, shared that businesses in the area have already seen a 20 percent increase during test events and the stadium's opening ceremony. "In the past, before the pandemic, our restaurant closed at 3am. Business was booming at that time. But after and during the pandemic, the catering business was sluggish," Lam explained. He noted that the restaurant has adjusted its hours to accommodate the expected surge in customers, now closing around 1am instead of 10:30pm.
The tournament features a packed schedule, with 72 matches to be played over three days. The first day includes women’s group matches starting at 10:30 AM and men’s group matches kicking off at 11:16 AM. The excitement continues on Saturday with playoff matches, and the finals will take place on Sunday, concluding with a spectacular closing ceremony featuring pyrotechnics and a laser show.
Musical performances are also a highlight this year, with the Kaiser Chiefs set to perform on Friday and Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics scheduled for Saturday. This blend of sports and entertainment is expected to enhance the overall experience for fans.
Among the teams competing this year are rugby powerhouses in both men’s and women’s categories. The men’s teams include New Zealand, Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Kenya, Spain, South Africa, Uruguay, and the USA. For the women, teams such as New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Spain, and the USA will be battling for glory.
The stakes are high, as the top eight teams following this tournament will qualify for the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles on May 3-4, 2025. Currently, Argentina leads the Men’s SVNS standings, closely followed by Spain, Fiji, and South Africa, while New Zealand holds a six-point lead over Australia in the Women’s SVNS standings.
As the tournament unfolds, officials are optimistic that the event will not only showcase world-class rugby but also help restore Hong Kong’s reputation as a vibrant hub for international sports and entertainment. Chris Brooke, chairman of the organizers Hong Kong China Rugby, stated, "We feel very fortunate, via the hosting of the sevens, to be able to help strengthen the role of Hong Kong as one of the world’s most vibrant and accessible destinations for major international events."
The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens has a storied history, having first been held in 1976. This year marks a new chapter as the tournament transitions to the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park, which officially opened on March 1, 2025. The stadium, part of a HK$30 billion (US$3.86 billion) development, features a retractable roof and one of the longest bars in Asia, catering to the legendary party atmosphere that the Sevens are known for.
As fans pour into the stadium, anticipation builds for the thrilling matches and electrifying atmosphere that the Hong Kong Sevens promises to deliver. With the combination of top-tier rugby, live music, and a vibrant fan experience, this event is set to be a highlight of the sporting calendar and a significant boost for the local economy.
In conclusion, the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is not just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the spirit of rugby. As the matches begin and the excitement unfolds, all eyes will be on Kai Tak Sports Park, where history is being made and memories are set to be created.
