The Hong Kong 7’s Rugby Tournament

Are you a fan of rugby? Then you’ve probably heard of the Hong Kong Sevens Rugby Tournament, one of the most exciting events in the sport. With its electrifying atmosphere and world-class teams from around the globe, this tournament has become a must-see event for both rugby enthusiasts and casual fans alike. But what exactly is it all about? When does it take place? And how can you make sure that you don’t miss out on this incredible experience? In this blog post, I will answer all these questions and more, giving you everything you need to know about the Hong Kong 7’s Rugby Tournament. So sit back, grab your favorite team jersey and get ready to learn everything there is to know about this exciting sporting event!

What is the Hong Kong 7’s Rugby Tournament?

First off, the Hong Kong 7’s Rugby Tournament is seven-a-side, fast paced rugby tournament that takes place in Hong Kong every year. It’s a hugely popular event and it attracts the top teams from around the world. First established in 1976, the Hong Kong 7’s is a global attraction that brings fans and teams from around the world to the tiny international city of Hong Kong. It’s a fast paced rugby game with festival vibes,  due to the heavy drinking, music and fancy dress.

What makes it different from traditional rugby?

Unlike traditional rugby matches, which feature 15 players per side, the HK Sevens involve only seven players per team. This means that there’s more room for fast-paced action and exciting plays on both offense and defense. Honestly, this is great for rugby and non-rugby fans alike. The quick games and multiple matches throughout the day means you always have something to see. You will definitely not be waiting around at this tournament.

The tournament features both men’s and women’s competitions, with each team playing multiple matches over three days. The goal is to accumulate as many points as possible through wins or ties in order to advance to the knockout stages of the competition.

However, it’s not just about winning – what sets this tournament apart is its incredible atmosphere, with fans coming from all over the world to cheer on their favourite teams while enjoying food, drinks, music, and entertainment throughout the weekend. I noticed that the Saturday (2nd day) of the event was the heavy drinking and partying day, with a huge turn out of fancy dress and heavy partying in the South Stand. The finals is for the true rugby fans to really sit down and actually watch the games. I found that on the Sunday, the South Stand was quieter and less party. Therefore, if you are coming for the atmosphere, the quarter finals is the day to make!

When is the Hong Kong 7’s Rugby Tournament?

The Hong Kong Sevens Rugby Tournament is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in Asia, attracting thousands of fans from around the world. The tournament takes place annually over three days during the first week of April, typically starting on a Friday and ending on Sunday.

The weekend-long event features some of the best rugby teams from countries all over the globe competing against each other. In addition to top-notch rugby action happening on the pitch throughout each day, there are also plenty of off-field activities and entertainment options available for visitors attending.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to rugby, don’t miss your chance to experience this electrifying event first-hand!

Where is the Hong Kong 7’s Rugby Tournament?

Obviously, The HK 7’s Rugby Tournament takes place in the vibrant and bustling city of Hong Kong. Typically, the tournament takes place at the Hong Kong Stadium, which is located in Causeway Bay on the northern side of Hong Kong Island. However, the Hong Kong Stadium hosted the event for the last time in 2023. Plans and construction are underway to build a new stadium in Kowloon called Kai Tak Sports Park.

In addition to being a top destination for sporting events like rugby sevens tournaments such as these, Hong Kong itself offers plenty of attractions for visitors both before and after games. With its stunning skyline, amazing food scene, fantastic shopping opportunities, and rich cultural heritage there’s something here for everyone.

So if you’re planning on attending the HK 7’s Rugby Tournament make sure you take time out to explore everything else that this amazing city has to offer!

Who plays in the Hong Kong 7’s Tournament?

The Hong Kong Sevens Rugby Tournament is one of the biggest and most prestigious rugby competitions in the world. It brings together 28 international teams from all over the globe, including some of the best rugby nations like New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and England.

The tournament features three days of intense rugby action with each team playing seven-minute halves. Hence the name of the tournament. The teams are divided into pools based on their rankings, with each pool consisting of four teams.

The top two teams from each pool advance to the knockout stages, which include quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals. The winner of the tournament is awarded a trophy that has become one of rugby’s most iconic symbols.

HK7’s Rugby Tournament attracts some of the best players worldwide giving spectators an opportunity to witness top-notch international talent in action! If you are not a huge rugby fan and just want to go for the party. Have no fear, anyone can get involved with the atmosphere because everyone has a country to support. You don’t have to know players names or even the game itself to cheer on your home country.

Where to buy tickets?

Watching the HK 7’s Rugby Tournament can be an exciting experience, even for those who are not familiar with rugby. The tournament broadcasts globally, but if you wish to watch the games live in Hong Kong, several options are available.

You can purchase tickets on the official Hong Kong Sevens website at Homepage – Hong Kong Sevens (hksevens.com). It is advisable to buy tickets as soon as possible since they tend to sell out quickly. There are different ticket packages available at various prices and seating locations. What I found really great about this event was the flexibility to enter any stand and sit anywhere you like within the stadium. Obviously, there are a few restrictions, but I found you can sit mostly anywhere you like. This was great because you could see the rugby from a variety of angles.

Is Fancy Dress Important?

The atmosphere at the Hong Kong Sevens Rugby Tournament is unlike anything else in the sports world. The crowd’s energy is contagious, as rugby fans worldwide gather to celebrate and soak up the festive vibe. Whether a rugby fan or not, the 3-day weekend is packed with excitement and a great time. Strolling around the stadium and HK streets, you’ll see people in fancy dress having a good time.

From fancy dress costumes to singing and dancing, visitors can expect a party-like atmosphere both in and outside of the stadium. The tournament has top teams and entertainment like live music, DJs, and food stalls serving tasty treats. The chicken nuggets are amazing. 100% recommend! The drinks and food are a little pricy, but that’s expected at a sporting event. The quality of the food and drink is excellent though and it’s a must when partying all day and night. I have attached a photo of the drink prices below, so you can see.

Night time Partying

The Hong Kong Stadium itself is impressive with its state-of-the-art facilities that provide fans with excellent views of every match. But it’s not just about watching rugby; visitors can take part in various activities during their stay such as street parties or even exploring Hong Kong’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Is it necessary to dress up?

So you might be thinking, does everyone dress up and should I? YES. The answer is yes. The amount of people dressed up in crazy costumes is massive and you will feel strange not dressing up. Therefore, get your group, pick a theme and go all out. I promise you won’t feel odd walking about in your outfit.

The South Stand

You can party, drink, and mix with all the crazy fancy dress costumes in the dedicated part of the stadium called the South Stand. The South Stand allows only 18+ for good reason. It can get a little crazy! Therefore, if you are without children and are going all out in fancy dress, then make your way to the South Stand for good seats and good vibes. Note that you can only purchase alcohol or drinks within the South Stand. If you buy a huge 2Litre drink outside this area of the stadium, you will not be permitted entry.

Top Tips for the Hong Kong 7’s

Accommodation:

With thousands of rugby fans flocking to Hong Kong during the tournament, finding accommodations can be challenging. It’s best to book hotels early or consider staying outside of central areas where prices tend to spike during this period. This was true for us, we booked our accommodation late and ended up staying in an overpriced Best Westin, which was super uncomfortable. Therefore, my top tip would be to book accommodation for that weekend as soon as you’ve got your tickets!

We have never had an issue with a Holiday Inn whilst in Hong Kong, which did in fact get booked up for this event. It is no secret that HK hotels are expensive for what they are. Next year’s 2024 Rugby 7’s will be in a different location, so you will need to keep that in mind when reading this post. Wherever you decide to stay, being in walking distance to the event is a must in my opinion.

Transportation:

The easiest way to get around Hong Kong is by getting a hotel near the stadium and walking around your surrounding area. If the HK 7’s is in Kowloon in 2024, then this would be your best option. There are so many good food places in Kowloon and you will be overwhelmed by your choices. However, if you want to use public transportation systems, then these are a great option too. Buses, trams and trains are everywhere and easy to use.  I would avoid using taxis/Uber because the prices of these can be expensive. However, they are available and easy to use as 99% of the time people speak English, so its super easy to get where you want to go.

Food and Drinks:

The stadium does not permit spectators to bring their own food and drinks, so it’s a good idea to have a good breakfast and a few drinks beforehand. Like I said above, there are really tasty snacks and drinks to buy, so you won’t go hungry. They sell mixed drinks, beer and a range of quick snacks.

Weather:

Usually the weather is hot during this time. However, this years 2023 event rained all weekend. We opted for fancy dress outfits that would be light and airy as we were expecting pure sun and unfortunately got a little wet! Therefore, always check the weather and prepare for all types.

Conclusion

In summary, the HK 7’s Rugby Tournament is a must-attend event for rugby enthusiasts and sports fans alike. You can witness top-notch entertainment, competitive matches, and an electric atmosphere that the tournament offers and believe it.

Book tickets and arrange transportation in advance for the crowded match days at the Hong Kong tournament. Also choose accommodation within easy reach of the stadium.

There’s no denying that the HK 7’s Rugby Tournament is one of the most exciting sporting events in Asia. Whether you’re a seasoned rugby fan or just looking for a fun experience with friends or family members – this tournament should definitely feature on your bucket list!