31st March 2023 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong Sevens, also known as “Sevens,” kicked off today at the Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay. The organiser announced that over 23,000 spectators were in attendance for the opening night, which fell short of their earlier projection of 34,000. Despite the lower turnout, the atmosphere was electric, with both locals and tourists excited to witness the first international rugby tournament in Hong Kong after the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions.
Schools from around the city also joined in the excitement, bringing their students to the event to experience the atmosphere first-hand.
Many of the students were equally thrilled, saying that they had been looking forward to the event for months. “I’m so happy to be here, it’s my first time, and I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said one student.
The Hong Kong Sevens is a three-day event, with games being played at the Hong Kong Stadium. This year’s tournament marks the first international rugby event in Hong Kong since the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions in the city. The last rugby tournament in Hong Kong was held four months ago, just before the imposition of tighter COVID-19 measures in the city.
Despite the lower than expected turnout, the organiser was pleased with the level of interest in the event. The tournament is one of the most popular rugby events in the world, attracting thousands of tourists and locals alike. With the success of this year’s event, the organiser is already looking forward to next year’s tournament, hoping for an even more significant turnout.
The opening night of the tournament saw a light drizzle, but it did not dampen the spirits of the spectators who were eager to watch the games. The Hong Kong Stadium is a world-class venue with a seating capacity of over 40,000, making it the perfect location for such a prestigious event.
Apart from local rugby clubs and schools, there were also several foreign rugby teams competing in the tournament, adding to the international flavor of the event. The organizers have taken all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the players and the spectators, with COVID-19 protocols in place, including mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing.
