CATHAY/HSBC HONG KONG SEVENS REACHES THRILLING CRESCENDO AS SOUTH AFRICA SECURE DROUGHT-BREAKING TITLE
PUBLISHED ON 19 APR 2026
South Africa’s men snared a drought-breaking first title and New Zealand’s women continued their dominance as the 50th anniversary of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens reached a thrilling crescendo on Sunday evening.
In a heaving Kai Tak Stadium packed with over 37,000 fans today and 113,395 fans across the weekend - South Africa blitzed defending Hong Kong champions Argentina 35-7 to secure their first Hong Kong Sevens win after years of heartbreak.
“We made a bit of history today and it’s special to be a part of it. We came close a few times in the past and it’s just great to be able to achieve this and finally get it ticked off,” said South Africa captain Impi Visser after his side became just the seventh nation to win the men’s cup at the Hong Kong Sevens.
“Hong Kong is basically where sevens rugby started and it’s just amazing to get over this hurdle while celebrating 50 years.”
The top team to this point of the season, South African continued their march towards overall glory in leg one of the three-leg HSBC SVNS World Championship, while Spain produced a boilover to snare third place, shocking New Zealand 32-28 in the play-off.
In the women’s HSBC SVNS World Championship, New Zealand continued on their merry way, defeating Australia 19-14 to post their fifth straight tournament win and fourth consecutive Hong Kong Sevens success. France won the third-placed play-off, defeating Canada.
Earlier, Hong Kong, China’s men surged to their third consecutive Melrose Claymores victory, outmuscling Japan to post a fitting 19-15 victory.
“We love Hong Kong. The fans came out today and they’re always our eighth man on the field. Every pass, every part of the game they’re cheering for us, so that helped us through massively,” said Hong Kong, China captain James Christie.
“The tournament has been huge – last year was good but every year it just seems to get better and better. I don’t know how they do it. It’s amazing to win on the 50th anniversary – cheers to Hong Kong, Hong Kong China Rugby and the Hong Kong Sevens as well.”
Two tries to Matteo Avitabile and one to Rory Stewart-Cox ensured Hong Kong, China overcame an early deficit and a pair of yellow cards to bounce back from Saturday’s loss to Japan and create vital momentum ahead of their Asian Games defence on Japan’s home deck later this year.
“We’ve got a long way to the Asian Games and we’re looking to be fully prepared. The pleasing part is that six or seven guys who will be in contention for that are yet to come back into the squad, so if they’re fit and these guys stay fit and hungry, we’ve got a very healthy squad to pick 12 guys to represent us in the Asian Games.”
After drawing with Denmark and losing to Thailand earlier in the weekend, Hong Kong, China’s women weren’t in action on Sunday, with Denmark going on to take out the Melrose Claymores spoils.
Immediately after the victory of Hong Kong, China’s men, local legend Salom Yiu Kam-shing became the 50th inductee into the Hong Kong China Rugby Hall of Fame.
“Rugby has been my whole life and this is a big moment for me. What a surprise – I didn’t know they were organising this,” said the city’s most capped sevens player.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone for organising this and thank you to the supporters who have supported me.”
Mr. Chris Brooke, Chairman of Hong Kong China Rugby, said “Many congratulations to South Africa and New Zealand for winning the Men’s and Women’s Cups respectively, and also to Hong Kong China men for defending their Melrose Claymore.
“We would like to thank Cathay, HSBC, the Hong Kong Government, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, other partners and sponsors, and most of all the fans from all over the world who made our 50th anniversary celebrations so special.
The next 18 months will be incredibly significant for rugby in Hong Kong. Apart from the Sevens, which brings in millions of dollars in economic and tourism impact for Hong Kong, we look forward to hosting the new women’s WXV Global Series Challenger in September, our men’s and women’s 7s stars appearing at the Asian Games in Japan later in the year, and of course our men’s XV’s team promoting Hong Kong’s unique rugby culture to a global audience when they play in their first ever World Cup in October 2027.”
The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is proud of being an “M” Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia’s sports event capital. The “M” Mark awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolises intense, spectacular and signature events in the territory’s sports calendar.
