The return of the traditional “Sevens Week” activities in the run up to the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens saw not just a fantastic Tradition HKFC 10s tournament but more than 20 breakfasts, brunches, lunches, drinks and dinner functions. Organised by consulates, chambers of commerce, societies, and of course local rugby clubs these events provide an opportunity to welcome the visiting World Series teams and listen to famous guest speakers - alongside a plethora of rugby legends there were also some stars of other sports in town for the festivities, including Olympic legends Li Xiaopeng, Sir Chris Hoy and Daley Thompson and former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss.

But alongside the buffets, beer and banter an incredible HK$7 million was raised to support charities in Hong Kong, across the region and internationally. Locally beneficiaries supported by the functions hosted by Kowloon, HKU Sandy Bay and Hong Kong Scottish rugby clubs included ImpactHK, Phenomenally Pink, Love21 as well as Rugby for Good who were raising funds to support the Hong Kong Deaf Rugby team’s trip to the World Deaf 7s in Argentina. Elsewhere in Asia youngsters in Sri Lanka, India and the Philippines all benefitted from the generosity of attendees at the Valley Long Lunch, whilst the Ladies Long Lunch raised over HK$1 million for the wonderful work done by the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation. Meanwhile Laureus Sport for Good, the official charity of both the 10s and 7s this year, had a busy week not only raising funds but also awareness of the Model City programme they are spearheading here, using sport as a medium to help tackle our youth mental health crisis.

The biggest single fund raiser was the aptly named “Greatest Rugby Dinner in the World”, where a packed Grand Hyatt ballroom on the Wednesday evening raised over HK$3 million for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation which is funding research to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.

Hong Kong Rugby Union CEO Robbie McRobbie said; “Hong Kongers are an exceptionally generous bunch, and the rugby community in particular are really passionate about community engagement and supporting good causes - on top of our partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club which saw 1,500 youngsters from local charities have the opportunity to attend the Sevens free of charge, it makes us all incredibly proud that so many others will have benefited from the Sevens Week events. I salute all those who put in the time and energy to host them, bringing a lot of pleasure to those who attend and much needed support to some great causes.”