https://www.scmp.com/rss/310895/feed Hong Kong and international rugby union news, match reports and fixtures. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Tumua Ioane said Hong Kong would make tangible progress only when they had their sevens players available for major 15s tournaments, after his spirited team lost 54-26 to Fiji at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground on Saturday. Last-ditch victors over Brazil last Sunday, the hosts will expect to end their WXV Challenger campaign with victory over hapless Samoa next week. But in a four-try blitz shortly before half-time, the bustling and buccaneering Fijians brutally exposed the gulf that exists between... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3368122/hong-kong-coach-spells-out-big-change-needed-after-fiji-overpower-city-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3368122/hong-kong-coach-spells-out-big-change-needed-after-fiji-overpower-city-team?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2026 00:00:12 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara It was watching Fiji shock South Africa in a 2021 Women’s World Cup pool match that steeled the 18-year-old Alfreda Fisher’s determination to play international rugby. Or more accurately, it was hearing her father telling his sons at full time that one day he would watch them on the global stage that really got Fisher ticking. “Yeah, that’s when I thought I’m going to play for Fiji,” Fisher said, at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground after her team’s rousing 38-32 WXV Global Series Challenger victory... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3367360/fiji-stars-full-fire-hong-kong-leave-it-late-sisters-put-wxv-global-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3367360/fiji-stars-full-fire-hong-kong-leave-it-late-sisters-put-wxv-global-show?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:12 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara On the first placement of her veterinary technology degree, Sabay Lynam found herself patrolling the “domestic reptile ward”. “There were lizards, turtles and snakes,” she said. “Lots of snakes.” Slight of stature, Lynam is a fast and fearless fullback for the Hong Kong women’s 15s team. She is home from Australia, the country she left for Hong Kong at four, and where she now studies at the University of Queensland, for the WXV Global Series Challenger tournament. In the battle for a World Cup... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3366794/after-stint-snake-ward-rugby-opponents-hold-no-fear-hong-kongs-fly-fullback?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3366794/after-stint-snake-ward-rugby-opponents-hold-no-fear-hong-kongs-fly-fullback?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:15 +0000 Associated Press,Agence France-Presse Associated Press,Agence France-Presse Rugby officials in Japan on Friday said they had reached a settlement to allow players with Japanese nationality, but who were born elsewhere, to qualify for the top eligibility category in the domestic competition, Rugby League One. Under proposed rules changes that were to go into effect when the league opens in December, players with Japanese passports, but who were born outside Japan and not educated there during childhood, would have had their eligibility restricted. In a statement on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3365575/japanese-rugby-officials-roll-back-proposed-restrictions-certain-foreign-born-players?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3365575/japanese-rugby-officials-roll-back-proposed-restrictions-certain-foreign-born-players?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:37:41 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Japan coach Eddie Jones said his young team must learn to keep their focus for 90 minutes but should not become despondent after collapsing in the second-half against Australia on Saturday. The visitors went in to the break trailing just 21-17 after an even first-half in Townsville but then leaked 35 unanswered points to crash 56-17. It followed a narrow 35-32 defeat against Les Kiss’s team in Osaka last week. “We showed we can do it for 40 minutes. You know, we’ve played two good halves of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3364146/japans-young-rugby-team-gain-great-experience-despite-heavy-loss-australia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3364146/japans-young-rugby-team-gain-great-experience-despite-heavy-loss-australia?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:32:44 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse A Fijian rugby player with a Japanese professional team has died after being taken to hospital with “symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke”, Saimoni Vunilagi’s club said on Saturday. Second-division side Kyushu KV said that 26-year-old Vunilagi was taken to hospital in the southern city of Fukuoka after a team practice on Monday, and died on Friday morning. Temperatures reached a high of 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in Fukuoka on Monday. Vunilagi, a back row forward who stood... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3363396/fijian-rugby-player-japan-dies-suspected-severe-heatstroke-club-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3363396/fijian-rugby-player-japan-dies-suspected-severe-heatstroke-club-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Aug 2026 10:30:11 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Timothy Lafaele is among the rugby players who have made their lives and playing careers in Japan, and hold Japanese passports even though they were born outside the country. In Lafaele’s case, he has played 28 times for Japan’s national team, including as part of a monumental victory over Ireland in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which Japan hosted. He was a star back then as Japan’s rugby prowess shocked many. But under new rules proposed by local rugby officials that are set to go into effect when... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3362414/why-immigration-politics-japan-leaving-its-rugby-world-cup-stars-limbo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3362414/why-immigration-politics-japan-leaving-its-rugby-world-cup-stars-limbo?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:02:06 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport World Rugby has released the schedule for next year’s HSBC SVNS Series and World Championship, with Hong Kong again a key stop in the season. The city will host the opening leg of the SVNS World Championship from April 9 to 11 at Kai Tak Stadium, with the three-stop tournament then moving on to Spain and France. Dubai will stage the series opener over the weekend of November 28, with the series heading to Cape Town seven days later. Singapore gets the new year started on January 30 and 31,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3362263/hong-kong-sevens-dates-released-world-championship-again-start-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3362263/hong-kong-sevens-dates-released-world-championship-again-start-city?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:00:29 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong’s men have ended their Nations Cup in South America on a high, producing a thrilling fightback to beat Uruguay 42-40 in Montevideo on Saturday. Trailing 26-13 at half-time, Logan Asplin’s side appeared destined to lose for the third week in a row, having been beaten heavily by Samoa and Chile, only to stun their opponents, who are ranked seven places higher and have appeared at the past five Rugby World Cups. Paul Altier kicked a long-range penalty at the death to seal a famous... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3361094/hong-kong-end-nations-cup-rugby-campaign-thrilling-come-behind-win-over-uruguay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3361094/hong-kong-end-nations-cup-rugby-campaign-thrilling-come-behind-win-over-uruguay?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:18:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong have been handed a stark reminder of the scale of the task they face to compete at next year’s Rugby World Cup, going down 38-17 to Chile in Vina del Mar on Saturday. And while there was a measure of encouragement in the tenacity Hong Kong summoned to stay in touch with the hosts during the opening 40 minutes, an ill-disciplined performance was punctuated by four yellow cards, and one red for full debutant Lachlan Doheny. Ultimately, the city team, who are ranked 24th in the world, ran... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3360278/hong-kong-handed-rugby-world-cup-reality-check-dominant-chile-nations-cup-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3360278/hong-kong-handed-rugby-world-cup-reality-check-dominant-chile-nations-cup-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:35:52 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Fifteen months before they encounter Chile in a monumental Rugby World Cup fixture, Hong Kong have been told to brace themselves for a “hostile” dress rehearsal when the teams meet in Vina del Mar on Sunday. Chile lost all four matches on their first World Cup appearance in 2023, while Hong Kong are poised for their tournament debut next year, and both sides have earmarked their October 2027 encounter in Townsville as an opportunity for a groundbreaking victory. Joining them in the group are... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3360169/hong-kong-brace-themselves-hostile-chile-rugby-world-cup-dress-rehearsal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3360169/hong-kong-brace-themselves-hostile-chile-rugby-world-cup-dress-rehearsal?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Jul 2026 04:00:24 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong got a brutal introduction to Test rugby at a higher level in Chile on Saturday, ending up on the wrong side of an 11-try mauling at the hands of Samoa. The Pacific Islanders got their Nations Cup off to a flying start, wrapping up a four-try bonus point inside 20 minutes, and were rattling along at a point a minute at one stage of the 66-19 hammering in the National Stadium in Santiago. Looking for a major reset, after a winless 2025 in which they averaged fewer than 21 points a game,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3359463/hong-kong-receive-rude-awakening-hands-samoa-nations-cup-demolition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3359463/hong-kong-receive-rude-awakening-hands-samoa-nations-cup-demolition?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Jul 2026 06:57:48 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Hong Kong begin their Nations Cup campaign against Samoa on Saturday in Chile, the start of six games that will either establish the side’s credibility ahead of next year’s World Cup, or give further ammunition to those who believe they do not belong. Samoa, meanwhile, come into the contest on the back of a winless 2025 and with plenty to prove after conceding more tries than they scored last year. Both sides will be without their regular captains. In Josh Hrstich’s absence, Pierce... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3359414/hong-kong-start-nations-cup-campaign-against-samoa-plenty-prove?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3359414/hong-kong-start-nations-cup-campaign-against-samoa-plenty-prove?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Jul 2026 09:34:13 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Banned Japan coach Eddie Jones will be absent as his team begin their Nations Championship campaign in Tokyo on Saturday against an Italy side looking to build on Six Nations success. Jones is serving the last game of a four-match suspension imposed by the Japan Rugby Football Union for abusing match officials on a tour of Australia this year. Forwards coach Neal Hatley will fill in for the visit of Italy, who are riding high after beating England for the first time this year and matching their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3359246/japan-coach-eddie-jones-serve-last-match-suspension-nations-championship-opener?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3359246/japan-coach-eddie-jones-serve-last-match-suspension-nations-championship-opener?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:30:05 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Japan coach Eddie Jones joked on Wednesday that he was “looking for a laundry basket” to escape a four-match ban imposed by his own bosses for verbally abusing a referee. The Japan Rugby Football Union last month slapped the 66-year-old with a suspension and cut his salary for “incidences of verbal abuse directed at local match officials” during a Japan Under-23 team tour of Australia in April. Jones will miss Japan’s Nations Championship opener against Italy in Tokyo on July 4. The spiky... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3356604/japan-rugby-coach-eddie-jones-eyes-jose-mourinho-laundry-stunt-escape-ban?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3356604/japan-rugby-coach-eddie-jones-eyes-jose-mourinho-laundry-stunt-escape-ban?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:23:20 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong’s men brushed aside South Korea on Sunday, wrapping up the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship for the seventh year running. The city side ran in seven tries in the 45-9 rout, with No 8 Jack Bartlett grabbing a brace, scrum-half Brendon Nell running in a fine solo effort, and Sunia Fameitau, Charles Higson-Smith, Dean Rossouw and Murray Brechin also crossing. Korea, meanwhile, never came close to breaching the Hong Kong defence and were limited to three first-half penalties from the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3356270/hong-kong-triumph-over-south-korea-claim-seventh-straight-asia-rugby-mens-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3356270/hong-kong-triumph-over-south-korea-claim-seventh-straight-asia-rugby-mens-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:50:39 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball An entirely new-look Hong Kong will head to Sri Lanka on Friday to start the defence of the city’s Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship title, little more than an hour after the senior team has finished taking on Japan A in Oita. Some 53 players will be in action over the next week and more, as coaches work towards finalising their squad for the Nations Cup this summer and continue to build towards next year’s World Cup. With another seven players unavailable through injury or for personal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3354000/hong-kong-eye-asia-championship-defence-amid-japan-tour-rugby-world-cup-build?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3354000/hong-kong-eye-asia-championship-defence-amid-japan-tour-rugby-world-cup-build?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:12 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Japan suspended head coach Eddie Jones for four games and cut his salary on Wednesday for “verbal abuse directed at local officials” during an Australian tour, removing his involvement from matches against Hong Kong later this month. Jones will miss Japan’s Nations Championship opener against Italy in Tokyo on July 4. The Japan Rugby Football Union said the 66-year-old Australian violated their ethics and disciplinary regulations during a Japan Under-23 team tour of Australia from April 1 to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3353467/japan-rugby-coach-eddie-jones-suspended-abusing-officials-will-miss-hong-kong-matches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3353467/japan-rugby-coach-eddie-jones-suspended-abusing-officials-will-miss-hong-kong-matches?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2026 13:30:01 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong are attempting to add some strength and depth to their scrum by prising prop Charlie Walsh away from Major League Rugby (MLR) side Seattle Seawolves – although money worries may stop that happening. Meagre resources in some areas on and off the pitch are proving a major concern for officials, as the team prepares for its Rugby World Cup debut next year in Australia. Limited depth in an ageing front row has not been helped by veteran Alex Post undergoing shoulder surgery, or Faizal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3353041/hong-kong-eye-seawolves-prop-charlie-walsh-team-builds-2027-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3353041/hong-kong-eye-seawolves-prop-charlie-walsh-team-builds-2027-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 May 2026 23:00:16 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Hong Kong and their Kazakhstan opponents will both be chasing a first when they clash in Almaty in the Asia Rugby Emirates Women’s Championship on Sunday. With second place at stake, the hosts will be attempting to end a two-year losing streak. Hong Kong, meanwhile, have yet to beat Kazakhstan away from home. Both sides go into the encounter on the back of heavy defeats at the hands of Japan, who thumped Hong Kong 71-12 on Tuesday, having previously dispatched the home side 64-12. Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3352976/hong-kong-kazakhstan-women-both-chasing-firsts-asia-rugby-championship-finale?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3352976/hong-kong-kazakhstan-women-both-chasing-firsts-asia-rugby-championship-finale?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 May 2026 05:26:19 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Michael Hooper has backed “amazing leader of men” Dave Rennie to mould a New Zealand team that is a “real problem” for its rivals at next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia. Appointed in March following the sacking of Scott Robertson, Rennie experienced mixed fortunes in combination with captain Hooper during three years bossing Australia before his dismissal in January 2023. Eddie Jones replaced Rennie and omitted Hooper from Australia’s 2023 World Cup squad, essentially ending the flanker’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3352599/australia-legend-michael-hooper-tips-old-boss-inspire-new-zealand-world-cup-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3352599/australia-legend-michael-hooper-tips-old-boss-inspire-new-zealand-world-cup-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 May 2026 02:00:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara As a “scrawny, skinny little Indian kid” Shiven Dukhande grew used to people telling him his goal of playing professional rugby was a pipe dream. To underline that opinion, Dukhande, who became obsessed with the sport from his first USRC Tigers training session, aged eight, would look at those forging rugby careers and see “no one who was the same colour as me”. Now the owner of two Hong Kong sevens caps, and with a goal of earning many more, Dukhande said he wanted to be the “role model I... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3352519/skinny-indian-kid-who-plays-rugby-7s-hong-kong-wants-be-role-model-i-didnt-have?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3352519/skinny-indian-kid-who-plays-rugby-7s-hong-kong-wants-be-role-model-i-didnt-have?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:06 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ruby Tui “felt like a pirate” when she was presented with her “super shiny” Olympic gold in 2021, but it is the shabby silver from 2016 that serves as a permanent reminder of the resilience and dedication she applied to reach the top of the podium. A rugby sevens winner with New Zealand in Tokyo, and arch-champion of a format that “is one of the greatest teachers of life … and provides the fittest and fastest rugby on the planet”, Tui returned home desolate after losing the Rio Games final to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3351986/how-rubbish-olympic-medal-inspired-new-zealand-star-ruby-tuis-rush-greatness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3351986/how-rubbish-olympic-medal-inspired-new-zealand-star-ruby-tuis-rush-greatness?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Were it not for being expressly told that his uncooperative body would no longer allow him to play rugby, Anthony Watson would still be electrifying audiences in the autumn of a stellar career. Capped 56 times by England and a World Cup finalist in 2019, Watson was 30 when he succumbed last year to the back injury that had plagued him for the previous 12 months. It would be understandable if he harboured more than a trace of regret but for Watson the “clean break” from life as an exceptional... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3351360/ex-england-star-anthony-watson-backs-hong-kong-show-they-belong-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3351360/ex-england-star-anthony-watson-backs-hong-kong-show-they-belong-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:20 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Rugby Australia (RA) announced a record surplus Wednesday on the back of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour, saying it would enable a sustainable future for the sport after years of losses. RA Chief Executive Phil Waugh said the “record operating surplus” of A$70 million (US$50 million) had injected fresh confidence into the 15-man game ahead of hosting next year’s men’s Rugby World Cup. “We are delivering on our promise to reset the game’s finances, restore pride and set a new strategic... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3350957/rugby-australia-eyes-brighter-future-british-irish-lions-tour-brings-cash-windfall?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3350957/rugby-australia-eyes-brighter-future-british-irish-lions-tour-brings-cash-windfall?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:30:51 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Two-time Asian Games gold medallist Salom Yiu Kam-shing is aiming to unearth the next generation of local rugby sevens stars for Hong Kong. The 38-year-old, who retired after the 2024 Hong Kong Sevens, represented the city in the tournament for 14 years and made a city record 75 appearances in the shorter format. He is also Hong Kong’s all-time leading scorer in 15s rugby, with 20 tries from 49 appearances. After calling time on his career, Yiu joined Hong Kong China Rugby to aid local talent... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350902/hong-kong-rugby-legend-salom-yiu-hunting-next-generation-local-stars?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350902/hong-kong-rugby-legend-salom-yiu-hunting-next-generation-local-stars?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:15:50 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong could be invited to compete with the big guns in their own flagship Sevens within three years, but the city team have only sporting meritocracy to blame for their current lack of competitive opportunities, according to a senior World Rugby figure. Following a restructure for the current campaign, Hong Kong’s semi-final elimination from the third-tier HSBC SVNS 3 in January left them with a blank calendar until October’s Asian Games, save for their exhibition Melrose Claymores... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350770/get-better-or-stay-sevens-circuit-wilderness-rugby-chief-tells-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350770/get-better-or-stay-sevens-circuit-wilderness-rugby-chief-tells-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:11 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong women’s rugby sevens head coach Andy Vilk has said his team are reaping the benefits of a rivalry with Thailand ahead of this year’s Asian Games. While the city team ended their Melrose Claymores campaign at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens without a win, Vilk hailed the importance of having a rival so close by. Still, it was the first time in three years that Hong Kong’s women, who drew with eventual champions Denmark and lost to their Asian neighbours, had not made the final at their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350695/hong-kong-womens-7s-team-coach-sees-benefits-thai-rivalry-despite-missing-out-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350695/hong-kong-womens-7s-team-coach-sees-benefits-thai-rivalry-despite-missing-out-final?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:30:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara He has been involved in designing the USA’s space policy, and graduated from Harvard and Cambridge Universities, but it was only when he played in this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens that Ryan Santos achieved his “lifelong goal”. A back for the USA, Santos, 26, played mini-rugby in the tournament for Valley Fort during nearly four years living in Hong Kong from 2006. “We were in it about four times and, as long as I can remember, playing in Hong Kong was my dream, it’s motivated me... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350641/hong-kong-trained-rugby-player-achieves-lifelong-dream-playing-sevens-usa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350641/hong-kong-trained-rugby-player-achieves-lifelong-dream-playing-sevens-usa?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:18 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara South Africa ended 29 years of hurt, brutally and ruthlessly wresting the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens crown from Argentina at a charged Kai Tak Stadium on Sunday. The king may be dead, but rugby sevens has anointed a new all-powerful monarch. On easy street from the ninth minute, when Ryan Oosthuizen crossed to open up a 12-point lead, South Africa ran riot. They added 16 points in the closing five minutes to win 35-7, claiming their first Hong Kong title and a fourth straight world series... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350648/south-africa-end-nearly-30-years-hurt-finally-grab-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350648/south-africa-end-nearly-30-years-hurt-finally-grab-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:00:28 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong brought the curtain down on its 50th anniversary Sevens in front of another record crowd on Sunday, and with the head of World Rugby calling the city a “significant global player”. According to organisers, some 113,395 supporters passed through the gates over the three days of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the biggest official attendance since the tournament began in 1976. And while New Zealand’s women successfully defended their title, South Africa’s men won in Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350650/hong-kong-recognised-global-player-world-rugby-after-record-breaking-sevens-party?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350650/hong-kong-recognised-global-player-world-rugby-after-record-breaking-sevens-party?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:52:42 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan There was no stopping the New Zealand women’s team at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens as they dominated and beat Australia to keep their record in Hong Kong intact on Sunday. A 19-14 win at Kai Tak Stadium handed the Black Ferns their fourth Sevens title in the city in as many years, with star player Jorja Miller an integral part of that record. “It’s an amazing accomplishment by our team. To come out here and do it four years in a row is pretty amazing,” she said. “We love playing in an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350645/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-jorja-miller-four-new-zealand-keep-record-intact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350645/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-jorja-miller-four-new-zealand-keep-record-intact?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:30:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong’s men’s team lived up to their own vow to exact revenge over Japan at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens with a 19-15 win over their arch-rivals at Kai Tak Stadium on Sunday. The thrilling win, just one day after their seven-point loss in the round-robin stage on Saturday, handed the city’s men their third Melrose Claymores trophy in as many years. And after doing so despite being shown a yellow card in each half, co-captain James Christie heaped praise on the team effort. “We gave them... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350633/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-citys-men-get-one-back-japan-win-3rd-melrose-claymores?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350633/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-citys-men-get-one-back-japan-win-3rd-melrose-claymores?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:30:14 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong will host another significant rugby tournament this year, with the game’s global governing body awarding the city the WXV Challenger in September. The two-week tournament, featuring some of the best women’s teams in the world, including Hong Kong, is expected to be held at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. Announcing the decision on Sunday on the sidelines of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson called the WXV a “very, very important competition” for his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3350611/world-rugby-boss-robinson-hails-hong-kongs-global-influence-wxv-announcement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3350611/world-rugby-boss-robinson-hails-hong-kongs-global-influence-wxv-announcement?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:09:38 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport It’s finals day in Hong Kong, and both of last year’s champions are still in with a shot of successfully defending their titles. For New Zealand, Canada stand in their way of yet another final appearance in the city, while Argentina’s men need to get past Spain. On the other side of the women’s draw, Australia have been steamrollering all before them, although France should provide tougher opposition than others. In the men’s, South Africa are somehow still alive, but now New Zealand are between... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350603/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-australia-black-ferns-finals-collision-course?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350603/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-australia-black-ferns-finals-collision-course?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:47:13 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Canadian duo Olivia Apps and Florence Symonds said they were ready to take on the heavyweights at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens after reaching the semi-finals on Saturday. A 19-7 win over the United States sent the Paris Olympic silver medallists to the last four for only the second time this season. They previously reached the final stages of a Sunday in Singapore in February. Charity Williams scored twice – the opening and closing tries – for Canada. Ariana Ramsey gave the USA some hope... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350587/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-ready-ultimate-test-against-big-guns-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350587/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-ready-ultimate-test-against-big-guns-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:20 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A record crowd packed into Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday, drawn by the prospect of some thrilling Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens action on the pitch and a chance to party like it was 1999 off it. The 41,457 fans who passed through the gates made up the biggest single-day attendance figure for a Sevens in the city, and organisers expect the three-day total to set a new high as well. Those that made the trip watched the men’s and women’s defending champions, Argentina and New Zealand, reach the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350594/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-record-single-day-crowd-watch-gripping-mens-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350594/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-record-single-day-crowd-watch-gripping-mens-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:30:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Revenge was the word on the lips of the Hong Kong players after they paid the price for an untidy performance in their 14-7 loss to Japan at a partisan Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday. Unless China inflict a fairly heavy beating on Japan early on day three of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, these two teams are poised for a speedy rematch in Sunday afternoon’s Melrose Claymores final. And the prospect of a quick-fire second shot at their arch-rivals swiftly erased the stench of defeat for the city... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350583/hong-kong-eye-revenge-after-japan-shock-partisan-kai-tak-stadium-crowd?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350583/hong-kong-eye-revenge-after-japan-shock-partisan-kai-tak-stadium-crowd?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:00:10 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Haruka Uematsu said she felt as though she was in a dream standing on the pitch at Kai Tak Stadium after being called on in a 24-12 loss to Thailand during the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Saturday. There was double delight for debutant Uematsu, who scored late on in front of a raucous South Stand in her side’s Melrose Claymores defeat. “The moment I was called upon, I knew I had to clear my mind so that I could stay focused and listen only to my teammates’ voices in a very noisy stadium,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350578/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-dreamlike-debut-haruka-uematsu-despite-thailand-loss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350578/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-dreamlike-debut-haruka-uematsu-despite-thailand-loss?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:09 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport In some ways, Saturday at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is like hump day, the bit to be successfully navigated so you can get to the fun stuff - at least it is for the players. Pool matches this morning give way to quarter-finals this evening, and for those who make it through, the promise of better days tomorrow. That’s not the case in stands, where the second day of the city’s iconic sporting event is universally known among supporters as fancy dress day, party day and the day when the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350548/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-blitzboks-seek-vital-win-australia-face-canada-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350548/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-blitzboks-seek-vital-win-australia-face-canada-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:03:06 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Aden Ekanayake acknowledged careers were on the line at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, but challenged his Australia team “to stay on the winning train” and dispel any relegation fears. The bottom four finishers in the three-leg HSBC SVNS World Championship, which is beginning with the Hong Kong tournament, will be condemned to impoverished second-tier rugby next season. But the towering 21-year-old figure of Ekanayake said his team, who finished third in the regular season standings, should... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350534/australia-star-acknowledges-players-careers-line-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350534/australia-star-acknowledges-players-careers-line-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:19 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Rory Stewart-Cox said Hong Kong would aim to “lay down a marker” when they meet Asian Games hosts Japan at Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday. Earning his third cap, Stewart-Cox scored the pick of Hong Kong’s six tries on Friday as the city team began their Melrose Claymores campaign with a 36-14 demolition of overmatched China. Evading four challenges as he sprinted half the length of the pitch, Stewart-Cox touched down to banish the frustration of an injury-hit past six months. “It’s been an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350536/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-hosts-aiming-put-down-asian-games-marker-against-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350536/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-hosts-aiming-put-down-asian-games-marker-against-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:00:17 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong welcomed back its iconic Sevens rugby tournament for a 50th year on Friday, with an opening ceremony featuring robots, K-pop and a light show almost as sparkling as some of the action on the pitch. Not even a hole in the roof of the HK$30 billion Kai Tak Stadium could put a dampener on proceedings, even if the rain that leaked in left some fans running for cover. Even so, the thunderstorms that hovered over the city for much of the afternoon did little to deter spectators generally,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350541/hong-kong-sevens-heaven-dazzling-display-marks-start-50th-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350541/hong-kong-sevens-heaven-dazzling-display-marks-start-50th-year?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:06:53 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong head coach Andy Vilk said there were always positives to take away after the city’s women escaped with a draw against Denmark on Friday. Playing in the Melrose Claymores tournament at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the reigning champions found themselves in a bit of a hole after the visitors jumped to a 14-0 lead through tries from Sofie Giessing and Mille Elmbak either side of half-time. Veteran Chong Ka-yan salvaged the day for the hosts with a pair of tries inside the final three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350533/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-hong-kong-coach-sees-positive-side-womens-close-escape?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350533/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-hong-kong-coach-sees-positive-side-womens-close-escape?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:30:07 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Australia and New Zealand look highly likely to meet again in the women’s final at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday, after both teams made perfect starts to their world championship campaigns. However, while New Zealand dispatched Brazil 29-12 and Japan 38-7 at Kai Tak Stadium and should be untroubled by Fiji in their final pool match against Fiji on Saturday, the Australians have a tougher assignment ahead against Canada. Australia sit second in Pool B behind Canada despite thrashing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350504/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-australia-new-zealand-look-set-inevitable-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3350504/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-australia-new-zealand-look-set-inevitable-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:00:12 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Out of public view beneath Kai Tak Stadium’s South Stand, Germany’s players huddled around Pablo Feijoo and listened to the head coach tell them they should not be surprised by the speed and ferocity they had just encountered. Among those listening to the Spaniard address his squad in English following their 42-5 defeat by Fiji was Niklas Koch, the captain who combines trying to put rugby on the map in a football-crazy country with working as a policeman. Stepping away from the debrief, he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350485/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-german-star-combining-rugby-police-duties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350485/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-german-star-combining-rugby-police-duties?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:00:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Cheers, music, and lights broke through the roof of the Kai Tak Stadium on Friday as fans old and new joined the opening day of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens for the “best weekend of the year”. Following eight hours of action, 21 matches, and hundreds of points, the city’s Sports Minister Rosanna Law Shuk-pui and former Australian rugby player Michael Hooper performed the traditional “eye-dotting” ceremony for five dragons on the pitch at the start of a thumping opening ceremony. Accompanied... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350525/rugby-fans-old-and-new-celebrate-best-weekend-year-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350525/rugby-fans-old-and-new-celebrate-best-weekend-year-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:23:01 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport After all the talk, and there has been plenty, it’s finally time for the serious business of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens to get started – and while the players work hard, the fans are undoubtedly going to play hard. For the teams, it’s the opening leg of the newly created HSBC SVNS World Championship. Points have been reset, sides have been added, and the sprint to the finish in Bordeaux in June begins today. South Africa won the men’s regular season title, and in much less of a shock, New... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3350388/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-all-eyes-blitzboks-black-ferns-early-day-1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3350388/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-all-eyes-blitzboks-black-ferns-early-day-1?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:00:34 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The talking is done, the planning is over and all that is left is for the fans to enter the stadium and the players to get onto the pitch. It’s 50th anniversary Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, and as usual there is plenty you should know about the three days that lie ahead. So, here’s our handy guide to some things you should know on Friday. 1 It’s a sell-out Anyone hoping to grab a three-day ticket is going to be disappointed, according to organisers, who say they have all sold out. All that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350371/boks-chasing-first-title-tickets-sell-out-5-things-know-day-1-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350371/boks-chasing-first-title-tickets-sell-out-5-things-know-day-1-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:00:26 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Bryn Phillips is aiming to inspire the next generation of city players at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, while also plotting his exit strategy from a high-achieving career. A key member of the 12-man Hong Kong squad for the exhibition Melrose Claymores tournament at Kai Tak Stadium, the scrum-half is ultimately aiming to follow in the footsteps of teammates Tom and Alex McQueen and become an airline pilot. Playing his ninth year of international rugby, however, Phillips has plenty more he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350306/hong-kong-rugby-star-aiming-inspire-sevens-plotting-cathay-career?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350306/hong-kong-rugby-star-aiming-inspire-sevens-plotting-cathay-career?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:17 +0000