New Zealand and South Africa signed off a landmark Hong Kong Sevens weekend in style last night, as the 50th anniversary edition of the tournament wrapped up at Kai Tak Sports Park with a successful defence of the women’s crown and a drought‑breaking men’s title.
In the women’s cup final, the Black Ferns once again held off great rivals Australia to clinch the Hong Kong title and consolidate their dominance at the start of the new SVNS season. The win extended New Zealand’s remarkable run in tournament deciders against the Australians and underlined how central the women’s competition has become to the Hong Kong weekend, with crowds building steadily through the day for the knockout rounds.
The men’s final delivered its own piece of history, as South Africa defeated defending champions Argentina 35–7 to claim their first Hong Kong Sevens crown after years of near‑misses.
Hong Kong China Rugby hailed the “drought‑breaking” victory, noting that the Blitzboks finally added the city’s showpiece trophy to their long list of world series successes. For Argentina, who had been aiming to retain the title, the result capped a strong campaign but highlighted the rising competitiveness at the top of the men’s game.
[See more: Hong Kong pauses basketball betting rollout over prediction market concerns]
Earlier on Sunday, Hong Kong China’s men surged to their third consecutive Melrose Claymores victory, outmuscling Japan to post a fitting 19-15 victory.
Across three days, Kai Tak delivered the familiar blend of elite rugby and carnival atmosphere that has long defined the event. Hong Kong China Rugby reported total attendance of more than 110,000, with a vibrant South Stand, themed costumes and back‑to‑back entertainment framing the on‑pitch action.
Local fans also turned out for the Hong Kong China men’s and women’s sides in the associated competitions, giving home players a rare chance to test themselves against regional rivals in a packed international stadium.
Tourism and the wider economy were clear winners too. Hotels, airlines, bars and restaurants reported brisk business over the weekend, with the Sevens adding to a growing calendar of mega‑events that Hong Kong is using to reinforce its position as a regional tourism and entertainment hub.
