Hong Kong Sevens
|
|
The Hong Kong Sevens is generally considered the premier tournament on the World Sevens Series in Rugby Union. It is held annually in Hong Kong, around Easter.
In 1997 and 2005, the Hong Kong Sevens was not held; taking its place was the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens, which Hong Kong hosted in both years. Fiji won both World Cup Sevens tournaments held in Hong Kong.
Established in 1976, it originally was contested by teams in the Asian-Pacific region. Since the late 1980s the tournament has featured 24 teams from all over the world.
One of the enduring traditions in the tournament is the ritualistic booing of the Australian team. During the event, the South Stands of Hong Kong Stadium are famous for the chanting crowds in colorful costumes.
Past Champions
- 1976 Cantabrians (provincial team from New Zealand)
- 1977 Fiji
- 1978 Fiji
- 1979 Australia
- 1980 Fiji
- 1981 Barbarians (mixed side from the United Kingdom)
- 1982 Australia
- 1983 Australia
- 1984 Fiji
- 1985 Australia
- 1986 New Zealand
- 1987 New Zealand
- 1988 Australia
- 1989 New Zealand
- 1990 Fiji
- 1991 Fiji
- 1992 Fiji
- 1993 Samoa
- 1994 New Zealand
- 1995 New Zealand
- 1996 New Zealand
- 1997 Not held – see Rugby World Cup Sevens
- 1998 Fiji
- 1999 Fiji
- 2000 New Zealand
- 2001 New Zealand
- 2002 England
- 2003 England
- 2004 England
- 2005 Not held – see Rugby World Cup Sevens