Hong Kong Sevens ends with a bang as Kiwis seal back-to-back wins, and World Rugby chief hails ‘jewel in sport’s crown’
- New Zealand’s men and women successfully defend titles as Sevens ends 42-year association with Hong Kong Stadium
- More than 100,000 people pass through venue’s gates over the course of three days, with sports minister calling it ‘a beautiful business card’ for city
The Hong Kong Sevens closed in a barrage of fireworks and confetti on Sunday, as New Zealand’s men and women successfully defended their titles and a sell-out crowd sang themselves hoarse for the final time at the sport’s spiritual home.
Expected to move to Kai Tak Sports Park next year, city leader John Lee Ka-chiu said this weekend’s tournament at Hong Kong Stadium, its home in various guises since 1982, had taken on a “special significance”.
In a Facebook post, Lee called the Sevens a showcase for “the vibrant and dynamic side of the city to the world, solidifying its reputation as a city of major events”.
And while the chief executive highlighted the “tangible economic benefits” to the city from a tournament that brought in thousands of overseas visitors, he also got to witness the reason the Hong Kong Sevens is consider the best in the world in a sporting sense.
A smiling Lee was on hand to the present the trophy to the All Blacks, who have a Chinese connection through squad member Tone Ng Shui, after their gripping 10-7 victory over France, and so experienced an electric atmosphere that would not have been out of place at any world-class sporting occasion.
New Zealand’s women were more emphatic in their 36-7 win over the USA, which player of the match Michaela Blyde, who ran in a hat-trick of tries, called “really special”.
