World Rugby gives 2020 Hong Kong Sevens green light as ticket sales similar to 2003 Sars outbreak

Despite the cancellation of the Hong Kong Football Tens, World Rugby has given its stamp of approval for the Cathay Pacific/HSBC 2020 Hong Kong Sevens to go forward from April 3-5, while ticket sales are reminiscent of another crisis the city endured some 16 years ago.

World Rugby’s head of competitions and performance Mark Egan said they conducted a site visit in November and had a number of operational meetings with the Hong Kong Rugby Union, government representatives and other stakeholders and “remain confident” the city can host the 2020 version of the popular sporting event, which will be the 45th edition.

“The safety and convenience of athletes and spectators is the highest priority for both World Rugby and the HRKU,” said Egan in a statement. “And we will continue to engage closely with the host union, the participating teams and other relevant parties to deliver another safe and enjoyable Hong Kong tournament.”

Numerous sporting events, including the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker, Prudential Hong Kong Open tennis tournament, the 2020 Hong Kong Formula E-Prix, the The Hong Kong ASTC Sprint Triathlon Asian Cup, the Asian Aquathlon Championships, the Cross Harbour Swim, the Hammer Cyclothon and the Hong Kong Squash Open, and recently, a second race day at the Happy Valley racetrack, have been cancelled over the past seven months owing to ongoing protests in the city.

However clashes between police and protesters has appeared to have calmed down in the past few weeks after a local election and stand-off at Polytechnic University. HKRU chief executive officer Robbie McRobbie said they have always remained confident the sevens would take place, and want fans to know the time is now to get tickets.

“Our position hasn’t changed,” said McRobbie. “We remain 100 per cent confident we can put on another fantastic event.”