Hosts Hong Kong and South Korea will both represent Asia in the HSBC Sevens World Series Qualifying Tournament, which will again be held as part of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.
The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) announced details of the 40th Hong Kong Sevens, which will be held at Hong Kong Stadium from March 27-29, when legendary disco band the Village People will feature among the entertainment.
Hong Kong retains its status as the series’ largest tournament, with 16 teams contesting the main competition and 12 teams contesting the series qualifier. The official draw for all 28 participating teams will be held in Hong Kong on February 16.
Hosts Hong Kong were knocked out in the semi-final stage of last year’s qualifier as Japan went on to win the final and become the series’ first core team from Asia. The 12 teams this year comprise two teams from each of six regions battling for one spot on the 2015/16 series, replacing the bottom-placed team on the 2014/15 series after the season-ending event in London in May.
Joining Hong Kong and South Korea are Russia and Spain from Europe, Papua New Guinea and Tonga from Oceania, Zimbabwe and Tunisia from Africa, Mexico and Guyana from North America, and Uruguay and Brazil from South America.
Meanwhile, Belgium will become the 57th national representative team to take part in Hong Kong since 1976 after being invited by World Rugby to join the 15 core teams in the main competition.
Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, Fiji, France, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Portugal, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, USA and Wales are the 15 core teams on the 2014/15 series.
New Zealand are the defending champions after winning their 11th title in Hong Kong with a 26-7 victory over England. Crowd favourites Fiji remain the tournament’s most successful side, having won 14 times.
Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2015
HSBC Sevens World Series
1. South Africa; 2. Fiji; 3. New Zealand; 4. Australia; 5. Argentina; 6. England; 7. Samoa; 8. Scotland; 9. USA; 10. Wales; 11. France; 12. Canada; 13. Portugal; 14. Kenya; 15. Japan; 16. Belgium*
* Invited by World Rugby
Note: Teams ranked after Round 3 of 2014/15 series
HSBC Sevens World Series Qualification Tournament
Asia – Hong Kong, South Korea
Africa – Tunisia, Zimbabwe
N. America – Guyana, Mexico
S. America – Uruguay, Brazil
Europe – Russia, Spain
Oceania – Papua New Guinea, Tonga
Match Timings
Friday: 1.00pm – 9.00pm (gates open 11.00am)
Saturday: 9.00am – 7.30pm (gates open 7.00am)
Sunday: 9.30am – 7.30pm (gates open 7.00am)
