Champions of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens — Argentina’s men’s team and New Zealand’s women’s team — celebrate on the podium on March 30, 2025. Argentina claimed their first-ever Sevens title in a thrilling finale, while the New Zealand women’s team extended their reign in Hong Kong to three straight titles. Meanwhile, defending champions the New Zealand men’s team fell to France in the quarterfinals. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
The Hong Kong Sevens made a triumphant return, establishing its new home at Kai Tak Sports Park. The three-day tournament concluded on Sunday at the venue’s 50,000-seat main stadium, setting a historic attendance record with over 110,000 visits in total.
On the tournament’s final day alone, more than 38,000 fans cheered as Argentina clinched the men’s championship and New Zealand captured the women’s title. Adding to local excitement, Hong Kong’s men’s and women’s teams both secured victories in their respective Melrose Claymores categories — silverware introduced in 2024 specifically for invited Asian teams.
Sponsored by Cathay Pacific and HSBC, this year’s event featured 30 elite teams from around the world.
An Argentine player (in blue-and-white stripes) breaks past French defenders in the men’s cup final on March 30, 2025. Argentina triumphed 12-7 to claim their historic first title at the Hong Kong Sevens. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)A New Zealand player (in black) fends off Australia’s fierce defense (in orange) during the women’s cup final on March 30, 2025, in which the Kiwis won 26-19 to secure their third consecutive championship. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
After nearly five decades at Hong Kong Stadium, the tournament’s move to Kai Tak Sports Park reimagines the South Stand — Hong Kong’s legendary party zone — honoring the event’s rich traditions since its inception in 1976.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu marked the tournament’s success on social media, saying, “The first major tournament at Kai Tak Stadium has successfully scored a try.” He invited global tourists to anticipate more exciting sports and cultural events at the new venue.
This year’s Hong Kong Sevens carried special significance as it marked a new chapter for Kai Tak, the site of Hong Kong’s former airport that operated from 1925 to 1998. A highlight of the event was Sunday’s dramatic low-altitude flyover by a Cathay Pacific aircraft over Victoria Harbour and the stadium — greeting the new arrivals as Kai Tak becomes a vibrant global stage again.
Dressed as superheroes from Super Sentai — the Japanese series that inspired Power Rangers — fans added color to the electrifying atmosphere on March 30, 2025. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)American fans relax in the stands during the final day’s games at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)Chinese national team players (in white) work together to defend against Hong Kong (in dark blue) during Melrose Men’s final on March 30, 2025. The home team won 38-5 to defend their title and delighted the local crowd. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)A Chinese player (in white) charges into New Zealand’s tight defense (in black) on March 28, 2025. The Chinese national women’s team finished 9th overall. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)The award ceremony on March 30, 2025 evening is capped off with a grand fireworks display over Kai Tak Sports Park, bringing the three-day event to a thrilling close. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)Hong Kong player Chong Ka-yan (holding the ball) takes on Kazakhstan during the Melrose Women’s final on March 30, 2025. The home team secured a commanding 45-5 victory. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
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