South African Men Secure First Ever Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong 7s Title

rugbyasia247 Posted On April 20, 2026

77 Views

South African Men Secure First Ever Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Title

South Africa’s men secured their first title, and New Zealand’s women continued their dominance as the 50th anniversary of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong 7s came to a close on Sunday evening in front of more than 37,000 fans.

Feature Photo Credit – World Rugby

113,395 fans attended Kai Tak Stadium over the weekend to witness the Black Ferns 7s making it four wins in a row in Hong Kong, as well as seeing the South African men claim the coveted title which had eluded them for so long.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said, “Congratulations Hong Kong for 50 glorious years of the iconic Hong Kong Sevens. And what a way to celebrate with rugby’s biggest party weekend. For World Rugby and fans around the Hong Kong Sevens holds a special place in our hearts. It put sevens on the map. It has played it role in rugby’s global growth and it has been instrumental in Sevens joining the Olympic Programme.

It is an event where tradition and innovation goes hand in hand. The new Kai Tak stadium epitomises that. It is a great place for rugby. The fans love it. We love it.”

The top men’s team so far this season, South Africa, have now claimed leg one of the three-leg HSBC SVNS World Championship, while Spain snatched third place, shocking New Zealand 32-28 in the bronze match.

New Zealand continued their dominance at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong 7s and this season, again defeating Australia 19-14 for their fifth straight tournament win and fourth consecutive Hong Kong Sevens success. France was third after they defeated Canada.

Player of the Final Risi Pouri-Lane said: “To come here and play in a final at the home of Sevens Rugby – in such an iconic stadium has been an awesome privilege. The girls showed grit and heart, and it took a whole squad effort.”

Congratulations to the HKCR referee Sunny Lee, who took charge of the Women’s final in front of her home crowd.

Photo Credit HKCR

Japan Sakura 7s lost 19-24 to the USA in the 5th Place Final after they were a player up in the final minutes, but couldnt convert several attacking opportunities.

Head Coach Yuka Kanematsu said, “We entered this tournament with the challenges and confidence we’ve built up through the six tournaments in Division 1. We faced tough matches from the very first game, but all 13 players prepared for each match and gave their best.

While we showed growth in our defence and demonstrated the Sakura Sevens’ strength of making a comeback in the second half, we also keenly felt our weakness in not being able to uphold what the Sakura Sevens values in various high-pressure situations.”

Blitzboks Secure Historic Win in 50th Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong 7s Milestone Tournament

Blitzboks Secure Historic Win in 50th Milestone Tournament - HK7s 2026

Photo Credit – World Rugby

The Springbok Sevens squad that won their very first HSBC SVNS Hong Kong tournament, defeating defending champions Argentina, for the second time over the weekend, in a commanding 35-7 win.

Blitzbok head coach Philip Snyman said, “I’m almost speechless. There is a massive feeling of pride and gratitude at this moment. We waited so long for this, and I am happy we finally did it. I am also very happy for us as a group, not only those here tonight, but also those back home who worked just as hard to make it possible. We know the job is not done, but 50 years was a long time to wait for this.”

On their current run of form, Snyman said they are enjoying the moment: “Four tournament wins from four is amazing, and we are enjoying it, knowing it will not last forever. For now, though, we are enjoying it and feeling very proud of what we have achieved so far.”

Blitzbok captain Impi Visser added, “I am just so proud of the boys because we achieved something special today. We broke the hoodoo in Hong Kong and can finally call ourselves champions here and that is amazing. We will keep our heads down and stay honest once we get back to work for the next two tournaments. We have seen hard work pays off, so there is no need to change that habit now.”

Melrose Claymores 2026

Photo Credit HKCR

The Hong Kong China Men won their third consecutive Melrose Claymores victory, gaining revenge on Japan to record a 19-15 victory after they had lost in the pool round.

China captain James Christie said, “We love Hong Kong. The fans came out today, and they’re always our eighth man on the field. Every pass, every part of the game, they’re cheering for us, so that helped us through massively. The tournament has been huge – last year was good but every year it just seems to get better and better. I don’t know how they do it.

It’s amazing to win on the 50th anniversary – cheers to Hong Kong, Hong Kong China Rugby and the Hong Kong Sevens as well.”

The Danish women were the surprise package after they defeated Thailand in the final, after having lost to them earlier in the day in pool play. The result meant that the hosts, HKCR, were knocked out of contention to defend their title.

It was also a memorable weekend for HKCR Men’s 7s star and most capped sevens player Salom Yiu Kam-shing as he became the 50th inductee into the Hong Kong China Rugby Hall of Fame.

He said, “Rugby has been my whole life, and this is a big moment for me. What a surprise – I didn’t know they were organising this. I just want to say thank you to everyone for organising this and thank you to the supporters who have supported me.”

Mr. Chris Brooke, Chairman of Hong Kong China Rugby, said, “The next 18 months will be incredibly significant for rugby in Hong Kong. Apart from the Sevens, which brings in millions of dollars in economic and tourism impact for Hong Kong, we look forward to hosting the new women’s WXV Global Series Challenger in September, our men’s and women’s 7s stars appearing at the Asian Games in Japan later in the year, and of course our men’s XV’s team promoting Hong Kong’s unique rugby culture to a global audience when they play in their first ever World Cup in October 2027.”