Over three action-packed days of rugby, a record 113,000 fans pass through the turnstiles
3-MIN READ3-MIN4 ListenOscar LiuPublished: 7:20pm, 19 Apr 2026Updated: 12:50am, 20 Apr 2026The Hong Kong Sevens ended in a high-octane finale on Sunday with costume-clad rugby fans filling the stands at Kai Tak Stadium, but some nearby restaurants said they struggled to match last year’s takings, blaming an influx of new rivals for diluting profits.The atmosphere on Super Sunday was electric as a sea of excited spectators, some clad in creative and flamboyant costumes, filled the South Stand, with some experiencing the event for the first time at its 50th anniversary.
Over three action-packed days of rugby, a record 113,000 fans passed through the turnstiles – a 3 per cent increase over last year. In the men’s competition, South Africa routed Argentina 35-7 to claim their first Hong Kong title. In the women’s cup, New Zealand defended their title, beating Australia 19-14.
Earlier, Hong Kong defended their Melrose Claymores title in front of a raucous home support with a heart-stopping 19-15 victory over Japan.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, in a social media post, said he had been talking with people from various mainland Chinese and foreign enterprises, who hailed the Hong Kong Sevens and expressed great confidence in the city’s future development.
“As a ‘super-value-adder’ for businesses worldwide, Hong Kong is perfectly positioned to play its vital role as an international metropolis and bridge, helping different enterprises achieve their ‘touchdowns’ through perseverance and drive as they go global,” Lee said.
