The highly anticipated Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is set to mark the beginning of a new era at the impressive new Kai Tak Stadium from 28-30 March.
The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will take place at the new Kai Tak Stadium as the world’s best 12 men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams meet for the fifth round of HSBC SVNS on 28-30 March
The fifth round of HSBC SVNS will see the world’s top 12 men’s and women’s teams battling it out in front of an expected record crowd of more than 120,000 fans, as they compete for glory and vital points in the SVNS standings as the competition heats up with just two regular season rounds remaining.
POOLS & FIXTURES >>
In the women’s pools Olympic Champions New Zealand are in Pool A against Brazil, China and USA. Pool B will see Fiji up against France, Great Britain and Ireland. Australia face Canada, Japan and Spain in Pool D.
HSBC Vancouver SVNS men’s winners Argentina are drawn against Fiji, Ireland and USA in Pool A. South Africa will encounter Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay in Pool B. While Pool C will see Spain meet France, Great Britain and Kenya in Hong Kong.
The captains of the 24 teams had their first opportunity to experience the new stadium as they gathered on the pitch on Wednesday, with many expressing their excitement at playing in the state-of-the-art new venue.
New Zealand women’s captain Sarah Hirini said: “For us Hong Kong is the home of sevens and this is one of the biggest tournaments that we get to play in so we can’t wait to see the south stand rocking this weekend. It feels pretty surreal to be here and we’re especially proud to be the first to play here. The pitch looks awesome and I’m sure it’s going to be pretty fast and that the roof can be closed is incredible. The season is going well but we want to continue to get better and the more that we have fun I think we’re going to do even better this weekend.”
Spain men’s captain Pol Pla, who will play in his fiftieth Series event, said: “Hong Kong is special and I’m happy to be here for my fiftieth tournament in this amazing new stadium. As players we can feel the energy from the stadium and the South Stand crowd and we love it.
New Zealand women and Argentina men lead the current SVNS standings after four rounds and it is all to play for as only the top eight teams at the end of the sixth round in Singapore next weekend will qualify for the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles on 3-4 May.
Only four points separate the top four men’s teams with Spain, Fiji and South Africa hot on Argentina’s heels. Meanwhile New Zealand hold a six point lead over rivals Australia in the women’s standings going in to the Hong Kong event.
The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens has long been one of the marquee events in the global rugby calendar, synonymous with high-energy action and unforgettable moments.
Some of world rugby’s biggest names have played at the Hong Kong Sevens, including Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen, Waisale Serevi, David Campese and Portia Woodman.
ABOUT TICKETS >>
The three-day event kicks off at 10:30 local time (GMT+8) on Friday with pool matches. The women’s and men’s finals will bring down the curtain on Sunday at 18:10 and 18:46 respectively.
With a huge crowd of more than 120,000 already confirmed, remaining tickets are available from www.tickets.hksevens.com.
WHERE TO WATCH >>
Fans can watch the HSBC SVNS action wherever you are in the world, either via broadcaster partners or on www.RugbyPassTV.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings co-hosted "The Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future" recently, convening six Nobel laureates for thought-provoking discussions on how fundamental research drives progress in science, technology, health, and the global economy. Held at the Grand Hall of the Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre on the Centennial Campus, the forum drew an audience of over 800 participants, fostering interdisciplinary exchange among some of the world’s most distinguished scientific minds.
Held at the Grand Hall of the Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre on the Centennial Campus, the forum drew an audience of over 800 participants.. Photo source: HKU
The forum convened an extraordinary assembly of Nobel laureates: Professor Robert C. Merton, Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences laureate (1997); Professor Louis J. Ignarro, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine laureate (1998); Professor Tim Hunt, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine laureate (2001); Professor Kurt Wüthrich, Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate (2002); Professor Konstantin Novoselov, Nobel Prize in Physics laureate (2010); and Professor Ferenc Krausz, Nobel Prize in Physics laureate (2023) and HKU Chair Professor of Laser Physics. Distinguished attendees included Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU; Dr Peter Wong, Chairman of the HKU Council; Mr Eric Kwok-ki Chan, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Professor James Tang, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee; and Mr Nikolaus Turner, Executive Director of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.
Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, delivers welcome remarks. Photo source: HKU
Professor Xiang Zhang remarked, “In today’s world, working together in science to achieve shared goals and promote global prosperity is increasingly challenging. We hope that, through the insights of six Nobel laureates, we can learn how to advance fundamental science, translate discoveries into practical applications, and benefit humanity, while navigating different challenges. HKU is committed to playing an important role in bridging international research collaborations. Ultimately, we believe that through mutual cooperation, science can transcend divisions, driving innovation and societal progress for the benefit of all.”
Mr Eric Kwok-ki Chan, Chief Secretary for Administration, delivers his speech at the forum. Photo source: HKU
Mr Eric Chan praised the forum’s role in advancing the Hong Kong’s innovation landscape, “Today’s dialogue is more than an academic event. It is a powerful convergence of the world’s finest scientific minds, right here in a city that is determined to play its part in global innovation. Hong Kong’s mission is clear and unwavering: to become a premier international innovation and technology centre. A hub where top scientists, scholars and entrepreneurs can thrive, collaborate and serve the world. To achieve this, the Government is fully committed. We are building a world-class ecosystem and nurturing the talent to power it.”
Mr Nikolaus Turner, Executive Director of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, delivers his remarks. Photo source: HKU
Mr Nikolaus Turner highlighted the collaboration’s global impact, “We are delighted to bring the Nobel Heroes to Hong Kong. In 2026, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of our meetings in Lindau, Germany. Each year, we welcome outstanding young scientists from Hong Kong—bright minds shaping the future of research. We hope to attract even more talent from Hong Kong while building partnerships to sustain the unique intergenerational exchanges between young researchers and Nobel laureates.”
The first panel discussion, ‘Building the Future: From Molecules to Materials’, was moderated by Professor Xiang Zhang. Photo source: HKU
The forum featured two in-depth panel discussions moderated by HKU’s senior leadership. The first, ‘Building the Future: From Molecules to Materials’, was led by Professor Xiang Zhang and explored how fundamental discoveries in physics and chemistry unlocked new possibilities at the atomic and molecular levels. Panellists included Professors Krausz (Physics, 2023), Novoselov (Physics, 2010), and Wüthrich (Chemistry, 2002), who discussed topics ranging from visualising ultrafast atomic processes to engineering revolutionary materials with transformative applications.
The second discussion, ‘Decoding Complexity: Regulating Systems from the Cell to the Global Economy’, moderated by Professor Richard Wong, HKU Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Photo source: HKU
The second discussion, ‘Decoding Complexity: Regulating Systems from the Cell to the Global Economy’, moderated by Professor Richard Wong, HKU Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, examined universal principles governing complex systems across biology and finance. Professors Ignarro (Physiology/Medicine, 1998), Merton (Economic Sciences, 1997), and Hunt (Physiology/Medicine, 2001) highlighted striking parallels in how feedback mechanisms maintain stability—whether in cellular processes or financial markets.
Professor Xiang Zhang and six Nobel Laureates. Photo source: HKU
The Forum underscored HKU’s commitment to advancing knowledge for the betterment of society, while reinforcing the vital role of basic research in addressing global challenges. The Forum was also made possible through the support of Laureates City Holdings Limited, Red Carpet Investments Limited, and Sunwah Kingsway Capital Holdings Limited, whose contributions were instrumental in bringing this prestigious event to fruition.
Distinguished guests and the Nobel Laureates. Photo source: HKU
