It was double victory for New Zealand as the curtain came down on a sensational Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens played out in front of a 40,000 strong sell-out crowd with a vibrant atmosphere to match the thrilling action on the pitch over three days at Hong Kong Stadium.

New Zealand beat USA 36-7 in the women’s final to claim their third consecutive HSBC SVNS gold taking them above Australia to the top of the standings with one regular season event remaining in Singapore.

Meanwhile the All Blacks Sevens won a tense men’s final 10-7 against France to defend their Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens title, win their first SVNS title of the season, and complete a tournament double.

Michaela Blyde scored a hat-trick as the Black Ferns Sevens proved too strong for a USA side making their first women’s final appearance of the season following an impressive 19-5 victory over France in the semi-final.

New Zealand hattrick hero Blyde who was playing her fiftieth SVNS tournament said: “To come back with back-to-back wins in Hong Kong is really special. We’re really proud of the way we performed today.

“We obviously weren’t impressed or happy with how we performed at the start of the season. We had a lot of things that we needed to work on.

“We just need to bring it back to basics. There are a lot of teams that are starting to develop their skillset very quickly so for us we just wanted to stay on top of the game by being the best versions of ourselves, doing the simple things right, width-to-width, good accuracy with our passes and to try and be fitter and faster than most teams.

“As soon as you bring some speed and fitness into the game, you take control of momentum. If we can keep on top of that in our team, we can hopefully continue this constancy moving on into the Olympics.”

Australia had earlier lost to their trans-Tasman rivals 28-14 in the last four, but pulled off a thrilling 24-21 comeback win over France to take bronze. They now sit equal with New Zealand in the series standings on 106 points, but drop to second on points difference.

READ FULL WOMEN’S REPORT >>

The first half of the men’s final ended 0-0, but a try from veteran Scott Curry broke the deadlock, a second from Cody Vai after a French mistake securing the gold medal for New Zealand despite a late French consolation. The silver medal is France’s third podium finish in a row as the team continues to show great promise ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which kick off in just 120 days time.

New Zealand try scorer Cody Vai said: “I think it’s a bit more special than winning last year. Some of the boys in this team right now have never won a Hong Kong. To win it with them is a better feeling because they’ve been in the team for a while and this was one of their goals and I’m happy to achieve it with them. It’s all in the team. They’re making it easier for me. They do their job, I do my job and its teamwork.”

“It means a lot to us. Hong Kong is one of the ones that we want to turn around and (we’ll) probably go up from there until the Olympics. This is not it. This is part of the journey and the end journey is obviously the Olympics.”

In the bronze final, a first-half brace from Hugo Lennox secured the bronze medal for Ireland as they beat Australia by 14-5 to keep up the pressure on HSBC SVNS leaders Argentina going into the final round in Singapore.

READ FULL MEN’S REPORT >>

Elsewhere in the women’s competition Great Britain beat Brazil 14-5 to cement eighth spot in the series standings and their hopes of making the Grand Final in Brazil, while Japan beat Ireland 12-5 with a late score for a season-best finish of seventh.

VIEW ALL RESULTS >>

The new look HSBC SVNS 2024 features seven regular season events – in Dubai, Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Singapore – before the Grand Final in Madrid.

The men’s and women’s team with the most cumulative points after seven rounds will claim the title of SVNS 2024 League Winners, while the top eight placed teams will earn their place in the new ‘winner takes all’ Grand Final, where the men’s and women’s SVNS Champions will be crowned in Madrid on 31 May to 2 June.

VIEW CURRENT SVNS 2024 STANDINGS >>

On arrival in Hong Kong Argentina held a 20 point lead in the men’s standings, having claimed three gold and one silver medals from the opening four rounds. But after a ninth place finish in Hong Kong their lead has been cut to just eight points from Ireland, meaning they will become HSBC SVNS League Champions if they finish fourth or higher in Singapore, or finish less than eight ranking points behind Ireland.

Argentina currently sit on 94 points, ahead Ireland on 86 points. Double Olympic Champions Fiji are third on 76 points, ahead of France on 74 points and Hong Kong winners New Zealand on 73 points.

New Zealand and Australia are tied on 106 points after six rounds in the women’s standings to set up a thrilling climax to the women’s competition in Singapore, with the Black Ferns Sevens currently claiming top spot on points difference. Olympic hosts France are in third on 88 points ahead of Hong Kong finallists the USA on 82 points.

FUTURE HSBC SVNS EVENTS TICKETS >>

The results in Hong Kong mean that in both men’s and women’s competitions seven of the eight teams are now confirmed for the HSBC SVNS Grand Final in Madrid. Ireland, Fiji, France, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa join Argentina in the men’s tournament. The USA currently occupy eighth position and will look to confirm their place at the final regular season round in Singapore.

In the women’s event, USA, Canada, Ireland and Fiji join Australia, New Zealand and France in confirming their places at the Grand Final in Madrid. The eighth and final spot will be decided at the seventh and last regular season round in Singapore, as current eighth seed Great Britain hold a two point lead over ninth-seed Brazil.

The HSBC SVNS action continues with the final regular season round at the National Stadium in Singapore on 3-5 May where the SVNS League Winners will be crowned. Before the winner takes all HSBC SVNS Grand Final in Madrid on 31 May – 2 June. Tickets are available from www.svns.com.

WHERE TO WATCH >>

You can watch the HSBC SVNS action wherever you are in the world, either via broadcaster partners or online on RugbyPass TV.

Following a day of thrills and spills in front of a 40,000 strong sell-out crowd in full voice at Hong Kong Stadium, there are four teams left in with a shot at lifting the coveted trophy on Sunday in both the men’s and women’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens competitions.

VIEW RESULTS, FIXTURES & POOLS >>

HSBC SVNS 2024 title rivals Australia and New Zealand are set for a hotly anticipated women’s semi-final showdown on Sunday lunchtime.

New Zealand fell to a shock 26-21 loss to France in their final pool game, but both sides advanced to the semi-final stage to face Australia and USA respectively.

New Zealand are defending Hong Kong champions and recovered to beat Canada 26-5 in the quarter-final, while France made light work of Ireland in a 31-7 victory.

The USA were similarly commanding in their 33-7 win against Fiji, but Australia were made to work hard for a 12-0 victory over a determined Japan to set up a mouth-watering Trans-Tasman contest with the Black Ferns Sevens.

READ WOMEN’S DAY TWO REPORT >>

In the men’s competition HSBC SVNS series leaders Argentina failed to make the quarter-finals despite winning a thriller against Great Britain in their final pool game, while Ireland, France, Australia and defending champions New Zealand advanced to the final four.

Los Pumas Sevens have reached the Cup final at seven of the past eight events dating back to Singapore last season, but their Hong Kong woes continued despite Tobias Wade’s golden point penalty edging GB 17-14.

Ireland’s Terry Kennedy brought the Hong Kong magic to the quarter-finals, scoring a hattrick that included the winning golden point score to almost single handily take Ireland to a 24-19 win over the USA. Meanwhile, France overcame a resilient Spain 24-10 to face Ireland in the semi-finals.

The other semi-final sees Australia face New Zealand, the former defeating South Africa 15-0 while the defending champions overcame Fiji 19-12 with a try in the final play of the game.

READ MEN’S DAY TWO REPORT >>

The new look HSBC SVNS 2024 features seven regular season events – in Dubai, Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Singapore – before the Grand Final in Madrid.

The men’s and women’s team with the most cumulative points after seven rounds will claim the title of SVNS 2024 League Winners, while the top eight placed teams will earn their place in the new ‘winner takes all’ Grand Final, where the men’s and women’s SVNS Champions will be crowned in Madrid on 31 May to 2 June.

FUTURE HSBC SVNS EVENTS TICKETS >>

Today’s men’s action has confirmed that Ireland, Fiji, France, Australia and New Zealand join Argentina in confirming their places at the HSBC SVNS Grand Final in Madrid. South Africa can also secure a spot in Spain if they beat Fiji in the 5th place playoff tomorrow.

In the women’s event, todays results saw USA, Canada, Ireland and Fiji join Australia, New Zealand and France in confirming their places at the Grand Final in Madrid.

The eighth and final spot will be decided at the seventh and last regular season round in Singapore, but current eighth seed Great Britain will face ninth-seed Brazil tomorrow in the 9th place play-off in a crucial contest for that place in Madrid.

VIEW CURRENT SVNS 2024 STANDINGS >>

On arrival in Hong Kong Argentina held a 20 point lead in the men’s standings, having claimed three gold and one silver medals from the opening four rounds. Argentina currently sit on 90 points, ahead of Hong Kong semi-finallists Ireland on 70 points and Fiji in third on 64 points.

Australia are top of the women’s standings with 90 points ahead of New Zealand in second on 86 points and France in third on 74 points. Australia got off to a flying start by winning the opening two rounds in Dubai and Cape Town, but New Zealand have come roaring back with victories at the last two rounds in Vancouver and Los Angeles to set up a thrilling climax to the women’s competition.

Finals day on Sunday will begin at 09:40 local time (GMT+8) with the semi-finals from 12:54 before the event reaches its climax with the women’s and men’s finals at 18:13 and 18:53 respectively.

WHERE TO WATCH >>

You can watch the HSBC SVNS action wherever you are in the world, either via broadcaster partners or online on RugbyPass TV.

With thanks to World Rugby

A full house of 40,000 fans were treated to spectacular entertainment on and off the pitch on the opening day of the world famous Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Friday.

Two rounds of pool matches were completed as the sixth event of HSBC SVNS 2024 got under way at a vibrant Hong Kong Stadium, celebrating its 30^th edition.

READ WOMEN’S DAY ONE REPORT >>

The top five teams in the women’s SVNS standings – Australia, New Zealand, France, USA and Canada – proved their quality by each claiming a pair victories to secure their spots in Saturday’s quarter-finals with a game to spare.

READ MEN’S DAY ONE REPORT >>

As the race to claim the SVNS 2024 League Winners title hots up before the final round in Singapore next month there was a shock on day one in Hong Kong as current men’s standings leaders Argentina were defeated by USA and New Zealand, and their misery was compounded by an injury to their try scoring sensation Marcos Moneta.

France, New Zealand, USA and South Africa sailed through to the men’s quarter-finals with perfect records on day one.

All eyes were on Australia’s opening match as 32 year old ex-Wallabies captain Michael Hooper made his highly anticipated sevens debut. Hooper has 125 test caps – including 69 as captain – to his name and got his sevens career off to a winning start in a 12-0 victory over Fiji after coming on as a second half substitute wearing the number 77 shirt. Later in the day Australia were beaten 19-14 by France and will face Canada in their final pool encounter on Saturday.

After the Fiji match Hooper said: “My nerves started going up and up and up. We get two tries up but I know that Fiji can score two tries in about two seconds. So to come on in the dying minutes there was pretty nervy.

“I came on, Nick Malouf was great, guided me around. I just made my tackles, I made a few of those over my career so just stick to the script. I think that game suited me there. It wasn’t too expansive, it wasn’t just (defending) in open field which I’m really learning and seeing it’s a different art in sevens. That game was a lot of rough and tumble in the middle of the field. Pleased that it kept it to that for the first hit out.”

On wearing shirt number 77 he added: “It’s really simple, seven was taken, so I thought I’d take two of them.”

VIEW RESULTS, FIXTURES & POOLS >>

The new look HSBC SVNS 2024 features seven regular season events – in Dubai, Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Singapore – before the Grand Final in Madrid.

The men’s and women’s team with the most cumulative points after seven rounds will claim the title of SVNS 2024 League Winners, while the top eight placed teams will earn their place in the new ‘winner takes all’ Grand Final, where the men’s and women’s SVNS Champions will be crowned in Madrid on 31 May to 2 June.

FUTURE HSBC SVNS EVENTS TICKETS >>

Four teams – Argentina men, and Australia, New Zealand and France women – have already secured their spots in the SVNS Grand Final in Madrid and further teams are likely to confirm their places this weekend.

VIEW CURRENT SVNS 2024 STANDINGS >>

On arrival in Hong Kong Argentina held a 20 point lead in the men’s standings, having claimed three gold and one silver medals from the opening four rounds. Argentina have 90 points, ahead of Ireland on 70 and Fiji, who have enjoyed great success in Hong Kong over the years, in third on 64 points.

Australia are top of the women’s standings with 90 points ahead of New Zealand in second on 86 points and France in third on 74 points. Australia got off to a flying start by winning the opening two rounds in Dubai and Cape Town, but New Zealand have come roaring back with victories at the last two rounds in Vancouver and Los Angeles to set up a thrilling climax to the women’s competition.

The action continues at 09:30 local time (GMT+8) on Saturday with the round of pool matches before the quarter-finals take place from 15:34.

Finals day on Sunday will begin at 09:40 with the semi-finals from 12:54 before the event reaches its climax with the women’s and men’s finals at 18:13 and 18:53 respectively.

WHERE TO WATCH >>

You can watch the HSBC SVNS action wherever you are in the world, either via broadcaster partners or online on RugbyPass TV.

The famous Hong Kong Stadium atmosphere is set to welcome the world’s best men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams to the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens as the sixth and penultimate round of HSBC SVNS 2024 takes place on 5-7 April.

A sell-out crowd of 120,000 fans is expected across the three-day spectacle and captains of the 12 men’s and women’s teams got in to the festival spirit on Wednesday by wearing fancy dress items for the traditional captains photo in front of the stadium’s iconic South stand.

There is sure to be drama and fireworks on the pitch as well as Argentina have the chance to become men’s SVNS 2024 League Winners if they maintain their 20 point lead at the top of the standings, while Australia and New Zealand are locked in a thrilling battle for the women’s title ahead of the last regular season round in Singapore on 3-5 May.

While French superstar Antoine Dupont is not in the French squad this time, fans will witness the highly anticipated sevens debut of Australia’s most capped men’s test player Michael Hooper.

The pools for Hong Kong were drawn by Fijian sevens legend Waisale Serevi at the conclusion of the previous round in Los Angeles and produced some mouthwatering clashes.

France face double Olympic champions Fiji in men’s Pool A, alongside Australia and Canada. Pool B sees current SVNS leaders Argentina together with LA finallists Great Britain, USA and reigning SVNS champions New Zealand. Ireland, Spain, Samoa and South Africa are in Pool C.

The women’s draw sees second and third placed New Zealand and France together in Pool A along with Brazil and Great Britain. Current SVNS leaders Australia are in Pool B with South Africa, Ireland and Fiji. USA and Canada will renew their rivalry in Pool C alongside Japan and Spain.

VIEW HONG KONG FIXTURES & POOLS >>

The new look HSBC SVNS 2024 features seven regular season events – in Dubai, Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Singapore – before the Grand Final in Madrid.

The men’s and women’s team with the most cumulative points after seven rounds will claim the title of SVNS 2024 League Winners, while the top eight placed teams will earn their place in the new ‘winner takes all’ Grand Final, where the men’s and women’s SVNS Champions will be crowned in Madrid on 31 May to 2 June.

FUTURE HSBC SVNS EVENTS TICKETS >>

Four teams – Argentina men, and Australia, New Zealand and France women – have already secured their spots in the SVNS Grand Final in Madrid and further teams are likely to confirm their places this weekend.

VIEW CURRENT SVNS 2024 STANDINGS >>

Following the fifth round in Los Angeles Argentina hold a 20 point lead in the men’s standings, having claimed three gold and one silver medals from the opening four rounds. Argentina have 90 points, ahead of Ireland on 70 and Fiji, who have enjoyed great success in Hong Kong over the years, in third on 64 points.

Australia are top of the women’s standings with 90 points ahead of New Zealand in second on 86 points and France in third on 74 points. Australia got off to a flying start by winning the opening two rounds in Dubai and Cape Town, but New Zealand have come roaring back with victories at the last two rounds in Vancouver and Los Angeles to set up a thrilling climax to the women’s competition.

HSBC SVNS 2024 has raised the bar with greater levels of excitement, jeopardy and competitiveness than ever before alongside a truly equal platform for both women’s and men’s competitions.

With the added incentive of players competing for their places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in July, the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is set to be an exhilarating event.

In addition to the HSBC SVNS event, hosts Hong Kong China will play in an all-Asian ‘Melrose Claymores’ triangular tournament which sees them take on China and Japan in the men’s event and China and Thailand in the women’s competition.

VIEW HSBC SVNS 2024 CALENDAR >>

The four lowest ranked men’s and women’s teams after the seventh round in Singapore will join the top four teams from the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 in a high stakes promotion and relegation tournament in Madrid, meaning every match and every point counts throughout the HSBC SVNS, which is proving to be more competitive than ever in 2024.

The men’s relegation play-off positions are currently occupied by Canada, Spain, Great Britain and Samoa while the women’s teams currently in the bottom four are South Africa, Japan, Spain and Brazil.

WORLD RUGBY HSBC SEVENS CHALLENGER STANDINGS >>

Argentina men’s player Matias Osadczuk said: “The team has a big expectation for this tournament because we lost last time in Los Angeles so it is very important to come back this weekend and we have been training hard for this. Hong Kong is very special due to all the history and the great atmosphere so we hope to do our best.

“We are not thinking about being champions, we are taking it match by match, focusing on the process. Our hope for this weekend is to be better than Los Angeles and to improve as a team.”

New Zealand women’s captain Risi Pouri-Lane said: “We’ve been focusing on consistency and keeping building towards the Olympics at the end of the season. Obviously there’s a lot of history behind Hong Kong and for us coming off the back of two victories we just want to make sure we keep to our game plan, keep composed and just play our game.

“It will be an awesome atmosphere this weekend and for the women’s game in general it’s becoming more competitive across the board which is awesome for the women’s game. We’re really looking forward to the weekend, it’s going to be a party here!”

Australia men’s player Matt Gonzales said: “I’d say Hong Kong is the Mecca of the sevens circuit so it’s always awesome coming and playing here and great that we’re expecting a sell-out. The boys are pumped and this is a really crucial round for us so we’re excited to get out and put on a show for the fans.

On Michael Hooper joining the squad he added: “I don’t think you can put in to words what he brings. His experience in rugby is something not many others have and having him come in is great, he’s very calm and very knowledgeable. But he’s also saying he’s a rookie and he’s having to learn how to play sevens. But for us it’s really exciting to have someone of his calibre in our team and just learn from him about how he goes about his processes.”

VIEW SQUADS >>

The action gets under way at 10:30 local time (GMT+8) on Friday, 09:30 on Saturday and 09:40 on Sunday, with the women’s and men’s finals at 18:13 and 18:53 respectively on Sunday.

WHERE TO WATCH >>

Fans can watch the HSBC SVNS action wherever you are in the world, either via broadcaster partners or online on RugbyPass TV.

In keeping with rugby sevens tradition, fans are encouraged to wear their best and brightest fancy dress costumes and enter into the festival spirit that is the DNA of rugby sevens.

With thanks to World Rugby

• New Zealand women beat Australia to claim fifth straight cup title on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023
• New Zealand men defeat Fiji to win first Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens title since 2014
• Great Britain women defeat Fiji 22-19 and France men overcome Great Britain 19-17 to claim respective bronze medals
• New Zealand now lead both the men’s and women’s rankings
• Paris 2024 Olympic qualification at stake for top four ranked teams in 2023 Series
• Men’s Series continues in Singapore on 8-9 April, women’s Series breaks until finale in Toulouse 12-14 May

New Zealand cruised to victory in both the women’s and men’s finals of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on a dramatic final day to increase their leads at the top of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023 standings.

It is the second time the teams in black have achieved such a tournament double this season, having claimed dual gold in Sydney in January.

For the Black Ferns Sevens, it marked the fifth consecutive cup title while for the All Blacks Sevens it was their first title in Hong Kong dating back to 2014.

Great Britain women picked up their first medal of the season by defeating Fiji in a nail-biter 22-19, while France bested Great Britain by just two points to claim their third podium finish of the season.

READ FULL MEN’S FINALS DAY REPORT >>

New Zealand Black Ferns superstar Michaela Blyde said: “We had a theme of this trip, and that was we needed to bring back the legacy of what the Black Ferns Sevens started back in 2000, winning the Hong Kong Sevens when it obviously wasn’t a World Series tournament then. We wanted to do them proud and to do that tonight in front of a massive crowd in Hong Kong is very humbling and we’re very honoured.”

VIEW WOMEN’S RESULTS >>

Cody Vai opened the scoring with just 30 seconds on the clock of the men’s cup final as the All Blacks opened with a statement of intent against Fiji in their first Hong Kong final since 2016, with Sione Molia doubling their try tally six minutes later, before Carter struck to take the score to 19-0.

Vuiviwa Naduvalu finished off a length-of-the-pitch try 60 seconds later to get Fiji on the board, but Nigardhi McGarvey-Black extended the All Blacks’ lead again to 24-7 before a breathless opening period ended.

Joseva Talacolo got Fiji’s second early in the second half and a consolation third on the final whistle as New Zealand claimed their first Hong Kong title since 2014.

All Blacks Sevens star Sione Molia said: “I’m speechless, to be honest. I’m just super proud and stoked with the efforts of our boys. They left it all out there on the field.”

In the bronze medal final, Great Britain’s men were unable to repeat the medal-winning heroics of the women’s team, as they lost an enthralling encounter against France 19-17, Stephen Parez with the decisive score at the conclusion of an end-to-end encounter.

VIEW MEN’S RESULTS >>

The 2023 Series is continuing to be the most competitive in history with the prize of Olympic Games Paris 2024 qualification on offer for the top four women’s and men’s teams in the 2023 Series standings. Hosts France men and women have pre-qualified for next summer’s pinnacle event in the nation’s capital, while New Zealand, USA and Australia have also secured their spots.

The stakes couldn’t be higher at the bottom end of the men’s Series this season as well. Following the penultimate event in Toulouse, the 15th ranked team will be relegated while the 12th through 14th ranked teams will face off against the Sevens Challenger Series 2023 winner for the 12th and final position on the 2024 Series.

The men’s Series has seen five different winners (Australia, Samoa, South Africa, Argentina and New Zealand) through the opening eight tournaments. New Zealand, who won tournaments in Sydney, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, currently sit atop the Series standings with 142 points, followed by Argentina (121), who won in Hamilton and Vancouver, closely trailed by Hong Kong runners-up Fiji with 113 points, Paris 2024 hosts France with 112 points and South Africa with 101 points.

The women’s Series has seen six tournaments, with New Zealand sitting firmly on top of the standings with 118 points having won the last five tournaments in Cape Town, Hamilton, Sydney, Vancouver and Hong Kong. Australia (102), the only other nation to have won a tournament in Dubai, sit 12 points ahead of USA at 90 points. Just four points separate Ireland (64), Fiji (62) and Great Britain (60) in the race for the final Paris 2024 qualification spot to be decided at the Series finale in Toulouse 12-14 May.

VIEW WOMEN’S SERIES STANDINGS >>

VIEW MEN’S SERIES STANDINGS >>

The men’s teams move straight on to Singapore for the next round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023 on 8-9 April at the National Stadium and the pools have been confirmed.

Pool A sees Series leaders New Zealand alongside Dubai winners South Africa, Hong Kong winners Australia and the invitational side Hong Kong China. Hong Kong runners-up Fiji have been drawn with Spain, Samoa and Canada in Pool B, while hosts France will meet USA, Uruguay and Kenya in Pool C. Great Britain, who narrowly lost in the Hong Kong bronze medal final, will meet Argentina, Ireland and Japan in Pool D.

The women’s Series now takes a short break for its finale in Toulouse, France 12-14 May to close out what has been a thrilling year, and lock in the one remaining position for Paris 2024.

Series leaders New Zealand lead Pool A alongside Canada, USA and invitational side Poland, while Australia will face off against hosts France, Ireland and Brazil. Pool C sees Hong Kong bronze medal winners Great Britain with Fiji, Spain and Japan.

Tickets for the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens are available from Official Website | HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens | Singapore Sevens (singapore7s.com.sg)

With thanks to World Rugby

• Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens women’s semi-finals, men’s quarter-finals confirmed after superb day of rugby sevens in front of packed house at Hong Kong Stadium
• Women’s semi-final line-up: New Zealand v Fiji, Australia v Great Britain
• Men’s quarter-finals: New Zealand v Argentina, France v Spain, Fiji v South Africa, USA v Great Britain
• Finals day on Sunday sees the men’s quarter-finals at 10:02 local time (GMT+8) and the women’s semi-finals at 14:43, with the women’s and men’s cup finals at 19:40 and 20:15 respectively
• Paris 2024 Olympic qualification and Series status at stake in most competitive Series in history

The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will come to a climax on Sunday after another thrilling day of action at the historic Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday which saw the women’s semi-final and men’s quarter-final line-ups confirmed.

In the women’s event, Series leaders New Zealand will face Fiji in the final four, while Dubai winners Australia will take on Great Britain on Sunday with a spot in the cup finals up for grabs.

The opening men’s quarter-final on Sunday will see a rematch of the Los Angeles cup final with Series leaders New Zealand taking on HSBC Canada Sevens champions Argentina. Vancouver runners-up France face Spain in the next quarter-final, while Fiji will take on South Africa and USA battle Great Britain to decide who will advance to the semi-finals later in the day.

READ MEN’S FULL DAY TWO REPORT >>

READ WOMEN’S FULL DAY TWO REPORT >>

Ireland women’s impressive knockout streak, in which they have won six of their last eight quarter-finals, including three of four this season, hit a green-and-gold wall in Hong Kong. Charlotte Caslick scored twice as Australia, who have now won 25 matches in a row against Ireland, cruised into Sunday’s semi-finals with a 24-5 victory, an improvement on their win over the same team on day one.

Great Britain’s Rhona Lloyd was the hero off the bench to help send her team into the semi-finals – their first this season – with a sensational try in the 14^th minute to defeat France.

Like Great Britain, Fiji also left it late to stake their claim for a semi-final berth, twice coming from behind against USA before winning the match on the final play courtesy of a touchdown from Reapi Ulunisau to make it 19-14 at the final whistle.

After those two tight games, the Black Ferns cruised into the last four with a straightforward 45-12 win over a brave Canada – their second of the day – to round off the second day’s action, and set-up a semi-final against Fiji on Sunday. Jorja Miller and Risi Pouri-Lane both scored twice as New Zealand ran in seven tries.

VIEW WOMEN’S RESULTS AND POOLS >>

Fiji ran in eight tries to beat Canada 40-7 in the opening pool A match of day two en route to finishing top of Pool B and qualifying for the quarter-finals. The remarkable Marcos Moneta scored his 80th and 81st tries in just 17 tournaments as Argentina beat Samoa 26-19.

Argentinian happiness later tempered a little, however, as they were beaten to top spot in pool A in an end-to-end 26-19 loss to fellow quarter-finalists Fiji.

Hong Kong China hero Max Denmark scored in the first minute of their Pool B match against Great Britain. But, then, the match ran to script, as Tony Roques’ multi-nation side took control against the invitational team, comfortably winning 33-12 in the end.

Drama followed, as a pair of late Jefferson Joseph tries gave France a comeback 17-14 win over Uruguay to deny the South American side a quarter-final berth.

Australia’s defence of their Hong Kong Sevens title is over, after they finished third in Pool C, behind USA and surprise quarter-finalists Spain. Perry Baker scored four tries in two matches, as USA beat Japan and Australia to put Friday’s 7-0 loss to Spain behind them and book their place in the last eight and knock Australia down to the 9^th place quarter-final based on points differential.

In pool D, New Zealand made it three from three in Hong Kong, with wins over South Africa and Ireland to set up a quarter-final against Argentina on Sunday. Earlier, Ireland’s Harry McNulty had needed just 15 seconds to open the scoring in their opening match of the day against Kenya. They went on to win 26-14 to set up a decider against the All Blacks. But that loss against New Zealand meant South Africa qualified for the last eight in Ireland’s stead.

VIEW MEN’S RESULTS AND POOLS >>

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023 continues to be the most competitive season yet with the prize of Olympic Games Paris 2024 qualification on offer for the top four women’s and men’s teams in the 2023 Series standings. Hosts France have pre-qualified for next year’s pinnacle event in the nation’s capital.

The women’s Series has seen five tournaments, with New Zealand sitting firmly on top of the standings with 98 points having won the last four tournaments in Cape Town, Hamilton, Sydney and Vancouver.

In Vancouver the Black Ferns became the first team to book their spot at Paris 2024, while Australia, the only other nation to have won a tournament in Dubai, and USA also qualified for next year’s Olympics to be held at Stade de France at this weekend’s tournament by advancing to the quarter-finals.

The men’s Series has seen five different winners (Australia, Samoa, South Africa, Argentina and New Zealand) through the opening seven tournaments. New Zealand, who won in Sydney and Los Angeles, currently sit atop the Series standings with 120 points, followed by Argentina (108), who won the last stop at the HSBC Canada Sevens along with Hamilton, closely trailed by Vancouver runners-up France with 95 points and Fiji and Australia are both tied with 94 points with just four events to go.

At the other end of the table in the men’s competition the number of teams for the next edition of the Series will reduce from 16 to 12 to equal the number of women’s teams and align with the Olympic competition structure, meaning fans can continue to expect an intense battle to avoid relegation throughout the 2023 Series with every match and every point counting towards the final Series rankings.

VIEW SERIES CALENDAR >> 

Play begins at 08:30 local time on Sunday with the men’s 9^th place quarter-finals, while the men’s cup quarter-finals start at 10:02 local time (GMT+8). The women’s cup semi-finals start at 14:43, and the women’s and men’s cup finals take place at 19:40 and 20:15 respectively as the race of Series glory and Olympic qualification continues.

Remaining tickets for the Cathay/HSBC Sevens Hong Kong Sevens are available from: Tickets – Hong Kong Sevens (hksevens.com)

Rugby sevens fans around the world can watch the action via live stream on www.world.rugby in countries where there is no national broadcaster covering the event.

WHERE TO WATCH >>

• Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Ireland and France end day one with perfect win records in women’s tournament
• USA and Australia women qualify for Paris 2024, joining New Zealand and hosts France
• Returning champions Australia off to winning start looking to defend their title as men’s teams play one pool match each
• Play continues on Saturday from 08:46 local time (GMT+8) with the completion of the pool phase and women’s quarter-finals, ahead of the men’s quarter-finals, and both semi-finals and finals on Sunday
• With Paris 2024 Olympic qualification and Series status at stake the current edition continues to be the most competitive in history

The world-renowned Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens never fails to deliver in terms of drama, excitement and entertainment as the world’s best men’s and women’s teams kicked off the first of three days of competition at the iconic Hong Kong Stadium on Friday.

It was a historic occasion for rugby in Hong Kong since it was the first time in the tournament’s 46-year history that the women’s Series featured alongside the men’s in front of a raucous and passionate crowd despite rainy conditions throughout most of the day.

Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Ireland and France women all ended day one with perfect win records to qualify for the quarter-finals on Saturday with still one pool match to play.

Following the Black Ferns Sevens in Vancouver and hosts France, Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallists Australia and USA became the latest two women’s teams to solidify their positions at next year’s pinnacle event to be held at Stade de France based on today’s performances.

In the remaining Pool A matches on Saturday, Hong Kong China will continue their learning curve against Great Britain, while Canada will be looking to avoid a 19th straight defeat against New Zealand.

In Pool B, Ireland will be looking for a 14th successive win against Brazil and Australia will face Fiji for the first time in the pool stages this season.

Finally, in Pool C, Spain will be looking to win their first pool match since the Cape Town tournament in December when they take on Japan, while the USA’s meeting with France will determine who finishes top of the pool.

VIEW WOMEN’S RESULTS AND POOLS >>

Each men’s team played one pool match on day one and the results mostly followed the formbook with the leading teams winning their opening game.

In Pool A, Hong Kong kings Fiji had a real fight on their hands to battle past Samoa but came through 12-7, to make it 15 wins in a row against their Pacific rivals while Vancouver-champions Argentina knocked off a spirited Canadian team to pick up right where they left off.

Great Britain turned the tables on Uruguay who had beaten them earlier in the Series with an equally tense victory, 14-10 in Pool B. Much to the delight of the home crowd, Seb Brien scored two brilliant late tries for Hong Kong China but France edged out the win 21-14 in the final match of the day.

The biggest men’s result of the day came in Pool C when Pol Pla scored for Spain and Los Leones’ defense hold on for the win over the United States in an exciting Pool C clash. Australia, led by the return from injury of Nick Malouf, a key figure in Australia’s 2022 World Series triumph, also knocked off Japan 26-5.

Pool D saw New Zealand open their tournament with a 29-5 win over Kenya, and South Africa secured an impressive victory over Ireland thanks to the winning try by Zain Davids.

VIEW MEN’S RESULTS AND POOLS >>

The number of men’s teams for the next edition of the Series will reduce from 16 to 12 to equal the number of women’s teams and align with the Olympic competition structure, meaning fans can continue to expect an intense battle to avoid relegation throughout the 2023 Series with every match and every point counting towards the final Series rankings.

Following the penultimate event in Toulouse, the 15th ranked team will be relegated, while the 12th through 14th ranked teams will face-off against the Sevens Challenger Series 2023 winner for the 12th and final position on the 2024 Series.

VIEW SERIES CALENDAR >>

Play begins at 08:46 local time on Saturday with the completion of the pool matches before the women’s quarter-finals commence at 19:37. Both men’s and women’s semi-finals and finals take place on Sunday as the race of Series glory and Olympic qualification continues.

Remaining tickets for the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens are available from Tickets – Hong Kong Sevens (hksevens.com)

Rugby sevens fans around the world can watch the action via live stream on www.world.rugby in countries where there is no national broadcaster covering the event.

WHERE TO WATCH >>

After successfully qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics and securing their fourth successive tournament title at the HSBC Vancouver Sevens, the Black Ferns Sevens return to Hong Kong for the first time since 2001, and it will be the first time since the inception of the women’s series the best female and male players in the world compete alongside one another at the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.

Black Ferns Sevens:
3. Stacey Waaka
6. Michaela Blyde
7. Tyla Nathan-Wong
8. Kelly Brazier
11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
12. Alena Saili
13. Jazmin Felix-Hotham
22. Shiray Kaka
33. Manaia Nuku
34. Sarah Hirini (C)
77. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane
83. Jorja Miller

Unavailable for selection: Mahina Paul and Theresa Fitzpatrick.

Black Ferns Head Coach Cory Sweeney said that the squad were wanting to drive for further consistency.

“It will be an exciting occasion for the game and the girls to be a part of. It will be the first time for the women to experience, perform and compete at the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens stage, which is viewed by many as the home of sevens and the ultimate arena to test yourselves.

For us we want to continue to grow our game and individual connections. Making sure we have adapted quickly to the new environment and things that challenge us during the week and across the tournament competition days,” said Sweeney.

Sweeney was excited for the return of Saili and Nuku to the team again.

“We are pleased to welcome both Alena and Manaia back into the team after injury lay off. Both have been training really well and we are looking forward to them having an immediate impact on the team,” finished Sweeney.

All Blacks Sevens Head Coach Clark Laidlaw has an abundance of young talent named within his team including three debutants. Rhodes Featherstone, Codermeru Vai and Xavier Tito-Harris will all don the All Blacks Sevens jersey for the first time this weekend.

Dylan Collier and Sione Molia have been named as co-captains for the side in the absence of All Blacks Sevens captain Sam Dickson.

All Blacks Sevens Team:
2. Brady Rush
4. Akuila Rokolisoa
5. Dylan Collier (C)
6. Ngarohi McGarvey-Black
9. Amanaki Nicole
12. Leroy Carter
23. Lewis Ormond
24. Tepaea Cook-Savage
25. Codemeru Vai
27. Sione Molia (C)
33. Fehi Fineanganofo
35. Xavier Tito-Harris
86. Rhodes Featherstone

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Knewstubb, Moses Leo, Payton Spencer, Roderick Solo, Sam Dickson, Scott Curry, Tim Mikkelson and Tone Ng Shiu (injury). Joe Webber and Regan Ware (personal)

Laidlaw said that Olympic qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics was at the forefront of the teams’ mind.

“Hong Kong will test the depth of squad. We have plenty of talent among our team and while we are missing our regulars, I know that these guys will take the opportunity they have been given to excel. As a squad we are still seeking Olympic qualification and there is a tight tussle among teams to achieve this. While this is at the forefront of our minds, we need to draw our focus into being consistent, connected and take it one game at a time.”

Laidlaw emphasised the talent each debutant will have to demonstrate when they take the field this weekend.

“Rhodes is a physical player and has plenty to offer our team. He has been a part of the All Blacks Sevens squad for more than a year now but has had a couple of false starts with injury, he is ready and eager to get out there this weekend.”

“Xavier’s just finished school and fitted into the squad really well. He presents great footwork and has a short passing game. He was in action last week playing for the champion Blues U20 side, so it has been whirlwind last few days.”

“Cody again played in the Super Rugby Pacific Under 20s and has joined the squad as an injury replacement for Andrew Knewstubb. He has played a lot of sevens and really gets the game,” finished Laidlaw.

HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Draw (dates/times listed in NZDT)
Friday 31 March
7.16pm: Black Ferns Sevens v Hong Kong China
7.40pm: All Blacks Sevens v Kenya
11.16pm: Black Ferns Sevens v Great Britain Sevens

Saturday 1 April
3.41pm: Black Ferns Sevens v Canada
4.04pm All Blacks Sevens v South Africa
8.49pm: All Blacks Sevens v Ireland

Play-offs begin.

Sunday 2 April
Play-offs continue.

All games with be covered live by Official Partner Sky Sport and streamed on Sky Sport Now and Sky Go.

2022/23 World Series Schedule
4-6 November – Hong Kong Sevens (men’s only)
2-4 December – Dubai Sevens
9-11 December – Cape Town Sevens
21-22 January – Hamilton Sevens
27-29 January – Sydney Sevens
25-26 February – Los Angeles Sevens (men’s only)
3-5 March – Vancouver Sevens
31 March – 2 April – Hong Kong Sevens
8-9 April – Singapore Sevens (men’s only)
12-14 May – Toulouse Sevens
20-21 May – London Sevens (men’s only)

With thanks to NZ Rugby

• The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens returns to action on 31 March – 2 April
• For the first time ever, the top 12 women’s nations are set to join the men at Hong Kong Stadium for a thrilling three-day competition in front of an expected crowd of more than 100,000 spectators
• New Zealand’s All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens lead current men’s and women’s Series standings
• Australia and USA women can qualify for Paris 2024 this weekend by advancing to cup quarterfinals, potentially joining New Zealand and hosts France
• The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023 is the most competitive in history with Paris 2024 Olympic qualification the prize for the top four teams
• Play begins at 12:16 local time (GMT+8) on Friday, with the finals on Sunday

The world-famous Hong Kong skyline provided the backdrop as captains of the 28 men’s and women’s teams gathered ahead of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens which kicks off on Friday, 31 March.

The tournament marks the eighth round in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023 Series in the men’s competition, including the second time in Hong Kong after the opening tournament in November, along with the sixth stop for the women.

For the first time in the event’s 46-year history, the top 12 women’s nations, including Hong Kong China, are set to join the men’s Series for a thrilling three day competition in front of an expected crowd of more than 100,000 rugby, sports and entertainment fans over the weekend.

Hong Kong China women’s captain Melody Li said: “It’s really a big and meaningful occasion for us playing for our first time on the World Series on our home ground with the men’s team. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and hopefully we can inspire more young girls to play rugby in Hong Kong.

“I first attended the Hong Kong Sevens in high school in 2012 as a liaison officer for Australia, and I was hoping that one day I could play in the stadium, but I never knew it I’d get the chance, so I’m really happy.”

VIEW MEN’S SERIES STANDINGS >>

VIEW WOMEN’S SERIES STANDINGS >>

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023 continues to be the most competitive season yet with the prize of Olympic Games Paris 2024 qualification on offer for the top four women’s and men’s teams in the 2023 Series standings. Hosts France have pre-qualified for next Summer’s pinnacle event in the nation’s capital.

The men’s Series has seen five different winners (Australia, Samoa, South Africa, Argentina and New Zealand) through the opening seven tournaments. New Zealand, who won in Sydney and Los Angeles, currently sit atop the Series standings with 120 points, followed by Argentina (108), who won the last stop at HSBC Canada Sevens along with Hamilton, closely trailed by Vancouver runners-up France with 95 points and Fiji and Australia are both tied with 94 points with just four events to go.

In the men’s competition, Vancouver champions Argentina slot into Pool A alongside Fiji, Samoa and Canada while HSBC Canada Sevens runners-up France headline Pool B with Great Britain, Uruguay and hosts Hong Kong China.

HSBC Canada Sevens bronze medallists Australia will face off against USA, Spain and Japan in Pool C while Ireland will meet Series leaders New Zealand, Kenya and Dubai winners South Africa in Pool D.

The stakes couldn’t be higher at the bottom end of the men’s Series this season as well.

Following the penultimate event in Toulouse, the 15th ranked team will be relegated to the 2024 Sevens Challenger Series while the 12th through 14th ranked teams will face off against the Sevens Challenger Series 2023 winner for the 12th and final position on the 2024 Series.

VIEW MEN’S MATCH SCHEDULE >>

The women’s Series has seen five tournaments, compared to seven for the men, with New Zealand sitting firmly on top of the standings with 98 points having won the last four tournaments in Cape Town, Hamilton, Sydney and Vancouver.

In Vancouver the Black Ferns became the first team to book their spot at Paris 2024. Australia, the only other nation to have won a tournament in Dubai, sit two points ahead of USA at 84 points. The Americans join New Zealand as the only nation to have medalled at every event this season, while France picked up their first bronze medal in Sydney.

Following New Zealand in Vancouver, Australia and USA women can officially qualify for Paris 2024 in Hong Kong if they reach the quarter-finals.

The women’s pools see Series leaders New Zealand in Pool A alongside Canada, Great Britain and invitational team Hong Kong China in Pool A.

Vancouver runners-up Australia will take on Fiji, Ireland and Brazil in Pool B while Pool C sees USA with France, Japan and Spain.

USA Olympian Lauren Doyle said: “We as a team know that we can qualify this weekend and it’s in the background, but we have stuck true to our process this whole season which has gotten us medals at every event so for us it’s important to stay true to our process.

“To qualify this weekend would be immensely exciting. It would be a huge stresser off of us but we can’t look past the weekend and we need to get our work done.”

VIEW WOMEN’S MATCH SCHEDULE >>

The actions kicks off on Friday, 31 March at 12:16 local time (GMT+8) with France v Japan in the women’s tournament, with the men getting underway at 14:40 with New Zealand v Kenya.

All teams across men’s and women’s competitions will play two pool matches on day one, followed by their final pool match and the first knockout game on day two and the final two knockout games on Sunday, including the women’s and men’s cup finals at 19:40 and 20:15 respectively.

Rugby sevens fans around the world can watch the action via live stream on World Rugby digital platforms including www.world.rugby, YouTube and Facebook in countries where there is no national broadcaster covering the event.

WHERE TO WATCH >>

Remaining tickets are available at Tickets – Hong Kong Sevens (hksevens.com)

Rights free images are available via www.world.rugby/media-zone.

With thanks to World Rugby