What makes Hong Kong 7s spectacular
If there was ever a place in the world where the words ‘fun’ and ‘serious’ can be defined, there is no place other than the Kowloon Rugby
New Zealand emerged victorious after beating England in the final
Stadium in Hong Kong. The conduct of some 40,000 plus spectators, who
do not waste a single second of fun, while at the same time enjoying the intensity of a Sevens rugby game which was on, makes the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens the event to attend.
After three days of serious rugby and 45 games New Zealand won the coveted championship at the seventh round of the Sevens World Series. New Zealand remains as the only team to remain unbeaten after six games and they will once again lead
Portugal vs Canada
Sri Lanka, facing a massive, gigan
tic wave of over 40,000 spectators for the first time in five years lost all five games they played in after two disastrous games against Kenya and Fiji who won them 41-0 and 56-0 respectively. The rugby players from the island nation were severely jeered, a tradition followed by Hong Kong Sevens spectators on teams performing
Sri Lanka had a bad start against Kenya
badly. But the Tuskers, as they are known in the Rugby circle, regained their lost pride in their third group game against the Wales by scoring two spectacular tries, despite losing it by 47-12. Both tries came off Mithun Hapugoda. The crowd’s love and support began to shower on the Sri Lankans from this moment.
The positive reaction of the crowd transformed the Tuskers into an effective unit. Sri Lanka became heroes of all after Dhanushka Ranjan, appearing in his first international Sevens tournament, cantered to post his first international try. Then it was Srinath Sooriyabandara, one of the playmakers for Sri Lanka besides skipper Fazil Marija. Sri Lanka led halfway 14-12 but Samoa went on to exhibit their 
experience and snatch the Bowl quarterfinal game 33-14. Sri Lanka played their final game against Portugal in the Shield semi-final, in what could be termed as a win that slipped out of their hands. Skipper Marija, Dinusha Chathuranga and Hapugoda, who scored his third in the tournament, posted a try each for Sri Lanka, who went down by 19-24.
However by this time the fans’ impression on the Sri Lankan players has changed completely. It was evidently seen when Sri Lankans had to dedicate over an hour for rugby-crazy fans who wanted the
The South Stand, where all the fun is
players to sign autographs for them or pose for a photograph with them. The most happening section of the ground, the South Stand, was a place the Sri Lankans had to struggle hard to get out from. The South Stand, a place where all Rugby fans like to be, for the mere fun and the crazy costumes, that are worn by the rugby lovers during the three eventful days.
As much as the appearance of star players, it is that rugby-mad fan that makes the Hong Kong Sevens an annual pilgrimage for rugby lovers across the world. Luck may have come across in favour of 40,000 rugby fans but a heap of them, probably over 1000, can be seen lined up on either sides of the roads in Kowloon, begging for spare tickets. They find various ways to attract a potential well-wisher or a seller through placards, which read ‘I need tickets’, ‘I’d do
Sri Lankan players later became heroes
anything for a ticket’, ‘Black or white, I buy tickets for any amount’, ‘If there is a bored rugby fan, I’ll be willing to be the substitute’ and ‘God shower love on whoever sells me a ticket’ to name a few.
And inside the stadium, the reason behind the desperation of those left outside the ground trying to get into it, is clear. Those 40,000 spectators who were blessed to
The one-man Sri Lankan supporter
walk into the stadium, experienced the most unforgettable three days of their lives. The rugby fans have no bounds and gags to abide by and the organisers, authorities and other officials, such as security personals and police officers are polite and are kind enough to tolerate the fans, who they think are the most important cog of this event.
“It’s one of the reasons why the Hong Kong Sevens has managed to build an image. We preserve quality and integrity and as a result the Hong Kong Sevens is the most popular event of the Sevens World Series. It’s not an overnight success; it was built day after day, step by step during the past 38 years to what it is today,” Shaun Moore, the Tournament Director said.
It’s an aspect where Sri Lanka can learn from, in particular in an era where sports tourism is turning out to be a huge industry.Authorities and organisers should make sure to take the Hong Kong Sevens as a model, helping rugby fans indulge in the most extreme excitement while providing those accredited all the necessary facilities to take the event out to the world. The 38th Hong Kong Sevens was an incident-free event, despite all the fun and thrills it had on offer.
From Sri Lanka’s perspective, they may not play in the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens in the coming years and will be replaced by Japan in the coming season. This doesn’t mean the closer to hundred rugby fans from Sri Lanka will not make it for the Hong Kong Sevens in the coming years. But they would definitely love to see their team doing well at this circuit. Authorities should make sure to give the team more international exposure. At the same time at least authorities should also make sure events held in Sri Lanka are hassle-free for rugby fans to get a glimpse of how it is to be in Hong Kong.
- Pix courtesy
Dennis Muthuthanthri SLRFU
After a rocky start to the Hong Kong Sevens, Sri Lanka gradually settled and played more competitive rugby against some very testing opposition to finish the competition on a strong note. All this considered, what is the post-mortem on the country’s Hong Kong sojourn?
Franklyn Hingert 
(Former player)
We should use our outing in Hong Kong as a learning experience. Now that we are back in the tournament we must improve and get familiar with playing on the big stage.
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Chinthaka Lahiru 
(CR&FC player)
I think the tournament has shown that we need to practice more and work on our fitness and strength. Once we have this we can do well because we have the talent and technique; players like Fazil (Marija) are top class.
………………………
Julian Anderson 
(Former school rugby player)
We are capable of a lot better than what we achieved in Hong Kong. We need to increase our training and put a lot more time into our skills and drills. If you look at the other teams who competed against us they probably did that. Overall, we need to put in a lot more commitment, time and dedication.
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Dilroy Fernando 
(Veteran rugby referee)
My question is were we prepared to play at the Hong Kong Sevens? I don’t believe we can face top international opposition without proper training from foreign coaches. Hats off to our local coaches, they have done really well but we need a foreign consultant because our coaches are still not right up there.
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Rizly Ilyas 
(SLRFU Secretary)
The league and knockout did not leave the squad with enough time to have proper training. But it was tough for us; we had to play superior sides like Fiji and Wales. Overall though, it’s an achievement to get back into the Hong Kong Sevens after so many years.
Pix by Indika Handuwala