Your guide to the 2026 Hong Kong Sevens

It’s time to dust off your best fancy dress and brush up on your rugby knowledge, because the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens  is here. Whether you’re an avid rugby fan or you’re there to indulge in some South Stand action, one thing is for certain: this year’s 50th anniversary edition will be a tournament for the ages – a particularly exciting moment for us as longtime title sponsors, dating back to the tournament’s debut in 1976.

But before you head to Kai Tak Stadium, there are a few things you need to consider. To help you be fully prepared for this iconic Hong Kong sporting event, we’ve created a guide that covers everything you need to know to make the most of the long weekend.

Know your rugby – or at least the basics 

The rules of the game 

Sevens is a fast-paced, high-scoring game. There are seven players to a side (compared to 15 in a traditional Rugby Union team), and each game lasts just 14 minutes – except for the final, which is 20 minutes. With so few players on the pitch, the game is defined by fast runs and precise kicking, rather than the usual slow pace and continual scrums of the traditional game.  

The teams to look out for 

The Hong Kong Sevens in April is the first event of the three-round HSBC SVNS World Championships. The 2026 edition will feature men’s and women’s tournaments, as well as the Hong Kong-exclusive Melrose Claymores competition. This newer event will see our very own Hong Kong China Rugby men’s and women’s squads defend their titles. 

As for the main event, a total of 24 teams are expected to participate, including the top four men’s and women’s teams promoted from HSBC SVNS Division 2 – which finishes at the end of March – joining an existing 16-team roster. That roster includes Fiji, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, France, Argentina (the 2025 men’s champions), Spain and Great Britain for the men’s category; and New Zealand (2025 women’s champions), Australia, USA, France, Canada and more for the women’s tournament.  

Bring the essentials 

Things can get a little busy when you’re caught up in the atmosphere of the Sevens, so it’s best to bring as few possessions as possible with you. That being said, there are a few essentials you should absolutely pack. 

Given Hong Kong’s unpredictable weather, it’s best to be prepared for every eventuality. Bottles, cans and containers – whether plastic, metal or glass – aren’t allowed , along with food and drinks brought in from outside. So be sure to hydrate well before you head to the Kai Tak Stadium or buy refreshments at one of the 28 onsite concession stands. Remember your sunglasses and a poncho – come rain or shine.

Most important of all is your proof of identity – you’ll need it to enter the stadium and purchase alcoholic drinks. 

Know your stands 

South Stand 

With a reputation that precedes itself, the raucous South Stand is the spiritual home of the Hong Kong Sevens. If you want to join the costume-clad crowds for a taste of the electric atmosphere in this adults-only zone, you’ll need to arrive early to secure your spot and avoid risking being turned away after it reaches capacity.  

Expect plenty of drinking, singing, extravagant fancy dress outfits and a few who won’t make it past 1pm. Wear something you’re not too precious about, as beer often gets sloshed about as the party intensifies. 

North Stand 

Designated as family-friendly, this zone also traditionally houses the Fijian contingent. 

East and West Stands  

The spectator stands along the two lengths of the pitch are home to suites, VIP pass holders and boxes where guests can get closer to the action. 

Don’t miss 

The entertainment 

Five musical acts will perform over the course of the three-day spectacle: K-pop girl group Primrose, Korea-based Filipino singer Gwyn Dorado, Dutch Eurodance group Vengaboys, Korean DJ Hanna and Australian cover band Hindley Street Country Club.

The Village Fanzone is the place to be for families, with activities such as face painting, bouncy castles, kid-friendly rugby games, souvenirs, autograph-signing, live music and more to occupy your attention when you’re not in the stands.

The dining 

Inside the stadium, drop by Café by Lubuds for respite from the fast-paced games with a latte and a sweet treat at a sunlit table. A short walk away from the stadium, you’ll find several malls with plenty of dining options, including the three Kai Tak mall complexes, Airside and The Twins. Not too far from the stadium is the Kowloon City neighbourhood, where you’ll find independent and local businesses serving Thai and Chiu Chow cuisine. And if you’re heading back to Hong Kong Island – in particular Central, Causeway Bay or Wan Chai – there are a host of great restaurants to try post-Sevens. 

Where to stay and what to do in Kai Tak 

For more on the best things to do in the area during the rugby sevens, including where to shop, eat and stay, and how to get to Kai Tak Sports Park, check out our Kai Tak neighbourhood guide.

As an alternative to the directions we outline in our guide above, you can also get to Kai Tak Stadium from Sung Wong Toi MTR station. From Exit D, make your way onto West Bridge and follow an overhead pedestrian walkway that features a 100-metre digital canvas of Kai Tak’s evolution from an aviation hub to a cultural landmark, presented by Cathay.   

This article was originally published in October 2022 and updated in March 2026.