Players challenge for the ball during the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series at the Hong Kong Stadium on Nov 5, 2022. (DJ CLARK / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong is set to hold the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens from March 31 to April 2, five months after it last held the tournament, Hong Kong Rugby Union announced on Monday.

According to the Rugby Union, 28 teams from the world will compete at the Hong Kong Stadium, including the elite sides in women's sevens for the first time in history, while the men's and women's teams of Hong Kong, China will appear side by side for the first time in an HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event.

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Themed "Play On!", the tournament will carry on the momentum from last November's Sevens, but without the social distancing, Hong Kong Rugby Union Chairman Chris Brooke welcomed the return of the Sevens to its traditional spring window.

Jubilant fans cheer their favorite teams on the first day of the Hong Kong Sevens 2022 at the Hong Kong Stadium, Nov 4, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

"Our last Sevens in November was focused squarely on our city and community as we emerged from the trials of the pandemic. We are proud to have helped set a precedent for the safe return of mass events to Hong Kong and we remain eternally grateful to our supporters and those who stood by us through very challenging times," he said.

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Established in 1976 and organized annually by the Hong Kong Rugby Union, the Hong Kong Sevens has been a part of World Rugby's HSBC Sevens Series since 1999.