Published: 09:12, April 20, 2026 | Updated: 10:28, April 20, 2026
South Africa wins first-ever title at Hong Kong Sevens
By Wang Zhan
South Africa’s men’s team (right) and New Zealand’s women’s team pose for a group photo with their trophies after being crowned champions during the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament at the Kai Tak Stadium on April 19, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
South Africa made history at the Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday after giving Argentina a 35-7 thumping to claim their first-ever title on the tournament's 50th anniversary.
As over 113,000 fans packed the Kai Tak Stadium over the weekend, the Blitzboks secured the championship while the New Zealand women’s team fended off Australia 19-14 to bag their fourth consecutive Hong Kong crown.
The local crowd had plenty to roar about as the Hong Kong, China men’s side showed serious grit, overcoming yellow cards and an early deficit to down Japan 19-15 and retain the Melrose Claymore.
It was a sentimental Sunday all around, topped off by local icon Salom Yiu Kam-shing being inducted as the 50th member of the Rugby Hall of fame.
The thrilling three-day festival featured world-class rugby, vibrant costumes, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display. More than 100,000 spectators packed into Kai Tak Stadium, including its energetic South Stand, to watch 12 men’s and 12 women’s international teams compete for the championship.
As Hong Kong’s premier sporting event, the Sevens continues to highlight the city’s unique “East-meets-West” spirit and its lasting appeal as a global hub for mega events.
China Daily's Andy Chong and DJ Clark captured the excitement during the “Best Weekend in the events Capital of Asia”.
New Zealand women’s team players and officials perform the traditional haka dance in celebration of their championship at the awards ceremony of the Hong Kong Sevens at the Kai Tak Stadium on April 19, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)Players compete during the women's final between Australia and New Zealand at the Hong Kong Sevens at the Kai Tak Stadium on April 19, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)Players of Hong Kong, China celebrate after Melrose Claymores Final between Hong Kong, China and Japan at the Hong Kong Sevens at the Kai Tak Stadium on April 19, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)A Hong Kong men’s team player (in white) fights to break free from two Japanese defenders during the Melrose Claymores Final between Hong Kong, China and Japan at the Hong Kong Sevens on April 19, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)Players compete during the Melrose Claymores Women's Final between Denmark and Thailand at the Hong Kong Sevens at the Kai Tak Stadium on April 19, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)Players of Denmark celebrate after the Melrose Claymores Women's Final between Denmark and Thailand at the Hong Kong Sevens at the Kai Tak Stadium on April 19, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)Players compete during the men's final between Argentina and South Africa at the Hong Kong Sevens at the Kai Tak Stadium on April 19, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)Spectators with their faces painted pose for a photo during the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament at the Kai Tak Stadium on April 19, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
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