The 2021 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens has been cancelled in the face of growing uncertainty over emerging coronavirus variants and on-going travel restrictions globally.
According to the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) and World Rugby media statement they have taken the difficult decision to cancel the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2021, which was scheduled for November 5-7.
The decision follows detailed and constructive dialogue with World Rugby and the participating unions and relevant Hong Kong government bodies and has been taken with the health and wellbeing of the rugby community and the wider public as top priority.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Conner said it was unfortunate but the well-being of the players was a priority.
“The players will come out of their quarantine this week and will be reunited with their families after being away from them for six months,” he said.
“Our priorities are the wellbeing of the players and the management. We are in talks right now with World Rugby because we’re considering our participation in the Canada and Singapore 7s.
“We will have to go through the challenges and as to what is needed from us to make sure our participation is applicable.”
However, for Hong Kong the difficulties and uncertainties around travel restrictions and the rising global concern over emerging variants, combined with the pressing timelines behind staging one of Hong Kong’s premier international events is challenging.
The Hong Kong Rugby Union chief executive Robbie McRobbie says they remain fully supportive of community virus suppression efforts in Hong Kong, and its paramount interest is to avoid any risk to the safety of athletes, officials, spectators and staff, and the wider community at the present time.
“We are of course disappointed not to host the world-famous Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens in 2021,” he said.
“While in many ways we are even better prepared to host than we were a year ago, concerns over the Delta variant and intensifying travel restrictions have complicated matters significantly.
“Given these trends, the decision to cancel was painful, but not difficult, particularly with expectations high that with vaccination rates increasing daily, we can welcome the sevens back in true rugby style in April.
“After watching a sterling Olympic sevens, we know that fans will be disappointed at this news, but rest assured, we are busy preparing for a spectacular Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens in exactly 239 days, but who’s counting? We are already planning 2022, and looking forward to returning with an event that will be one of the most memorable in our 45-year history.”
No tickets were placed on sale for the 2021 tournament.
The 2022 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is scheduled for April 1-3.
