The Incredible Volume of Beer Consumed at the Hong Kong Sevens as Rugby’s Ultimate Celebration Welcomes a New Venue

HONG KONG: A rare cold spell failed to quench the enthusiasm of a record-breaking Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens crowd that filled the gleaming new Kai Tak Stadium last weekend.

Concerns that relocating from Hong Kong Stadium to Kowloon would dull the excitement of rugby’s largest celebration turned out to be as misplaced as a missed dropkick conversion.

Sevens enthusiasts from around the globe united with Hong Kong’s vibrant corporate crowd, consuming an incredible 82,000 litres of beer over the course of three days.

In total, a crowd of 110,000 savoured 350,000 food and drink items while watching New Zealand and Argentina seize victory, with the Kaiser Chiefs outplaying Coldplay to become the first rock act to grace the newly revamped South Stand.

Stage managing this grand event was the understated Sean Moore, an American who first experienced the 1997 tournament as a fan and subsequently contracted sevens fever.

After returning to the tournament the following year, Moore is now the managing director of Elite Sports Asia, overseeing the marketing for the Hong Kong Sevens.

“It was amusing to visit the old stadium on Friday morning before the kickoff, just to soak it all in as I still adore that place. There’s really no one quite like it,” Moore told Wide World of Sports.

“However, if I had to relocate, I couldn’t ask for better surroundings than these, and I believe we can definitely do even more here.”

Indeed, this venue is extraordinary.

This stunning $30 billion stadium makes use of the former airport site and includes input from Al Baxter, a former Wallabies prop who played a crucial role in its design.

The stadium features the impressive Champions Bar, measuring 100 metres in length, situated on the east concourse.

As the global landscape of the sevens series is being evaluated, Hong Kong has firmly established its reputation as a crown jewel of the sport.

With Liverpool facing AC Milan in July and World Rugby’s chief Brett Robinson, a former Wallabies flanker, suggesting a potential Bledisloe Cup return, the future looks promising.

“It’s been an incredible event,” Moore reflected.

“I’ve always had immense faith in Hong Kong China Rugby; we’ve been running this event for nearly five decades, so I never had deep-seated concerns about the transition. Teething issues are expected, but I anticipate that next year will be exceptional.”

“This stadium is probably unique in being specifically designed with sevens in mind. Hong Kong is the home of sevens; we cherish our players.”

“It’s about ensuring they feel valued. I’ve been here for three decades, and one of my goals is to help the people of Hong Kong appreciate that this event is unparalleled globally.”

“That’s a unique aspect of Hong Kong; the local population genuinely takes pride in rugby. Despite any lack of knowledge about specific laws, they understand and appreciate the sport, which is a significant victory for rugby.”

“In a vibrant city of seven million people, close to the Chinese border, nearly everyone recognises rugby and enjoys it, which creates a fantastic atmosphere.”

“It’s more than just rugby; there’s a multitude of activities—music, community spirit, and international camaraderie.”

Springbok legend Bryan Habana, who played in Hong Kong back in 2016, now returns annually as a global ambassador for HSBC.

He fondly reminisces about the previous venue, nestled in the jungle and conveniently close to the vibrant nightlife of Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong.

“The old stadium will always hold iconic status,” Habana shared with WWOS.

“There were legendary moments and memories, and transitioning to a new era is always challenging. However, it feels futuristic. I was truly captivated by the closed roof; even photos don’t capture its magnificence.”

“With the closed roof, laser shows, and performances by Gala and the Kaiser Chiefs—these were experiences you simply couldn’t have enjoyed at the old stadium.”

“It’s also incredibly beneficial for players; back in 2016, there was a simple curtain separating the Blitzboks from the Americans.”

“Now, every team has access to their own dedicated locker room.”

Habana mingled with a host of rugby icons in Hong Kong, including Brian O’Driscoll, Drew Mitchell, Waisale Serevi, Matt Giteau, Sean Fitzpatrick, Rob Kearney, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Alicia Lucas, Simon Shaw, Scott Hastings, Andy Goode, and Jim Hamilton, all contributing to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.

Stan Sport colleague Sean Maloney describes the event as a “Disneyland for adults,” and it truly is a wonderland for sports journalists too.

WWOS had a late-night chat with Fitzpatrick in the players’ tunnel as he expressed discontent over the current state of his beloved Blues.

O’Driscoll ranted about local coffee, but that was the sole complaint he could muster from a wildly successful weekend.

The Australian press shared tales of Eddie Jones over an Uber ride with their British counterparts before diving into the local nightlife.

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Rugby fans hit the dancefloor alongside reality TV stars and Raygun enthusiasts from around the globe.

Late-night, WWOS conducted an interview with Irish Raygun aficionado Ciaran, and some of the conversation was certainly appropriate for publication.

“Raygun is bigger than Australia,” Ciaran declared between gulps of Carlsberg.

“Choosing a costume meant going with Raygun; she’s respectable, amusing, and everyone adores her. There’s a certain admiration for her.”

“The Irish and Australians don’t take themselves too seriously. This sevens has been an absolute blast. While Saturday’s matchups are of little concern, by Sunday night, people are genuinely interested.”

The festivities will carry on in Singapore this weekend.

Sam Worthington travelled to the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cathay Pacific and The Langham