First Hong Kong Sevens rugby tourney held in 1976 – SCMP archive

Hong Kong players run out on to the pitch at the first sevens in 1976.

Photo: HKRFU This article was first published on March 29, 1976.

By Jack Beattie World ‘sevens’ for HK?

A seven-a-side rugby union world cup competition – and possibly staged in Hongkong!

That’s the exciting prospect that emerged after yesterday’s first International “Sevens” Championships held at the Hongkong Football Club.

Last night Rothmans and Cathay Pacific, the joint-sponsors of this unique event, which had 12 countries competing, were playing it a bit coy – but both agreed that a similar promotion was a definite starter next season.

Fijian winger Seremaia Tui Cavuilati shows the dash that made his team such a big hit in the Rothmans/Cathay Pacific sevens at Hongkong Football Club on March 28, 1976.

Photo: SCMP The only question marks are over the venue and the number of competing teams.

Both Mr Ian Gow, Rothmans promotions manager, and Mr Jock Campbell, of Cathay Pacific, voted the inaugural sevens a “great success” and agreed that not only would they be repeated – but that they might be expanded.

This means that there is a distinct possibility of countries such as Wales and England being invited.

Yesterday’s tournament provided splendid entertainment.

It was a kaleidoscope of colour, full of the pace and grace, thrills and spills and the glorious uncertainty that make seven-a-side rugby arguably the fastest and best ball game in sport.

There were many memorable highlights – the sleight of hand passing of the exciting Fijians, who won the hearts of the crowd, and who will forget the “seven league” strides of their captain, the 6ft 4 ins Ilaitia Tuisese?

There was the sheer competence of the New Zealand victors, Cantabrians, and, of course, Hongkong’s magnificent fightback against Tonga to win the Plate competition.

As Ian Duncan’s extra time penalty kick cleanly bisected the posts in the Plate final there was also the poignant sight of Tonga’s manager, Mr Mail Angi, resplendent in red blazer and long native skirt, sadly rolling up his side’s banner.

Hong Kong players run out on to the pitch at the first sevens in 1976.

Photo: HKRFU On such an afternoon then, it was a pity that probably the most unforgettable incident was the ugly semi-final flare-up between the Fijians and the Australian side, Wallaroos.

Fists flew in flurries in a blazing touchline brawl that ended with Figian hooker Rauto making the long, lonely trek for an early bath.

Incensed, the Fijians s

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