"Celebrating 30 Years of the Hong Kong Sevens"

Madagascar to make bow at Hong Kong Sevens

[7 TH December, 2005] The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) today announced the 24 teams that will compete at the Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2006, March 31-April 2.

England will return to Hong Kong with their eyes on an unprecedented fourth consecutive title, but standing in their way will be the elite of the Sevens world, including six-time IRB Sevens Series champions New Zealand, and Rugby World Cup Sevens champions Fiji.

Nineteen teams from this year's fourth Hong Kong consecutive title in the IRB Sevens Series Sevens will return for the 2006 event, which will mark 30 years of the Hong Kong Sevens. The 19 teams will be joined by China, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Wales, and a nation that is currently enjoying a fascinating up-surge in rugby - Madagascar.

Madagascar, following on from their appearance in the final of this year's CAR (Confederation of African Rugby) Top Nine Championship, have been invited to Hong Kong for the first time, and will compete in their first IRB Sevens tournament - capping off a remarkable and memorable centenary year for rugby on the African Isle .

"We are very excited to welcome Madagascar to Hong Kong for the first time. They overcame the South Africa Amateur XV to reach the final of this year's CAR Top Nine final, and rugby is enjoying a fascinating up-surge in Madagascar. We have been told that there is a true love of rugby among the people of Madagascar, we would encourage all members of the local Malagasy community to get along to the Sevens and support their team" said HKRFU Executive Director, Allan Payne.

"We are happy to see all the leading nations return, but the HKRFU are particularly pleased that we have been able to increase the number of teams from Asia in 2006. The Hong Kong Sevens has been instrumental in the development of rugby in Asia in the past 30 years, and we are delighted that we can continue to provide an international stage for Asian rugby playing countries to compete on." added Payne.

The Ticket Sale for the Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2006 will be held this Saturday, December 10 th , at the Hong Kong Stadium.

The public will have the exclusive opportunity on the day to buy tickets for the Sevens. The ticket price will be HK$880 per adult and HK$300 per child up to the age of 12 years old. Sales will be limited to 4 tickets per person. Children's tickets will be limited, and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Tickets will go on sale at 12 noon.

Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2006
COMPETING TEAMS

-END-

Released by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union
For more information, please contact Rita Wong:
T: 2504 8344 / F: 2576 7237
E: rita.wong@hkrugby.com