Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is the biggest sporting event of the year in Hong Kong, attracting thousands of rugby players and fans from around the world each spring. Hong Kong Sevens is also considered to be the premier tournament in the 12-stop World Rugby Sevens Series. The Hong Kong Sevens celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2026!
Updated: 4 April 2026
In This Post
Kai Tak Sports Park
Following three decades at Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island, the Hong Kong Sevens now takes place across Victoria Harbour at Kai Tak Sports Park, which opened on 1 March 2025.
The main stadium at KTSP is one of the few sports stadia in the world designed specifically to host rugby sevens.
Kai Tak Sports Park is a multi-purpose sports, entertainment, and leisure venue, which occupies the former site of the legendary Kai Tak International Airport, which closed in 1998, one year after Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty.
The pitch of the main stadium can be switched between natural turf for soccer or rugby and other surfaces for various other sporting events as well as concerts and other types of events. It can seat up to 50,000 people.
In addition, there is an Indoor Sports Centre equipped with retractable seating able to hold up to 5,000 people, and a 5,000-seat Public Sports Ground targeted at school athletic events, athletic training, and local league games.
There are also open spaces, outdoor ball courts, a children’s playground, a health and wellness center, a bowling center, retail and dining outlets, and an events village to house visiting athletes.
RECOMMENDED: Best Sports Bars in Hong Kong – the Top 40 Spots to Watch Live Action!
Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Overview
Rugby players, officials, and fans start arriving as much as a week before the event so Hong Kong’s numerous party districts tend to be more crowded and festive than usual in the runup to and during rugby weekend.
A two-day women’s tournament precedes the Rugby Sevens, and children aged six to 12 years old play tournaments before the main matches each day.
The kids also take part in the March Past immediately before the semi-final round of the main tournament.
The Hong Kong Sevens will take place in 2026 on Friday 17 April, Saturday 18 April, and Sunday 19 April.
World Rugby Sevens 101
The World Rugby Sevens is an annual series of international rugby tournaments, which are held in 12 cities around the world.
Hong Kong is the seventh stop in the series, and most rugby players and fans maintain that the tournament in Hong Kong is the high point on the schedule.
The World Rugby Sevens kicks off in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in November.
From the UAE, the sevens moves on to Cape Town, South Africa; Sydney, Australia; Hamilton, New Zealand; and Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States, before arriving in Hong Kong.
Following Hong Kong, the World Rugby Sevens moves on to Fukuoka, Japan; Singapore; Victoria, British Columbia, in Canada; London, England, in the United Kingston; and Paris, France.
The World Rugby Sevens is contested by 28 national rugby teams, which accumulate points based on where they finish at the end of each tournament.
Teams are divided into four pools and compete in in a round-robin fashion, with players on each side competing for seven minutes each half. The fast-paced nature of play accounts for much of Rugby Sevens’ appeal.
RECOMMENDED: Best Sports Bars in Singapore – the Top 16 Spots to Watch Live Action!
Party Atmosphere at Hong Kong Rugby Sevens
The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is as much about having fun as it is about watching rugby.
Many fans come to the stadium dressed in costumes, creating a party-like atmosphere in the stands.
Fans dance and drink throughout the day. Sometimes they do the wave. Inevitably, somebody streaks across the field – to the amusement of the crowd and the annoyance of organizers.
Fan Village at the Hong Kong Sevens
Ticketholders can enjoy Fan Village, a temporary venue located adjacent to Kai Tak Stadium in Kai Tak Sports Park.
This spacious open‑air area is filled with sponsor activations, family‑friendly activities, and plenty of food and drink options. The Village features a kids zone with inflatables, community rugby programs, and lounges alongside concession stands.
Live entertainment runs throughout the weekend, with bands, DJs, roaming performers, and mascots adding to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can also explore merchandise from official partners, including replica jerseys, training gear, and special Sevens collections.
RECOMMENDED: Best Bangkok Sports Bars – the Top 15
Rugby Fiesta
If you don’t have a ticket, you can head to Kai Tak Mall, a nearby shopping mall that holds the Rugby Fiesta concurrent with Hong Kong Sevens.
The food and music party features a DJ music party, party snack booths, face-painting booths, and other kinds of themed booths.
Meanwhile, more than 20 restaurants at the mall offer various kinds of food and beverage promotions, including special set menus, themed dishes, and buy-one-get-one-free promotions.
Drinking in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a party town if ever there was one, and partying is an integral part of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens.
You will find everything from lobby lounges in five-star hotels to high-end wine bars to run-down dives scattered all across town – Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories.
There are two things that set Hong Kong apart from many neighboring cities. First, unlike Bangkok and Singapore, there are no laws restricting when alcohol can be served or sold.
Clubs are therefore allowed to stay open as long as they have patrons willing to pay (and bartenders willing to tend bar), which means some establishments remain open until it’s time to hit the tea houses for dim sum.
There are also no laws against drinking in the streets in Hong Kong. While bar owners complain about unfair competition, mini-marts such as 7-Eleven freely sell alcoholic beverages to customers, who drink on the sidewalks and in the streets, which are sometimes closed to traffic on weekends or holidays.
Where to Party in Hong Kong
While you will find watering holes throughout Hong Kong, the following districts are among the most popular …
- Lan Kwai Fong – considered to be Hong Kong’s number one party district, Lam Kwai Fong has dozens of food and beverage outlets crammed into an incredibly small warren of streets and alleys. California Tower – a sort of vertical bar street – houses some of the toniest watering hotels in town.
- SoHo – contrary to what you might think, SoHo has no relationship or resemblance to its eponymous counterparts in London and New York. It actually means “South of Hollywood Road”, which has traditionally been home to antique shops and art galleries. The district started out as a spillover from Lan Kwai Fong, but it has taken on a distinct personality of its own.
- Wanchai – “The Wonderful World of Suzie Wong” was set in Wanchai, which was Hong Kong’s original red light district. The Wanch is a bit seedier than Lan Kwai Fong or SoHo, but it has an undeniable vibe. Just be careful about that lovely lady who asks you to buy her drinks in a poorly lit bar. There have been stories of patrons running up astronomical bar tabs at some of the sleazier joints.
- Knutsford Terrace – Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon is chock-a-block with food and beverage outlets, but the highest concentration with live and recorded music is located along an alley at the top of a staircase near The Mira, one of Hong Kong’s trendiest hotels.
- East Tsim Sha Tsui – several food and beverage outlets line a strip along Salisbury Road, with varied menus, live or recorded music, and views of Victoria Harbour.
Mini-marts are ubiquitous in Hong Kong, and they are open around the clock, so you will never go thirsty. Think 24/7!
Many mini-marts are situated in the heart of Hong Kong’s most popular entertainment districts, catering to cheapskates not wanting to pay cover charges or the high price for drinks at expensive watering holes.
It’s not uncommon for them to gather in front of the high-priced clubs, grooving to the beat of the music emanating from within.
Hong Kong Weather in Spring
The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens usually takes place in late March or early April, and this is one of the best times of the year to visit Hong Kong. While temperatures tend to be mild, it can, however, be uncomfortably humid. And heavy rains are always possible.
Keep in mind that air-conditioning is ubiquitous in Hong Kong, so while it might be hot outdoors, indoor spaces can be quite chilly. So make sure to bring sweaters or jackets to slip on when traveling on trains or dining indoors.
Arrival in Hong Kong
Unless you are arriving from China or Macau – or by ocean liner – chances are you will be traveling to Hong Kong by air.
Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world’s busiest, largest, and most efficient airports, and there are several options for getting from the airport to your hotel.
Click HERE for arrival information as well as transport options from Hong Kong International Airport to your hotel.
Getting Around Hong Kong
Hong Kong has one of the most efficient and affordable public transport systems in the world. You can choose from a wide range of options:
- MTR (Mass Transit Railway): The fastest and most convenient way to travel longer distances. Most hotels, attractions, and shopping districts are located near MTR stations, making it the backbone of city transport.
- Buses & Minibuses: Cover areas not directly served by the MTR. Minibuses are especially useful for reaching local neighborhoods.
- Trams: The historic double‑decker trams run along the north side of Hong Kong Island, offering a scenic and inexpensive ride.
- Ferries: Connect Hong Kong Island with Kowloon and the outlying islands. The Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour is a must‑do for first‑time visitors.
- Peak Tram: A funicular railway that takes passengers up to Victoria Peak for panoramic views of the city.
- Taxis & Ride‑hailing: Widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to many global cities.
For first‑time visitors, the MTR is usually the easiest way to get around, with clear maps, signage in English, and staff available at major stations to assist travelers.
Click HERE for more information on getting around Hong Kong.
Where to Stay
Hong Kong has a wide variety of accommodation options. The following hotels are the closest lodgings near Kai Tak Sports Park. Many are within walking distance of the facility.
- Dorsett Kai Tak ~1 km (10–15 min walk) Modern hotel within the Kai Tak development, ~300 rooms. Rooftop pool, harbour views, one main restaurant/bar. Closest option to the stadium.
- MIJ Kai Tak Hotel ~1.5 km (5–10 min taxi / 15 min walk) Boutique property with ~100 rooms. Small café and rooftop terrace. Conveniently located in the Kai Tak precinct.
- Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees (To Kwa Wan) ~2 km (10 min taxi / 20 min walk) Mid‑range hotel with ~700 rooms, multiple dining outlets, and a pool. Popular with tour groups; short ride to Kai Tak.
- iclub To Kwa Wan Hotel ~2 km (10 min taxi / 20 min walk) Contemporary budget hotel with ~250 rooms. Limited F&B (breakfast lounge), but good value for money.
- Regal Oriental Hotel (Kowloon City) ~2.5 km (10–15 min taxi) Large property with ~400 rooms, several restaurants, and meeting facilities. Convenient for Kowloon City nightlife and dining.
- Camlux Hotel (Kowloon Bay) ~3 km (10 min taxi / 15 min MTR + walk) Boutique hotel converted from a factory, ~100 rooms. Stylish interiors, one café/restaurant. Near Kowloon Bay MTR, one stop from Kai Tak.
I stayed at the Camlux Hotel when it first opened. It was converted from a factory producing vacuum flasks into a hotel, but many elements from the factory were incorporated into the hotel’s interior design, giving it a distinct personality and making it a very unique place to stay.
Check out my first-hand review!
Location
Kai Tak Sports Park – 538-39 Shing Kai Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon
Hong Kong
The sports park is accessible from the Kai Tak station and the Sung Wong Toi station on the Tuen Ma line, as well as to the Kowloon City Ferry Pier, Central Kowloon Route and many neighbouring bus stops.
A Word to the Wise
When it comes to tickets, supply doesn’t usually meet demand. As a result, scalping is a problem during the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, and every year, it seems, there are stories of fans that have purchased bogus tickets.
Chances are you won’t get cheated, but if you do, you will have no recourse.
Make sure only to purchase tickets only from authorized sellers – or attend many of the other Hong Kong Rugby Sevens events that will take place all over town.
Thanks for this informative guide. I don’t know much about rugby, but I love the enthusiasm of the costumed fans!
I don’t know much about rugby either, but it is closer to American football than soccer, so it is more relatable. The key thing is, it is more like a bit party, with so many fans flying in from around the world!
Good action images of the game!
Yes, it’s quite fast-moving and exciting!
This looks like such an exciting event! Hong Kong Rugby Sevens sounds like the perfect mix of sport and atmosphere. The new Kai Tak Sports Park also looks incredibly impressive. Great guide with so many useful tips for planning a trip around it!
Agnes