Whip out your banana suit, slap on your sunscreen and charge your glass: the Hong Kong Sevens returns this month after three postponement, years of though expect certain rules to keep everyone safe. Fans attending the tournament will need to be fully vaccinated with a vaccine pass, use the LeaveHomeSafe app, wear masks and sit in groups of no more than eight, and capacity of the 40,000-seat arena is restricted to 85 per cent. Drinks are the only permitted refreshments in the stands, with food limited to designated areas. And despite hotel quarantine being nixed in time for the rugby, the number of overseas spectators will be far lower than at previous tournaments.
That said, the matches represent a turning point in Hong Kong's "zero covid" pandemic strictures and will be a bellwether for the return of largescale, non-seated events, restoring some of the city's damaged reputation as a tourist destination. "This is really all about getting Hong Kong moving again, and [is] an opportunity to demonstrate that Hong Kong can still throw a good party," says Hong Kong Rugby Union chief executive Robbie McRobbie.
This will be the fifth Sevens outing for Max Woodward, captain of the Hong Kong team. Here, he conveys his excitement for the comeback of the year.
How does it feel to be gearing up for the first Sevens in three years?
It's pretty special. For it to be confirmed and coming up very quickly is super exciting. The Hong Kong Sevens is the marquee event for us: we train throughout the year, we play our tournaments, we have our own goals, but the Sevens is where people realise that the team exists. It represents something a bit bigger; something for people to get behind and support to show their love for the city through a team is really special. It has been a tough few years for everyone, but it feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel. And the Sevens represents that.
Bu hikaye Tatler Hong Kong dergisinin November 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Tatler Hong Kong dergisinin November 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
THE LAST WORD
Every issue, we ask our cover star a round of quickfire questions that give us a little more insight into their personalities. This month: Gulf Kanawut lays it bare
WOMEN AT THE WICKET
Asia's women's cricket teams from outside the Indian subcontinent have been rapidly rising up through the ranks, creating opportunities, breaking barriers and changing the game as they go
TIME TURNER
A 2024 Turner Prize nominee, British Filipino artist Pio Abad talks to Tatler about carrying on family legacy, unearthing historical connections and why the Philippines is always at the core of his work
ROYAL RICHES
Ahead of the opening of Prince and the Peacock, Black Sheep Restaurants' latest establishment, Tatler joins the hospitality group on a culinary pilgrimage to India
MAKING HER POINT
Foil fencer Daphne Chan is happy to see the rising interest in her sport since Cheung Ka-long's historic win, and is headed to the Games with impressive wins behind her. But she's not allowing the pressure to get to her, and is most excited about who she might meet in Paris
IN IT TO WIN IT
Hong Kong freestyle swimmer Ian Ho, whose Instagram handle @Amphlb_ian playfully alludes to his aquatic prowess, competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and won silver in the men's 50 metres freestyle at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. This month, he will represent Hong Kong at the Paris Olympics. He talks to Tatler about making Hong Kong proud, life as a student and professional athlete-and why relaxing is the way forward
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Two-time Olympic swimmer Camille Cheng thought Tokyo 2020 would be her last Games, but competing in Paris was too big a draw for the French Chinese athlete
INTRIGUE AND INTRICACIES
Parisian artist Ugo Gattoni takes us through his elaborately designed poster for the Olympics and Paralympics in his home city this month
Crafting a New Legacy
Nicholas Lieou, creative director of high jewellery at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, is reimagining jewellery, as the brand celebrates its 95th anniversary
A Lasting Legacy
Tatler explores Cartier's latest Watches and Wonders novelties with the maison's image, style and heritage director, who explains how the luxury house continues to create designs that are relevant today, yet rooted in legacy