Hong Kong pins hopes on rugby Sevens to rejuvenate city
Hong Kong is betting on the return of the rowdy rugby Sevens tournament this year to restore the Asian financial centre’s fortunes as the city’s leader said he would “actively study” relaxing a hotel quarantine requirement that has frustrated businesses and residents of the territory since 2020.
Conceived in 1976 as a vehicle for cigarette advertising, the Sevens tournament has evolved into a rollercoaster weekend of corporate events, financial industry networking and wild boozing in fancy dress. It will return in November for the first time since 2019, after being suspended for two years by the coronavirus pandemic.
“This is really all about getting Hong Kong moving again,” said Robbie McRobbie, Hong Kong Rugby Union chief executive. “And an opportunity to demonstrate that Hong Kong can still throw a good party.”
While Standard Chartered and HSBC, which make the bulk of their income in Hong Kong, are sending their chief executives Bill Winters and Noel Quinn to the financial forum, other organisations are sending Asia-Pacific leaders. Deutsche Bank’s Asia head Alexander von zur Muehlen, for instance, will represent the bank.
Bankers will be flocking to Hong Kong Stadium for rugby entertainment, too. In previous years, brokerage CLSA’s corporate box was notorious for risqué themes, Deutsche Bank had a walk-in ice bar stocked with vodka and Lan Kwai Fong was invaded by tipsy Teletubbies.
This year, however, ordinary fans will not be served food and must wear masks during matches except when drinking.
“There have been lots of headaches around the rule of eating and drinking, and the number of people allowed in boxes,” a person familiar with arrangements said. “But I think all the gremlins will the ironed out and everyone will want to come.”
This article has been amended to reflect John Lee’s latest comments
Video: Hong Kong's future as Asia's financial centre | FT FilmThis story originally appeared on: Financial Times - Author:Primrose Riordan
