Tradition HKFC 10s Off to a Flying Start
HONG KONG, 29 March 2023 – The 2023 edition of the Tradition HKFC 10s got off to a flying start at Hong Kong Football Club today, with rugby talent from around world giving the crowds plenty to cheer about.
Back for the first time since 2019, Tradition YCAC and Samurai RFC Warriors set the early pace with convincing wins in the Men’s Competition, while in the inaugural five-team Women’s Competition, RKS Legal Samurai Warriors and Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix look to be the ones to watch.
Alex Smith, captain of Tradition YCAC said:
“We had a good run out today against some strong opposition. I feel we’re in good shape going into the second day but who knows, things can change fast in tens rugby. But we feel we’ve brought together one of the strongest squads in the tournament’s history so have everything to play for. There’s a superb atmosphere here at Hong Kong Football Club, so looking forward to great day of rugby tomorrow.”
Legends Charity Match
Spectators at Hong Kong Football Club also had the opportunity to witness a host of international talent strap their boots back on for a Legends Charity Match on Wednesday afternoon.
The fundraiser saw the tournament’s two official charities field teams, each captained by an Official Tournament Ambassador. The Laureus Sport for Good team, led out by former England stand-off Andy Goode, took on a My Name’5 Doddie team with former Scotland lock Jim Hamilton at the helm.
In addition to Goode, the Laureus team boasted England sevens ace Ben Gollings, Fijian centre Viliame Satala, the Red Roses’ Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Clark, and former Springbok captain and World Cup winner Victor Matfield.
Joining Hamilton in the My Name’5 Doddie team were former England No.8 Nick Easter, Ireland centre Kevin Maggs, and a host of former Hong Kong players including Rowan and Lindsay Varty.
In the end it was My Name’5 Doddie that emerged victorious, with a 4-2 win over their opponents.
Tournament Ambassador, Goode, commented:
“It’s great to be back in Hong Kong and to compete in the Tradition HKFC 10s. The rugby world has missed out on tournaments like this over the past few years and this is one is up there with the very best of them.
“The charity match this afternoon was a lot of fun and some surprisingly good rugby! It’s always great to put the boots back on and most importantly, raise some money for two brilliant charities. Everyone’s a winner.”
The 2023 Tradition HKFC 10s marks the 35th edition of Hong Kong Football Club’s flagship rugby event. Billed the World’s Best tens, the tournament once again blends emerging talent with international experience in a two-day festival of fast-running, hard-hitting rugby. The competition sees 12 men’s and five women’s teams battle it out on pitch, as the international rugby world once again turns its attention to Hong Kong’s celebrated Happy Valley.
Tradition HKFC 10s runs from 29th to 30th March. Matches are 10 minutes each way and scheduled back-to-back throughout the day. Gates open at 8.30am. Tickets cost $120 per day and are available to buy on the gate, at www.hkfc10s.com and www.zicket.co
Tradition, a world leader in professional brokerage activities, has signed a three-year title sponsor agreement starting for the 2023 tournament, while other sponsors include Natixis (Gold Sponsor), AIA, Allied World, Samurai, Taikoo Place and Mourant (Silver Sponsors).
Information and Photo source : Tradition HKFC 10s
