As the global rugby community descends upon Asia’s World City for the 50th anniversary of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong SVNS, all eyes are on the beginning of the World Championships.
But amid the giants of the circuit, a different kind of history is being written. In the shadow of the new 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong China’s men and women are preparing to defend the Melrose Claymores, a trophy that has fast become the spiritual heart of the home weekend.
For co-captains Seb Brien and Chloe Chan, this isn’t just another tournament. It is a milestone five decades in the making, a chance to prove that the Fragrant Harbour produces more than just a world-class atmosphere. It produces world-class athletes as well.
The Kai Tak cauldron: A new era of acoustics
The move away from the legendary So Kon Po venue to the futuristic Kai Tak Stadium could have felt like a loss of soul, but according to those on the pitch, the energy has only intensified.
“Running out at any Hong Kong Sevens is incredible, no other feeling in rugby comes close,” said men’s co-captain Seb Brien. Having already tasted the atmosphere during the National Games final at the venue, Brien describes it as a “taster for what’s to come”.
Women’s co-captain Chloe Chan agrees, noting that the stadium’s unique architecture has created a literal pressure cooker. “The fans are super loud, I think it’s because of how the stadium is built, everything is echoing,” she said. “As we ran on last year, I just remember looking at the South Stand and the fans were going crazy. You could really feel the support from the home fans.”
Speed v Size: The Melrose Tactical Chess Match
Both squads enter the weekend as defending champions, but the path to retaining the Melrose Claymores is paved with formidable regional rivalries. The men face familiar foes in Japan and China, a draw Brien views with both respect and relish.
“We play Japan and China a lot and we love the rivalry we share,” Brien says. “Both teams have a lot of athletes and threats and always bring big performances to Hong Kong.”
For the men, the goal is simple but demanding: play a “fearless brand of rugby” and let the results follow.
The women’s side faces a similar physical challenge, specifically against a “super physical” Denmark side and a “neck-and-neck” rivalry with Thailand.
Denmark travelled to Hong Kong a week early to play warm-up games against the local side before the weekend. “Denmark are a lot bigger than us, so we’re going to use our speed and agility to our advantage,” she says. Against the clinical Thai side, Chan believes the edge will come down to “tactical knowledge”.
This focus on agility over pure bulk is the hallmark of the Hong Kong system, which relies on highly skilled agile players.
The weight of the sword: a trophy like no other
The Melrose Claymore, a massive, traditional Scottish sword exchanged with the birthplace of Sevens, is arguably the most intimidating trophy in world sport. For the players, lifting it is a physical reminder of the heritage they represent.
“It’s a massive sword!” Chan laughed, recalling her first time holding it. “It’s super heavy and quite scary because it is pretty sharp! But it was so special.”
While Chan hopes to feel that weight again this weekend, Brien remains focused on the process. For him, the trophy is the reward for the “fearless brand” he expects his squad to execute while putting on a show for the home crowd.
Inspiring the next generation
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the 50th Anniversary is the legacy being built for the young players watching from the heights of the Kai Tak stands.
Both captains see themselves in those young fans.
“The Sevens’ march around is one of my earliest memories,” Brien said. “The dream of playing in the Hong Kong Sevens is what made the choice to move back to Hong Kong after university a no-brainer. It is the ultimate goal for all Hong Kong kids to score a try in front of their family and friends.”
Chan, who grew up playing in the youth games on the Sunday of the tournament, now feels the weight of being the “face” of the sport’s exponential growth. “Exposure is everything,” she said.
“All we want to do is inspire the next generation of young local girls to come up and play. We’re at a point where women’s rugby is exponentially growing.”
As the lights dim over Kai Tak this weekend and the World Championship giants take the stage, the loudest roar will likely be reserved for the home teams.
For Brien and Chan, the Melrose Claymore is more than just a heavy piece of sharp steel.
It is a symbol of a 50-year journey. From the youth games on Sunday mornings to leading national teams out in front of 50,000 people, their journey mirrors the evolution of the city itself.
They aren’t just defending a trophy. They are defending a legacy. And in the echoing cauldron of Kai Tak, they are ready to put on a show.