The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will be rugby’s party, as it always is, but this year it doubles up as a proving ground as eight teams arrive fresh from the trenches of HSBC SVNS 2.
Four men’s sides and four women’s sides all keen to show this won’t be a cameo appearance. The three-tournament World Championship rounds, opening in Hong Kong on 17 April, will bring together some of the most compelling sevens rugby subplots.
For these teams, confidence is high, and the stakes enormous. Here are the men’s and women’s teams who have joined the big dance at this crucial stage of the season.
MEN
United States
Still fuelled by the pain of losing a seat at the top table last year, the proud squad from the States is seeking redemption. They topped the HSBC SVNS 2 men’s standings and arrive with momentum and muscle memory from rubbing shoulders for years with the top teams.
The Americans bring pace and power and a growing tactical patience that plays well under Hong Kong’s bright lights.
In his first season as USA Men’s head coach, Zack Test has tried to cultivate consistency and accuracy across the HSBC SVNS 2 tournaments.
Lucas Lacamp, a true star on the banner, is playing with his usual flair but with a control that shows leadership. David Still III, continues to be the powerhouse on the edge with outbursts of emotion to match his bursts of speed.
These boys are here to get back where they feel they belong. They have a genuine shot of finishing in the top eight — semi final places wouldn’t be a fantasy either.
Kenya
The Kenya men, led by talisman George Ooro will fly the flag for the sports-mad country after the women narrowly missed out on a spot.
Their path through HSBC SVNS 2 was characterised by raw spectacle and individual brilliance from recognisable names like Kevin Wekesa and Patrick Odongo Okong’o.
Kenya are awkward opponents for anyone, especially in an atmosphere that rewards daring. Consistency over three days is the test but they have a deep squad and plenty of combination continuity. On peak moments alone, Kenya are truly elite and they possess bags of upset potential.
Not that Hong Kong needs any help to turn sevens weekend into a party, but keep an eye out for Kenya corner bringing a carnival atmosphere. And do not miss the dancing try celebrations.
Germany
No frills, no fuss, just relentless execution. Germany qualified by stacking results, not headlines.
That’s their edge. They defend with discipline, and quietly drain confidence from flashier teams. With all the thrill and distraction of Hong Kong, Germany’s structure could be a secret weapon.
Their accuracy as a team is reflected in the metronomic boot of Felix Hufnagel who’s two point add-ons could prove crucial in close games.
Where they might fall short is out-and-out pace. However, there are few more controlled attacking generals than Niklas Koch who will steer the ship.
Hong Kong has not always been kind to Germany given they missed out on qualifying for the top tier under the old format twice at the final hurdle in 2017 and 2018. But I doubt the demons will be front of mind given their accomplished outings in Nairobi, Montevideo — and even in Sao Paulo, where an injury crisis left them without a bench.
Uruguay
Uruguay are the classic ‘no one wants to play them’ outfit. They squeezed into the Championship via hard-earned results and carry the chip-on-the-shoulder energy of a team accustomed to being overlooked (despite beating the likes of Fiji and South Africa in recent seasons).
Expect physical collisions, disciplined breakdown work and an appetite for trench warfare.
Dr Diego Ardao is the ever-present captain. One of the nicest men on the circuit is also a fierce competitor. And while he and fellow Paris Olympian Tomas Etcheverry carry buckets of workload, the impact comes through Pedro Hoblog and the youngster Joaquin Fresnedo — who, at 18 years old, has it in him to channel the big-day energy.
These guys are capable of spoiling someone’s weekend.
WOMEN
Argentina
Argentina arrive in Hong Kong with a swagger. They finished top of HSBC SVNS 2 and undoubtedly best in class, blending speed with a clinical edge that suggests they’ve outgrown the qualifying tier.
There’s balance in the squad with strike power out wide, composure in tight channels, and the belief that they can trade with anyone. Their trademark attack is flat on the line and their defence is organised and gritty.
Led by the consistently class Sofia Gonzalez this side started life in SVNS 3 this year. They will be desperate to add to their accolades to take back to South America.
Spain
Spain’s journey has been one of nerve and ‘sticking in it’, and their HSBC SVNS 2 campaign rewarded discipline and game smarts.
While they rarely set the world alight, they have an ability to manage moments and that’s a precious skill in close games.
Spain may not top the speed charts, but they are ruthlessly competitive and Denisse Gortázar has been the main player to deliver the goods.
South Africa
South Africa’s women are one of the most well-rounded squads of any in Hong Kong. Sima Namba brings breakdown battling, Maria Tshiremba the unstoppable try scorer, and Byrhandre Dolf, the fleet-of-foot fly-half, offering finesse.
What they bring to Hong Kong is physical authority and a refusal to blink. They are comfortable in contact, relentless at the ruck and increasingly confident.
They are without Nadine Roos, which is a huge blow, but this spirited team can surprise the established sides without a doubt.
Brazil
Brazil snatched promotion in storybook style, winning when the curtain was coming down on HSBC SVNS 2.
That kind of emotional lift can power a team through early rounds or leave them spent. With a sort of boom-or-bust brilliance, when Brazil hit their stride, the pace is electric and the flair irresistible.
The duo of Thalia Costa and Yasmim Soares took a while to get going in HSBC SVNS 2 but when it was hot it was lethal. There’s quality in this squad — but while the samba spirit took them through Sao Paolo, it remains to be seen if they channel the high emotion in Hong Kong.
Whatever could be
Promotion buys possibilities and these eight teams arrive battle-hardened and hungry from HSBC SVNS 2.
Some new teams will feel they have nothing to lose and everything to prove. This could be an edge. But the true psychological steer will be those teams that have used the HSBC SVNS 2 rounds to build true belief.
When the whistle blows in Hong Kong, form goes out for a stroll and belief takes over. Make no mistake, regular game time against one another in the SVNS comps will be an advantage for the top eight teams.
And, on the women’s side, the gap to the top sides will be hard to breach.
But, particularly on the men’s side, given the quality coming up to the Championship it is truly the cliche case that ‘anyone can beat anyone’.
The step-up in opposition is real, but so is the upward curve of these competitors.