Philippine Volcanoes joins Hong Kong Sevens 2012
The Philippine Volcanoes won a spot in the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens tournament in March, becoming the 13th Asian team and the newest team to compete at the largest and most international of the HSBC Sevens World Series events.
Led by Men’s 7s Captain Jake Letts, with guidance from national coach Matt Cullen and assistant coach Noel Flowers, the Volcanoes qualified in the Hong Kong Sevens after finishing 4th in the inaugural HSBC Asian Sevens in 2011.
According to the official website of the Philippine Rugby Football Union, the impressive performance of the Volcanoes during the HSBC Sevens World Series’ Borneo 7s outing convinced organizers to invite the team to participate in the Hong Kong Sevens. The Volcanoes finished second while Japan earned top honors in that series.
Organised by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union and co-title sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways and HSBC, the Hong Kong Sevens 2012 will take place March 23 – 25. Around 120,000 spectators from all over the world are expected to watch the tournament, which will be held at the iconic 40,000-seater Hong Kong stadium.
The event will feature 24 international teams, including the 12 core teams of the HSBC Sevens World Series: Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Kenya, New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, USA, and Wales.
The Philippines will make its debut at the three-day event together with Guyana, winner of the North American Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Sevens championships in November 2011. The addition of two new teams is expected to heat up the competition. Adding to the excitement, the Hong Kong Sevens will reveal a dramatic and exciting new format in the coming weeks.
The final 4,000 event tickets were sold on January 14, marking another sell-out for the Hong Kong Sevens. The Official Tournament Draw will be held in Hong Kong on February 16 after the conclusion of the USA Sevens in Las Vegas on February 12.
For ticket and accommodation information about the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2012, visit www.hksevens.com, www.cathaypacific.com, and their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HongKong7s.
