HKJC, HKCR Launch Racing with Rugby Week

Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR), the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) have announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration to deliver “Racing with Rugby Week” in April, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong Sevens. The initiative brings rugby and horse racing together under a single, expanded sports-focused calendar.

New April Collaboration Brings Sports Together

As part of the partnership, the three organizations will introduce a series of coordinated additions that align rugby competitions with race meetings throughout the week. Planned highlights include an expanded Hong Kong 10s tournament and a dedicated midweek fixture at Happy Valley Racecourse.

According to the provisional schedule, Hong Kong’s men’s and women’s rugby teams will take part in race-day appearances at Sha Tin on Sunday, April 12. A themed race meeting later in the week is also expected to incorporate elements linked to the Hong Kong Sevens, reflecting a more unified program than in previous years.

Hong Kong 10s Expansion and Happy Valley Feature

The week will also see a reinforced presence at Happy Valley, where an additional midweek race meeting has been added to strengthen the Racing with Rugby concept. This integrated approach positions racing and rugby as complementary attractions rather than standalone events.

HKJC will continue its role as the Hong Kong Sevens’ official community partner, a position it has held previously, but its involvement will be more prominent as part of the expanded April program.

Focus on Community Engagement and Tourism

Commenting on the initiative, HKJC chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said rugby sevens and horse racing are among Hong Kong’s most recognizable sporting assets, each drawing significant international and local interest. He noted that the new format allows both attractions to be presented together as a unified destination experience.

HKCR chairman Chris Brooke echoed those views, highlighting shared values across the partner organizations regarding sport’s role in community development. He added that support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club has helped broaden access to rugby initiatives across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

Strong Sevens Performance Provides Momentum

The announcement follows a standout year for the Hong Kong Sevens in 2025. More than 43,000 three-day passes were sold, marking a record, while total attendance surpassed 110,000 an increase of nearly 15 percent year-on-year. International visitors accounted for around 30,000 attendees.

The 2025 edition also marked a major venue change, with the tournament relocating to Kai Tak Stadium in Kowloon after more than 30 years at Hong Kong Stadium in So Kon Po. Against this backdrop, Racing with Rugby Week is being positioned as a broader, more structured celebration of Hong Kong’s leading sporting events.