Hong Kong Sevens and HKJC Join Forces to Blend Racing and Rugby in April Showcase

The organisers of the Hong Kong Sevens have announced a new partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), creating a crossover between world-class rugby and horse racing during April’s highly anticipated Rugby Week. The collaboration is aimed at enhancing the overall visitor experience by linking two of Hong Kong’s most internationally recognised sporting attractions, while also broadening entertainment options for overseas and regional tourists.

Under the arrangement, the HKJC will stage special race meetings and themed activities to coincide with the Hong Kong Sevens tournament period, offering fans an opportunity to experience both sports within the same week. Industry commentators note that the initiative reflects a growing trend in major cities to bundle large-scale events together, encouraging longer stays and higher overall spending. For Hong Kong, this comes at a time when the city is actively positioning itself as a premier destination for mega-events and sports-led tourism.

From a commercial perspective, the partnership also highlights HKJC’s ongoing efforts to modernise and diversify its audience base. While horse racing remains deeply rooted in local culture, linking race days with a globally recognised rugby event is seen as a way to engage younger demographics and international visitors who may not traditionally attend race meetings. Analysts quoted by regional media suggest this could help sustain long-term interest in racing-related entertainment beyond core bettors.

The Hong Kong Sevens, widely regarded as one of the flagship events on the global rugby sevens calendar, has long been a major draw for visitors, particularly from Asia-Pacific and Europe. By aligning with HKJC, organisers aim to add another layer of lifestyle and entertainment appeal to Rugby Week, reinforcing the event’s reputation as more than just a sporting tournament but a city-wide celebration.

Tourism and hospitality stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, noting that April is already a strong period for inbound travel due to festivals and favourable weather. The integration of racing and rugby is expected to drive higher hotel occupancy, boost food-and-beverage revenues, and create additional promotional opportunities for sponsors and partners across both events.

Looking ahead, observers believe the success of this collaboration could pave the way for similar cross-sector partnerships involving other major sporting and entertainment events in Hong Kong. If well received, the racing-with-rugby model may become a recurring feature of Rugby Week, supporting the city’s broader strategy to strengthen its international events calendar and post-pandemic tourism recovery.