Hong kong celebrates 40 years and names Aussie legend in its magnificent seven

Fri, Mar 27, 2015, 1:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

This weekend will be the 40th Hong Kong Sevens and to celebrate the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union have named the best seven players to have played at the prestigious tournament.

While many factors have contributed to the success of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens over the past 40 years, at its heart have been the magical performances of the players who have thrilled the crowds with their amazing skills and athletic prowess.

At the anniversary dinner in Hong Kong, Jonny Zhang, Ben Gollings, Christian Cullen, Eric Rush, David Campese, Waisale Serevi and Jonah Lomu were all named in Hong Kong's very own "Magnificent Seven".

Queanbeyan-born excitement machine Campese was a veteran of three Australian-winning sides in Hong Kong (1983, 1985 and 1988).

The tournament at the Hong Kong Stadium in So Kon Po will break its own broadcast record over the course of the next three days and teams will either continue their own preparation on the road to Rio, or attempt to qualify for the next series.

Scott Hastings, one of the guest speakers at the anniversary dinner, made his debut in Hong Kong in 1986 and now commentates on the series.

"As a former player, spectator and now a commentator it was a fantastic trip down memory lane," said the former British and Irish Lion.

"Hong Kong is a fantastic tournament, the Mecca of sevens, and so many world-renowned rugby players came to prominence playing for their teams here in Hong Kong.

"It was a great honour to be involved in a room with so many friends and colleagues from around the world and I have no doubt more memories and more names will continue to be made this weekend.

"Congratulations to the HKRFU for igniting the week ahead of this wonderful three days of competition."

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