Tradition HKFC10s: Overtime Thriller
Tradition HKFC10s: Overtime Thriller
Celebrating its 37th year, the Tradition HKFC 10s returned with a bang as international players flocked to the Hong Kong Football Club to deliver a spectacle of fast-paced, electrifying rugby.
The history of the HKFC 10s is well-documented. The tournament has a long and rich tradition of welcoming teams from afar, stacked with current and future international players, to participate in the faster-paced rugby 10s format. Scratch the surface of previous players to have donned the colours of Tradition, Shogun, Tropics, Football Club, and others, and you’ll uncover an impressive list of international captains, former All Blacks, and World Cup winners. This year, the Tradition HKFC 10s once again delivered on the field, while also partnering with ten community initiatives and charities off the pitch.
Start fast or fall behind
Tradition HKFC 10s began fast and frantic as teams with trophy ambitions laid down their markers. Tradition YCAC, PAC (Pig Athletic Club), Shogun Rugby, and UBB10s (Union Bordeaux Bègles), who were appearing for the first time at the 10s, all put in impressive performances, coasting through the group stages with thrilling offloads and counter-attacking rugby. UBB10s demonstrated that they could compete with the tournament's big hitters with their “jouer” style of rugby, attacking from all areas of the pitch with confidence and swagger.
The same could be said in the women’s draw, as Natixis HKFC and RKS NZ Legends got the crowds off their feet. The women’s competition has consistently grown, and this year’s level was its highest yet, with international sevens players turning out for many of the teams.
There was a timely and brief lull in the proceedings for drinks and chats as tournament play paused to celebrate the outstanding work of Laureus Sport for Good and their partnership with Mind The Waves. The Legends Charity Match is a hallmark of Laureus as they raise funds and awareness for worthy causes in the community.
With standings in the balance, the last round of games was crucial for the likes of Natixis HKFC, Tropics, and Taikoo Place Scottish Exiles. When all was said and done, the teams for the Cup, Plate, and Bowl were finalised.
Finals Day
Day 2 was one for the history books as the intensity rose to unprecedented levels. Each game built on the drama of the last, reaching a level akin to international test rugby. The teams battled for every inch, matching each other physically across the pitch, with only moments of individual magic breaking the deadlock. The semi-finals of the Cup featured monumental clashes, including defending champions Shogun Rugby facing off against PAC Baa Baas. The match was a tight affair, highlighted by an outstanding solo effort from PAC’s McGregor, who ran 60 metres clear for the game's first try. It came down to the dying minutes, with PAC leading 14-7, only for Shogun to reply with a late try. A missed conversion (14-12) set up a nervy final few minutes, as Shogun camped on the PAC line. Wave after wave of attack was repelled by heroic PAC defence, which ultimately led to a turnover and a PAC victory.
This level of drama set the tone for the remaining semi-finals, as crowds at HKFC were treated to thrilling hours of knockout rugby.
The final ultimately saw Tradition YCAC outlast PAC Baa Baas in an overtime thriller, while in the women’s competition, the RKS NZ Legends grounded out a victory against newcomers Nagato Blue Angels in a gruelling final played in tough conditions.
Final Results
Men’s Cup Champions: Tradition YCAC
Women’s Cup Champions: RKS NZ Legends
