HKFC 10s 2021 cancelled, as plans turn to its’ return in 2022
HKFC 10s 2021 cancelled, as plans turn to its’ return in 2022
05 Oct 2020
Hong Kong Football Club 10s rugby tournament to return in 2022
Hong Kong; October 5th, 2020: The Hong Kong Football Club Rugby Section has announced the cancellation of the 2021 edition of the Hong Kong Football Club 10s rugby tournament, with a view to the event returning in 2022.
First held in 1986, the invitational 10-a-side rugby tournament is hosted each year by the Hong Kong Football Club Rugby Section and was due to run Wednesday 31st March and Thursday 1st April, during the 2021 Hong Kong “Rugby Week”.
The 2021 tournament has been cancelled due to the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on visiting teams, funding and international travel and the uncertainty it creates for the organisers and participants.
As an all-volunteer event run by the Hong Kong Football Club Rugby Section, the cancellation decision was based on discussions and feedback with a variety of key stakeholders, sponsors and teams.
Gareth Wilde, Chairman of the tournament’s Organising Committee, said: “Despite the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the planning and organisation, during these extraordinary circumstances, the Organizing Committee have assessed the headwinds and challenges, and concluded that it is not feasible to hold the tournament at the high standard expected by the rugby community and enjoyed for so many years previously by sponsors, spectators and teams owing to the restrictions and uncertainties caused by the pandemic.
“This decision has not been taken lightly and it is a great disappointment for us to have to cancel this much-loved event. However significant efforts are already under way to mark our 35th anniversary in another way in 2021 and for the tournament to be back with a bang, in true HKFC 10s style, for 2022.
“Throughout this process, it has been heart-warming to see how much this tournament means to so many people and organisations. We would like to thank all of the teams, sponsors and other stakeholders who have supported the event for so many years and who have pledged their continued support in the future.”, added Mr Wilde.
The HKFC Rugby Section is considering what other rugby activities it can undertake at the Club to support the 2021 “Hong Kong Rugby Week”. Further details will be announced in due course.
ENDS
Further Contact Information:
HKFC Rugby Tens Committee Chairman: Gareth Wilde; gazwilde@hotmail.com +852 94473086
HKFC Rugby Section Chairman: Ian Petersen; ibipeters@yahoo.com +852 90941692