Photo by Vincent Chan

The big new initiative from the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union and Hong Kong Tourism Board, the HK Fan Zone opened in spectacular style this evening with an official Opening Ceremony followed by live performances from top Hong Kong artists Mr. and Khalil Fong.

The official Opening Ceremony was attended by Mr. Brian Stevenson, President of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union; Mr Trevor Gregory, Chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union; Mr Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development; and Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board as well as representatives from Hong Kong Men’s and Women’s rugby sevens squads.

With the HK Fan Zone declared officially open,  the iconic New Central Harbourfront venue is expected to welcome over 50,000 people in the next five days as rugby fans, music lovers, families and friends make their way into the 36,000 square meter venue to soak up the atmosphere and entertainment on offer.

Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the HK Fan Zone is a new world class festival of sport and entertainment designed for fans, friends and families seeking to participate in and enjoy the excitement associated with Hong Kong’s premier sporting event.

The HK Fan Zone offers fans eight zones of rugby, action, fun, food, music and entertainment on a 36,000 square meter venue overlooking Victoria Harbour. Free and accessible to everyone – only the live stage performances require a ticket – the HK Fan Zone is worth more than just a visit.

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Rugby Week is well and truly underway if the turn-out, atmosphere and level of competition on offer at the Prudential Beach 5s on Repulse Bay beach are anything to go by.

On the rugby pitch it was Henley Group that emerged victorious in the Men’s Cup after two days of intense competition and a closely fought final that saw them beat rivals Linklaters Unicorns by 4 tries to 3. 

Speaking after the final, captain of the Henley Group, James Taylor said, “It was a fantastic effort by the whole team. We proved we had the determination and team spirit to get into the final but this really was a phenomenal team effort. It’s our first year competing as Henley Group and to come out on top is a fantastic achievement”.

In the Women’s Cup, the Koh Coconut Meercats prevailed over The Pizza Express Avengers 3-2 in a physical match that captured the full attention of fellow participants and spectators in the surrounding grandstands.

The 2014 edition of the festival was further enhanced by a range of activities designed to cater for all the family including bouncy castles and pace-painters, a food and refreshment village and a host of retail outlets including Jack Wills, Havaianas and Kukri. And with courtesy shuttle buses to and from Admiralty laid on by the sponsor, there’s little surprise that the beach was at full capacity.

Speaking on behalf of the event sponsor, Sean Rach, Regional Director of Brand and Corporate Affairs, Prudential Corporation Asia, said, “We’re very pleased to be part of the Prudential Beach 5s once again as we celebrate our 50^th anniversary in Hong Kong. We’ve enjoyed a fantastic atmosphere for two days of competition that has extended from men’s and women’s rugby to netball and dodgeball. With the combination of the sport and entertainment on offer, we have looked to ensure that the Prudential Beach 5s offers a great day out for everyone and I think we have achieved that this year.”

Alex Brazendale, Managing Director of TCOB Events, added, “The Prudential Beach 5s has once again provided a weekend of fantastic entertainment for everyone on Repulse Bay beach. We’ve enjoyed some great sporting action on the sand which has been witnessed by over 12,000 spectators.