HK 7s proceed as planned
March 27, 2003

John Molloy, Chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, organizers of the Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong Sevens, has confirmed that the 2003 Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong Sevens will proceed as scheduled.

Mr Molloy was speaking at today's Hong Kong Sevens Media Briefing where he addressed concerns over the Atypical Pneumonia virus in Hong Kong. Joining him were Allan Payne, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union; Peter Burbidge King, Hong Kong Sevens Tournament Director; Fraser Neill, Tournaments Director for the International Rugby Board and Mark Egan, IRB Sevens Manager.

Mr Molloy issued the following statement:

"The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union confirms that the 2003 Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong Sevens is proceeding as planned. As an added precaution, the HKRFU will implement additional measures to ensure the highest measure of public safety possible."

These measures include:

  • Cancellation of all Sevens-related mini and youth activities (a total of 65 youth and mini matches cancelled)
  • Provision of additional hygiene points at the Hong Kong Stadium
  • Free issue of protective face scarves
  • Additional information posted and announced at the stadium regarding recommended health precautions
  • Increased level of security at the Tournament and associated events
  • Close liaison with Government authorities to provide up to date information to all attendees
  • Provision of SARS-specific information to the attendees

    Molloy added that "The HKRFU has also decided that in light of the present situation, we will be offering full refunds on ticket purchases for those who opt not to attend. The process for refunds will be announced at a later date. In the interests of public health and safety, the HKRFU requests that those Sevens fans feeling ill please refrain from attending the event.

    Regarding the teams, the HKRFU and IRB have fully communicated the latest relevant information to team management and the national rugby unions and it is also their choice to proceed with the event.

    The HKRFU has taken this decision to meet our international obligations to the teams and several thousand ticket holders for the 2003 Hong Kong Sevens. We leave the choice of attending up to the individual but remain confident of a safe, exciting and enjoyable Hong Kong Sevens in 2003," concluded the Chairman.

    These sentiments were reinforced by Fraser Neill, who supported the HKRFU's enhanced measures put in place for this year's event.

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