#TAS25 Preview: 50 Years of the Hong Kong Sevens
An epic #HK7s celebration: 50 years of rugby, entertainment and fan experiences – previewed at #TAS25.
An epic #HK7s celebration: 50 years of rugby, entertainment and fan experiences – previewed at #TAS25.
The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is one of the world’s best-known sports events – and a bucket-list experience for many international fans. The 2026 tournament will be extra special as it celebrates its 50th anniversary at the new Kai Tak Stadium from 17–19 April.
“An epic #HK7s celebration marking 50 years of rugby, entertainment and fan experiences.”
At TheTicketingBusiness ASIA (#TAS25), Jon Pallett (Head of Communications) and Mike Kerrisk (General Manager Rugby Events) will outline Hong Kong China Rugby’s plans for this milestone edition. The session will cover not only three days of world-class rugby, but also the wider Sevens Week of entertainment, ambassadors, partner activations and community events.
They’ll also show how these different elements come together in a marketing and communications calendar designed to engage local audiences and extend the reach of the tournament across the region and beyond.
Jon Pallett is Head of Communications for Hong Kong China Rugby, having moved to Asia in late 2023 and joined the union ahead of the 2024 Hong Kong Sevens. His career spans professional sports teams and major events across global markets, including roles at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Toronto Wolfpack Rugby League, Dragons Rugby and Glamorgan Cricket (UK), the Sydney Sixers and the London 2012 Olympic Games. His expertise covers marketing, communications, digital, social and fan engagement.
Michael (“Mike”) Kerrisk is General Manager Rugby Events for Hong Kong China Rugby, joining the Union in 2025 just weeks before the HK SVNS. He has held coaching and management roles with professional rugby teams and delivered major sporting events worldwide. His background includes Tournament and Event Operations for Super Rugby (10 years), multiple International Test Series in New Zealand, Rugby World Cups (2011 & 2022), Rugby Sevens World Series (NZ), the Rugby League World Cup (2017) and the World Masters Games (2017).
Gain exclusive insight into marketing one of world rugby’s most iconic tournaments – and the plans behind its Golden Anniversary – only at TheTicketingBusiness ASIA 2025 (#TAS25) from October 21–23.
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