Cathay Pacific & HSBC Co-Title Sponsor Hong Kong Sevens

The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) has announced that Cathay Pacific and HSBC will be the new co-title sponsors of the Hong Kong Sevens from 2012 to 2015.

The four-year sponsorship agreement announced today, May 18, resumes a successful partnership between these two iconic Hong Kong institutions and the world’s pre-eminent international sevens which will now be named the Cathay Pacific/ HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.

John Slosar, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific Airways, Stuart Gulliver, Group Chief Executive of HSBC Holdings plc, Brian Stevenson, President of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union and Trevor Gregory, Chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union all attended the announcement at the Olympic House in Hong Kong today.

Cathay Pacific and HSBC have recalled their joint sponsorship of the Hong Kong Sevens having supported the event from 1980 through to the first of two Rugby World Cup Sevens held in Hong Kong in 1997.

Mr Trevor Gregory, Chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, stated: “The HKRFU is delighted to partner with two iconic Hong Kong institutions for what is undoubtedly the world’s iconic sevens event. HSBC and Cathay Pacific are synonymous with Hong Kong and like the Hong Kong Sevens do much to represent Hong Kong around the world.”

John Slosar, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific Airways, said: “Cathay Pacific has had a long and happy association with the Sevens. We were there right at the beginning when the Sevens was born in 1976. And we are still supporting the Sevens some 36 years later. As Hong Kong’s airline, we believed in the Sevens from the start, just as we believe that Hong Kong provides the energy and sparkle that make the Sevens the unique and wonderful event that it is.”

Stuart Gulliver, Group Chief Executive of HSBC Holdings plc, added: “We are absolutely delighted that HSBC will once again partner the Hong Kong Sevens.

“The bank’s heritage here in Hong Kong, and our historic long-term investment in rugby around the world, means that this sponsorship is a fantastic addition to our international rugby portfolio. We will work in partnership with the HKRFU to use the profile and interest in the Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens to grow and develop the sport here in the Hong Kong community, as well as more broadly across Asia and the rest of the world.”

IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset, commented: “The International Rugby Board is delighted that HSBC has partnered with the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union to become the joint title sponsor of the world renowned Hong Kong Sevens from next year, alongside Cathay Pacific.

“Through their sponsorship of the Sevens World Series and the Hong Kong event, both have a demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting Rugby’s growth and this exciting new partnership will help Rugby reach out to more men, women and children across Asia. We look forward to building on our strong relationships with them and the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union in the coming years.”