Hong Kong Achieves Record HSBC Sevens World Series Broadcast Figures

March 19, 2013

Round six of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Hong Kong will be aired by 23 broadcasters in 144 countries, a new record for a single round of the Rugby Sevens event.

The Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will be aired this weekend and is expected to outstrip previous record holder Dubai.

So far this season there has been recorded a 10% increase in live broadcasters and a 5% increase in live audiences.

The IRB’s Tournament Director, Beth Coalter, said: “These numbers are hugely encouraging, not only for the IRB and the Hong Kong Union but for all of our host tournaments and participating unions around the world. 

“With the Rugby World Cup Sevens also fast-approaching in Moscow this June, 2013 is a massive year for Rugby Sevens and once again the Hong Kong tournament is giving us magnificent exposure. 

“Longer term, the numbers show that Sevens is a sport still growing towards its first Olympic Games and still enjoying a steep upward curve in terms of appeal with broadcasters and sponsors, and most importantly with the sporting public.”

In the host territory, Fox Asia (previously ESPN Star) will broadcast live action throughout the region, while OSN also goes out across the Middle East.

In the Americas NBC will broadcast action in the USA and Rogers Sports Net in Canada, while ESPN serves South America and Bandsport specifically Brazil.

SKY Sports will air live action in the UK and Supersport will take pictures throughout Africa, while in Oceania Sky NZ will broadcast uninterrupted in New Zealand and other takers will serve the likes of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands.