2023 Sevens Series aims for bright lights of Hong Kong/Dupont aim Paris Games

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2023 Sevens Series aims for bright lights of Hong Kong

The 2022/23 calendar continues for the World Series, with nations in preparations ahead of the next two rounds of the 2023 Sevens Series destined for Hong Kong on March 31 to April 2.

That includes all the leading nations from the women’s and men’s competitions that in 2023 are chasing both the HSBC trophies, as well as qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. On top of the Rugby World Cup Sevens, the Olympics have become a pinnacle event in the sport.

For that reason apparently, Antoine Dupont has been spoken of switching his allegiance from Les Bleus XV to the France 7s side, to transfer his potent skills base and assist his nation in their quest for Olympic Gold on home soil. Or so it is reported this week.

Concentrating on the here and now, the upcoming Hong Kong tournament is one of the most Iconic in the World Series. Known as the Mecca of Sevens, in 2023 it is followed by the Singapore event which is a men’s stand-alone weekend. The women would have competed in their second to last event, with the men playing four more fixtures including Hong Kong.

2023 Sevens Series aims  bright lights of Singapore/Dupont aims for Paris Games

Hong Kong is the eighth leg of the 2023 Sevens Series that started in late 2022, at the Hong Kong event. That was to make up for the previously postponed tournament. So fans in that city are set to enjoy their second weekend of action, but this time inviting the women to compete as well.

The current standings in the women’s Sevens Series have been dominated by New Zealand as of late. The Black Ferns 7s saw the return of players from the victorious Rugby World Cup team, who merged with the established group that included Kelly Brazier and Niall Williams. That strength has shown, as they have won four out of five events to date; with only Toulouse remaining on their calendar.

Across on the men’s draw, it has been more contested. Even while the All Blacks 7s sit comfortably atop the ladder, the last event in Canada saw them finish fifth, with Argentina and France playing in the Cup final. A great win for Los Pumas 7s, and a terrific accomplishment by the French men.

Maybe that has tugged on the bootlaces of Antoine Dupont, who could find that after this year’s Rugby World Cup is completed, may like to switch from the XVs game to a full season on the World Series, to attempt to assist his country earn a Gold medal in Paris, from July 24-30.

Whether it be true and he was to be added to that squad, all nations have an immediate focus on Hong Kong, followed by Singapore, Toulouse [combined men’s and women’s], and London.

And with the top four sides of both competitions able to secure direct qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, there is more on the line this season, than has been in a number of years.

Part central at the Hong Kong Sevens Stadium

While many players and officials from World Rugby are heavily focused on their performance at the event, Hong Kong is always well regarded as ‘part central’ for the good time atmosphere which sevens have cultivated.

That is not set to change in 2023. Legends of the game will all be on hand to mix and mingle with fans from across the world, as this is on the bucket list for any genuine rugby sevens follower.

 

“Main photo graphic credit Hong Kong Sevens Facebook“

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