Rugby Sevens may have been born in Melrose, Scotland, and we sure thank the Scots for that. But, and I may be more than a little biased, I think its fair to say that the spiritual home of modern Sevens is Hong Kong. This is the tournament everyone wants to play in and win. The Hong Kong Rugby Union’s, Tokkie Smith, and Ian Gow, conceived the idea, but the final ingredient was and still remains us - the fans. Together over the years we have fashioned a weekend of sporting fun unequalled across the globe. Our enthusiasm ensured the tournament would flourish, and the IRB Sevens circuit grew from its success. The recent first-ever combined Men’s and Women’s World Cup in Dubai bloomed from that, and now Sevens is in contention to be added as an Olympic sport. Why am I effusively giving you this potted history? Just to express gratitude. This year’s Sevens will be my sixteenth; I have had so many great experiences, met so many wonderful people from across the globe, that I just want to say thank you for memories past and memories to come. Whether this is your first or thirty-third, I hope this year is as enjoyable for you as each of the past sixteen have been for me. C’mon Hong Kong, Happy Sevens!
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