HSBC join Cathay as Hong Kong Sevens sponsors.

(IRB.COM) Wednesday 18 May 2011

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

The four-year sponsorship agreement announced today resumes a successful partnership between these two iconic Hong Kong institutions and the world’s pre-eminent international sevens. Under the new sponsorship agreement the event title will be the Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.

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

Cathay Pacific and HSBC’s previous joint sponsorship of the Hong Kong Sevens ran 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, commented on the title sponsorship: “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.

“With the support of Cathay Pacific and HSBC, the HKRFU will be able to continue our efforts to grow and expand the Hong Kong Sevens. The continued success and profile of the Hong Kong Sevens also provides vital awareness and funding for the HKRFU to further expand our efforts to develop rugby at all levels of our community.”

The continued involvement of Cathay Pacific as an event sponsor strengthens a 30-year association with the Hong Kong Sevens – a unique longevity in international sports sponsorship.

Mr John Slosar, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific Airways, commented on the announcement saying: "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.

“It's great to see two of Hong Kong’s world-beating brands – both so closely associated with the city – once again linked to this world-beating sports spectacular. Backed by the power of Hong Kong's two biggest international brands, I believe we'll see the Hong Kong Sevens soar to new heights."

HSBC’s sponsorship of the Hong Kong Sevens continues its growing support of Sevens internationally through the HSBC Sevens World Series and marks its only title sponsorship of an HSBC Sevens World Series event to date.

Mr Stuart Gulliver, Group Chief Executive of HSBC Holdings plc, said: “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.

“This is an extremely exciting and proud day for everyone at HSBC. We look forward to working in partnership with Cathay Pacific and the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union to ensure the tournament remains Hong Kong’s flagship sporting event and one of the highlights of the city’s calendar for years to come.”

IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset, said: “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.”