History of the Tens in Hong Kong
The number of participating teams has fluctuated massively over the first three decades, starting with 12 in 1986 and 1987 and featuring 32 on five occasions in the 1990s. Since 2006, there have been 16 teams for all but two years.
- 12 teams (1986-87)
- 16 teams (1988, 2006, 2008-10, 2012-19)
- 20 teams (1989, 2004)
- 24 teams (1990, 1994-95, 1998-2003, 2005, 2007, 2011)
- 32 teams (1991-93, 1996-97)
The Hong Kong Football Club has organised and hosted the HKFC 10s from 1986, when the tournament was first held to commemorate the club’s centenary. The club had experience of staging such events, having been the original venue of the Hong Kong Sevens from 1976 to 1981.
The HKFC 10s quickly grew into the world’s best 10-a-side rugby tournament, attracting top players and teams from around the globe.
Title Sponsors
Steinlager (1987-89), Carlsberg (1990-98), DHL (2003) and PCCW (2004) are former title sponsors. GFI title sponsored the tournament each year from 2006 to 2019.
From 2021 the tournament will be sponsored by Tradition and be called the HKFC Tradition 10s. The Club look forward to a long and enjoyable relationship with Tradition for many years to come.
1886
First documented match for HKFC Rugby
Rugby Union was the first sport to be played by the Hong Kong Football Club, with a game held on February 16th 1886 between civilians and the British Army garrison, then stationed in Hong Kong. That game was played on a pitch within the Happy Valley racetrack on Hong Kong Island where the Club is still located today.
1976
The first Hong Kong international Sevens
The famous Hong Kong International Rugby Sevens was founded by our members and was first played at the Club in 1976 where it remained for six years before outgrowing our stadium and moving to the current venue at Hong Kong Stadium.
1986
Inaugural international tens
Not satisfied with having created one world class tournament, the Rugby Section of the Club organised its inaugural international ten a side tournament in 1986 to celebrate the Club's centenary and provide the opportunity for many rugby fans and friends of the Club visiting Hong Kong for the Sevens with the chance to play as well.
2021
35 years of HKFC 10s
The HKFC Rugby section will be celebrating the return of the 10s as well as the event being 35 years old during the 2021 tournament. Along with a commemorative book there will be a special long lunch as well as satellite events throughout the week.
35 Years of the Tens
