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.
Since these simple beginnings, Hong Kong Football Club has always played a key role in the playing and organisation of rugby in Hong Kong, with many of Hong Kong’s leading professionals and business people having played for the Club.
Members of the Club have represented Hong Kong in both 15 a side and 7 a side rugby since Hong Kong first began competing as a representative side.
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.
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. This concept proved so successful that the Rugby Section has been organising annual tens tournaments ever since then.
A more detailed history of the HKFC can be seen here.
