Hong Kong, January 25th, 2000 : The 2000 Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, to be held from March 24 to 26 at the Hong Kong Stadium, marks 25 years of International seven-a-side rugby in the territory. Celebrating another milestone, this year’s Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong Sevens becomes part of the International Rugby Board’s World Sevens Series, which began late last year in Dubai. The teams for the “Silver Sevens” are the Arabian Gulf, Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Croatia, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United States and England (to be confirmed). From January 26, the Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong Sevens tickets and apparel will be available from the First Class Terminal, Star Ferry, Central From February 9, tickets and apparel will also be sold at Shop 8, L/G Floor, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Road, Central. Tickets will also be available through the Hong Kong Stadium Box Office each weekend, from January 29 until March 19, 2000. To celebrate 25 years of Sevens rugby in the territory, the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) will enter all ticket numbers bought within the first 25 days of ticket sales (January 26 to February 19) into a special lucky draw. Ticket holders will have the chance to win one of 25 limited edition, commemorative crystal decanters with a silver base, especially created for the Hong Kong Sevens by LINKS of London. LINKS of London have also provided a sterling silver rugby ball, worth HK$120,000 as part of an interactive media competition. Full details of the competition will be announced next week. As part of its celebrations the HKRFU will also conduct a travelling rugby roadshow at shopping malls around the SAR. The Sevens Roadshow will feature mini and women’s rugby demonstrations, interactive games for children, competitions, photo exhibits, and exciting rugby and tournament footage. The roadshow will run from February 19 until the start of the Hong Kong Sevens, at the following locations: February 19 – 20 Landmark North, Sheung Shui February 26 – 27 New Town Plaza, Shatin March 4 – 5 World Trade Center, Causeway Bay March 11 – 12 The Lee Gardens, Causeway Bay March 18 – 19 Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui March 17 – 23 Pacific Place, Admiralty Peter Duncan, Chairman of the HKRFU, said: “25 years of International Sevens rugby is a significant milestone for the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union. We are very proud that the event has grown into a tournament of such international standing and that it is recognised as the World’s premier Sevens. We are looking forward to a memorable occasion.” The 2000 Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong Sevens will take place from March 24-26, at the Hong Kong Stadium. Ticket prices for this year’s event remain the same as last year’s, at HK$750 for adults and HK$250 for children 12 years old and under. Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union by Octagon Prism. For further enquiries, please contact Malina Ngai at malina.ngai@octagon.com, or Sharon Maloney at sharon.maloney@octagon.com , tel. 2598 0787 or fax 2598 0026.