A sea of colorful wigs and elaborate costumes filled Kai Tak Sports Park on Saturday (April 18), as the Hong Kong International Rugby Sevens delivered its signature carnival atmosphere. But at 2:40 p.m., the focus shifted from celebration to reverence, as a group of silver-haired pioneers took to the parade route, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd. It was a moment of honor for the heroes of the inaugural 1976 tournament.
Among the 50th anniversary legends stood a figure whose gaze reflected decades of history. Peter Duncan, head coach of the Hong Kong team in 1976 and a towering figure in the city's rugby development, has witnessed the tournament's journey from its very beginnings. Having stepped down as president of the Hong Kong China Rugby Union last year, Duncan spoke in an interview about a story that began with "nothing" and rose to global prominence.
"You couldn't imagine how basic it was in 1976"
Standing inside the state-of-the-art Kai Tak venue, Duncan was struck by the sheer contrast with the past.
"If you remember the old stadium at the Football Club in 1976, it was very basic, very rudimentary — even unsophisticated," he recalled. "The whole tournament was simple."
He admitted that, sitting in those stands back then, he could never have envisioned what the event would become today.
"If you were sitting in the stadium in 1976 and you'd ask me where is this going to go, you couldn't have envisaged anything such as this," he said, "I think we've reached some sort of pinnacle as far as the game is concerned, and the facilities are concerned. But back in 1976, we didn't have any idea then as to where we're going."
Despite the vast differences in infrastructure, Duncan emphasized that the spirit of the Sevens has remained unchanged.
"The players make the tournament, and the spectators make the tournament," he said. "And right from the start, we've had brilliant players and fantastic spectators, so that's all the way through."
The Sevens made Hong Kong rugby: From empty coffers to local growth
Reflecting on the development of rugby in Hong Kong, Duncan spoke with pride and emotion, revealing that when the first tournament was held in 1976, the Rugby Union "basically had no money in the bank."
It was the steady surplus generated by the Sevens between 1976 and 1992 that funded the launch of grassroots development programs.
When development efforts began in the early 1980s, there were virtually no local players in the game. Today, the landscape has transformed. Duncan noted that a women's program alone now includes around 100 participants, while numerous clubs have emerged to build a strong foundation of homegrown talent.
"But for the Sevens, we would never been able to do that," he stressed.
Hong Kong Sevens now becomes a global stage for the city
For Duncan, the significance of the Hong Kong Sevens extends far beyond sport.
"It has become one of the principal events in Hong Kong — not just for the local community, but for the international community as well," he said.
He believes the tournament has helped shape global perceptions of the city.
Duncan also believes that the development of the Hong Kong Sevens sends a message: if Hong Kong can achieve this, what else can it not achieve? "It has helped cement Hong Kong's place as a highly respected member of the international community," he said.
Duncan also praised the Kai Tak Sports Park as a "wonderful facility," noting that it allows more young people in Hong Kong to experience rugby up close.
Asked what he would say to today's players, Duncan offered a simple but powerful message: "Play hard, chase your dreams — there's no limit to what you can achieve if you try hard.
(Reporter & Video Editor: Zoey Sun; Cameraman: Jack Wang)
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