How the Hong Kong Sevens ignited Asia's oval-ball boom

From humble beginnings, the pioneering event has proved a real game-changer

HONG KONG - As Japan gears up to host Asia's first Rugby World Cup, they might give a nod of thanks in the direction of Chinese neighbor Hong Kong for helping to make it all possible.

The Hong Kong Sevens has grown from an end-of-season bash to a globally acclaimed festival of rugby, inspiring the World Cup Sevens and World Sevens Series - and tens of thousands of fans, who don outrageous fancy dress and party till they drop in the stands.