New Zealand Sevens to return to Hamilton in 2023

New Zealand Rugby and event partner 37 South have confirmed that the HSBC New Zealand Sevens will return to Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato in January next year after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

Happy that the event is returning to the city after three very successful events in 2018, 2019 and 2020, Hamilton Mayor, Paula Southgate advised "our city has really embraced the HSBC New Zealand Sevens and we’ve done a great job in welcoming people to the city and keeping them entertained. So we’re over the moon to welcome the competition back again next year.

“And of course, next year it’s going to be even better with full men’s and women’s tournaments playing out across two fields at FMG Stadium Waikato. There will also be a return of festival zones, party zones, kids zones and family zones, with a fantastic food and beverage offering to top it all off,” she said.

The HSBC New Zealand Sevens 2023 will be the first time the Black Ferns Sevens and All Blacks Sevens have played in front of their home fans since 2020, with both teams looking to defend the respective women’s and men’s titles they won in front of a packed FMG Stadium Waikato crowd.

Mayor Southgate added "the HSBC New Zealand Sevens attracts fans from across the country and is viewed by television audiences around the world. We know it’s a great opportunity to showcase Hamilton, as well as generate a positive economic impact for our city. And of course, local people love it so it’s a win-win.”

Set to be held on 21st and 22nd January 2023, the HSBC New Zealand Sevens adds to a range of upcoming events at FMG Stadium Waikato, including the Maori All Blacks v Ireland on 29th June, All Blacks v Argentina on 3rd September and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in July 2023.

Image: Sevens action at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato. Credit: Hamilton City Council.