The Hong Kong Rugby Union on Friday unveiled its squad for next week's return of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, with five players featuring in the showpiece tournament for the first time while veteran Yiu Kam-shing returns for his final appearance.

Hong Kong face the toughest of starts to the first sevens since 2019, taking on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series champions Australia next Friday night, but officials say the squad is up for the challenge.

Coach Jevon Groves said while the squad may have to think "a little bit differently" in their tactics, adding: “It's definitely a challenge. Australia are world series champion, so they are consistent across eight or ten tournaments that they played last year. We are looking forward to that challenge.”

“We are just looking out there, going out there to concentrate on ourselves, and see what we can control and what we can get right. And hopefully put on a competitive performance that fans can be proud of.”

Hong Kong will take on two more of the world's top rugby nations, New Zealand and Samoa, on the Saturday, before the tournament is split into shield, bowl, plate and cup knockout tournaments.

Captain Max Woodward, who will lead the hosts in the sevens for the fourth time, says the whole team is excited about playing its home tournament after a three-year hiatus.

“We are going to be underdogs in every game we play… but we have guys in our team who can make stuff happen, who I think are world class in their own right,” he said.

Yiu Kam-shing, for his part, said he was particularly thrilled to be part of the squad, as this will be his eleventh and last appearance in the sevens.

“Start strong, finish strong. I will try my best to perform this time. I’m looking forward to the audience’s cheering, it is my motivation,” he said.

Despite a reduced capacity and the absence of most overseas fans because of Covid curbs, organisers say they have sold more than 30,000 tickets, with just 1,500 left a week ahead of the tournament.