The chief executive of Hong Kong China Rugby said on Thursday that the Hong Kong Sevens will still be the biggest event of the World Rugby Sevens Series despite changes intended to slim down the tournament.

World Rugby has said the tournament will now be called "Svns" and will feature only the top 12 men's and women's teams.

It kicks off in Dubai in December and reaches Hong Kong in April.

Robbie McRobbie, the chief executive of Hong Kong China Rugby, said the final event would be in Madrid, and explained the rationale behind the changes.

"The key thing about that [Madrid final event] is there will also be as part of that playoff between the top four teams from the men's and women's challenger series they'll take on the bottom four to see who will continue on the series next year," McRobbie told RTHK.

He said the changes were intended to maintain quality and to keep a cap on costs.

"Flying the teams around the world does come with a price tag so I think as well it's managing the commercial aspects of the tournament," McRobbie said.

However, the Hong Kong event would still be the showpiece, he said.

"Our event will continue to be the biggest on the series because not only will we continue to have the twelve men's and twelve women's teams, but the Hong Kong teams will also be participating alongside them in short format competitions, so that will mean the fans will still get the chance to watch both men's and women's Hong Kong China teams in action in the stadium over the course of the three days," McRobbie said.