Amid concerns over the war in Iraq and the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in South-East Asia, teams from Italy and France have withdrawn from the event which begins on March 28.
Commented Allan Payne, executive director of the tournament organisers the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU): "We are of course, disappointed that France and Italy have withdrawn. We continue to liaise with other participating teams, who all indicate that they will be travelling to Hong Kong."
New Zealand, who currently lead to IRB Sevens series, have yet to confirm they will be attending the tournament due to the current global instability and threat to safety.
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The Hong Kong Sevens rugby union tournament is the latest sports event to be disrupted by the onset of the war in Iraq.
