GFI Group, a leading provider of brokerage services and trading support products, has agreed a three-year extension to their sponsorship of the GFI HKFC 10s, one of the leading rugby 10s tournaments in the world.
GFI has been the title sponsor of the event since 2006 and the new partnership will take them up to the 2017 edition.Â
Scott Tatham, Managing Director, Head of Asia at GFI commented: âEveryone at GFI is delighted that weâre continuing our partnership with the GFI HKFC 10s. This year will be the tenth time weâve title sponsored the event, which is a wonderful reflection of the fantastic relationship we enjoy with the tournament.âÂ
âThe last week of March in Hong Kong is synonymous with rugby, and the GFI HKFC 10s is a key part of ârugby weekâ. In my opinion itâs the best 10s event in the world, and one of the best rugby events worldwide. Our clients love it, the players love it and itâs a pleasure to be part of itâ, continued Tatham.Â
Lisa Foley, the new Chairman of the GFI HKFC 10s was thrilled with the news: âWeâre extremely fortunate to have such a committed partner as GFI and it is fantastic that they are continuing in their title sponsor role. This yearâs event will be the 25th time that the Hong Kong Football Club has organised the tournament and we are extremely proud of what the event has become.â
âHaving a global business such as GFI as our title sponsor is a reflection of the status and standing of the tournament,â continued Foley. âThe event now attracts some of the biggest names in world rugby to play at Sports Road and the quality of the games is exceptional. The GFI HKFC 10s can rightly claim to be one of the biggest and best rugby 10s events worldwide.â
Last yearâs tournament was won by Asia Pacific Dragons for the second time in three years. The star-studded team, coached by former All Black Tana Umaga, rallied from an early 14-0 deficit to beat Tradition YCAC 29-14 in a sensational Cup final at Hong Kong Football Club.
Since GFI came on board as title sponsor, the tournament has attracted rugby legends Joe Roff and Toutai Kefu (both 2006), Jonah Lomu (2007), Brian Lima (2008), Bobby Skinstad (2009), Waisale Serevi (2010), George Gregan and Christian Cullen (2011), Mils Muliaina (2012) Justin Marshall (2011 and 2012), and last yearâs wining captain, George Smith.
Now in its 30th year, the GFI HKFC 10s is sanctioned by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) and is held on the Wednesday and Thursday before the world-famous Cathay Pacific / HSBC
Hong Kong Sevens.
The full line-up of teams for the 2015 GFI HKFC 10s will be released in February.
