With just two days to go until the 2011 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens, the tournament was officially launched at the Marco Polo Hong Kong hotel. 

The head coaches from New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji, South Africa and Australia joined IRB Sevens Manager Beth Coalter and Chairman of the Hong Kong RFU Trevor Gregory, as Hong Kong welcomed the fifth leg of the 2010/11 Sevens World Series.

Who will win the 2011 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens? >>

Before the press conference, the 24 captains from each team had their photo taken in front of the officially certified Guinness World Record-setting world's largest rugby ball, before individually signing it.

The ball will be auctioned off at the tournament this weekend, with the funds being distributed by the Red Cross to New Zealand and Japan in the wake of the two countries' earthquakes.

The 24-team tournament offers more Series points than any of the other seven tournaments and with more than 120,000 fans due to attend over the three days, it is expected to be another hugely successful event.

"With the standards of the Series so far it is going to be a great tournament for Hong Kong," said Tournament Director, Warwick Dent.

"We have great support, ticket sales have been at an all time high and I really think we are in for a great tournament on and off the field.

"Our preparations have been going really well and everyone in Hong Kong is up for this event. The Series comes to us with England and New Zealand up front with a lot of teams close behind so we really think this weekend will be very important for the Series."

Video: Official Hong Kong launch

Special place in Rugby

England and New Zealand currently lead the World Series with 80 points, but defending champions Samoa, Fiji and USA Sevens winners South Africa will all be looking to close the gap when the tournament begins on 25 March.

"I think we are very fortunate that Hong Kong is a real destination," he added.

"Rugby isn't traditionally an Asian sport, but to come to an Asian city to play rugby has a uniqueness and a special touch. Because Hong Kong has been around for so many years it really means it has a history behind it.

"If you mention Hong Kong to people in rugby circles around the world the first thing they think of is Sevens, and if you mention Sevens, a lot of people will think of Hong Kong. It has a very special place in Rugby."

49th member

When the tournament begins Mexico will be appearing in their first ever Hong Kong Sevens, becoming the 49th country to compete at the event, and they start their campaign against reigning World Series champions Samoa at 17:36.

"For us to have teams that wouldn't traditionally play in the tournament, we have the Asian teams, Mexico and Spain, it just adds to the tournament," added Dent.

"But it also helps promote and develop Rugby Sevens in markets and ultimately for the IRB and the rugby community looking ahead to 2016 it is very important."