Tonga and Samoa’s national Rugby 7s teams have joined forces to raise awareness on shark conservation on April 2, during the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2017.

The teams joined Hong Kong Sharks Foundation, Hong Kong Rugby Union and the Tuen Mun Sharks Mini Club in the initiative.

The Samoa and Tonga teams agreed to hold a joint training session for local media and members of Hong Kong’s own Tuen Mun Sharks Mini Rugby Club, to raise awareness of the plight of sharks, stated the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU).

“We were delighted to take part in today’s activity along with our friends from Tonga."

Samoa coach Sir Gordon Tietjens said Samoa and other Pacific Island nations "have a deep respect for the environment" and while they are opponents on the rugby pitch, they are proud to team up today to help spread this important message with the next generation.

Over 100 million sharks are killed each year, putting one-third of the world’s oceanic shark species at risk of extinction. With 5.5 million kilograms of shark fin traded through the city in 2015, Hong Kong has an important role to play in shark conservation.

The Sevens is known as one of the city’s top sports events and has also played an important role in Pacific Island rugby, so it was a natural opportunity for us to try and raise awareness around the tournament, stated HKRU.

"We were excited to be approached by the Hong Kong Shark Foundation and to find the teams from Samoa and Tonga so keen to support the initiative. With everyone’s great help we can raise the awareness of this important local issue."

Samoa and Tonga are two of the four Pacific Island nations participating in this year’s Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, with Samoa in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series competition and Tonga taking part in the World Rugby Sevens Series Qualifier.

Tonga's first two games against Uganda and Jamaica will be held on 7 April followed by Germany, on 8 April.