Hong Kong Rugby Union unveils new NFT Marketplace

According to the press release, “the marketplace is the start of the organization’s goal to give fans more ways to indulge in their fandom and own a piece of the action.”

The NFT marketplace is powered by NuArca Labs, a large NFT white label platform. Major League Rugby, the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, Hull FC and other sports IP holders all have NuArca Labs as their official NFT partner.

The platform will offer four different types of digital collectibles to Sevens series enthusiasts. The Hong Kong Rugby Union will offer team card NFTs for sale prior to the competition.

Then, during the series, a game ball and NFT jerseys will be put up for auction. Auction winners will be able to use NFT to exchange their winning bids for jerseys and balls used in the competition.

HongKong FinTech Week and Golf Day attendees can also get free commemorative NFTs. Owners will also be eligible to win free tickets to the games in November and they will be eligible to win the Golden Ticket.

The Hong Kong Rugby Union is giving away free digital NFTs featuring its flying red dragon mascot, Wai Bei, to commemorate the opening of NFT marketplace.

The mascot “went missing” through the Covid lockdown before finally appearing in the metaverse. Until November 3rd, every fan who logs into the new platform will receive a free NFT with Wai Bei.

In addition, spectators at the Hong Kong 7s competition can participate in a “Where’s Wai Bei?” treasure hunt.

They must look for five QR codes that have been hidden around the stadium. Multiple free Wai Bei collectibles can be unlocked with each of the codes, and those who find all five will also be eligible to win a VIP tournament experience.

The tournament will feature a number of fan-focused special events, including the first digital collectible, intense rugby matches, talented teams and players, vibrant rivalry and competition, national pride, as well as international style and glamour.

NuArca Labs CEO Todd Cooper noted “We are excited to partner with the Hong Kong Rugby Union to guide fans into the world of digital collectibles, showcase their team spirit and make web3 safe, accessible and easy to enjoy. Rugby fans are a tight-knit community over the whole world, and now they have a new way to indulge in fandom together.”

Bryan Rennie, General Manager of Hong Kong Sevens, added “We believe this new era of web3 will allow us to create not only innovative, exciting and engaging experiences for our audiences, but also more value for the charitable and sustainable organizations and groups HKRU supports through channels such as the HKRU Community Foundation as well as reinvesting the proceeds back into the game.”

Also read: Hong Kong Government issues Policy Statement on Virtual Assets