England defended their Hong Kong title that they won the previous year defeating New Zealand in the final by a score of 22–17.

The tournament saw three teams withdraw after the official draw was revealed on February 27 due to the SARS outbreak that was occurring in South-East Asia.

On March 21, France and Italy withdrew from the competition with Argentina withdrawing two days later.

The top team from each pool along with the two best runners-up advanced to the Cup quarter finals.

The remaining four runners-up along with the four best third-placed teams advanced to the Plate quarter finals.