Rugby and more: Hong Kong Sevens
THE end of March marks the time when the rugby nations come to town for three days of non-stop action on the pitch at the Hong Kong stadium near Happy Valley. Off-pitch it’s a non-stop party in the stands, where crowds of supporters from around the world decked out in all manner of fancy dress enjoy a carnival atmosphere – and a unique camaraderie as they rise together to thumping music after every try.
The Sevens is one of the major sports events in Hong Kong and the long weekend of competition and partying has become something of an institution. More than 120,000 spectators swarm through the gates over the three-day period, including hoards of dedicated fans following the England squad, one of the 24 international teams, vying for the top spot against big names such as New Zealand, Australia, Samoa and Fiji, as well as emerging names such as Kenya and Russia.
The tournament will then start its new series in December in Dubai, followed by George in South Africa, Wellington in New Zealand, Las Vegas in the USA, and Adelaide in Australia, before returning to Hong Kong in March 2011. For more information go to www.hksevens.com
Gullivers Travel offers packages of between four and six nights ranging from £1,400-£2,300. This includes official Sevens Match Tickets, return flights with Virgin Atlantic (www.virginatlantic.com) or Cathay Pacific (www.cathaypacific.co.uk), transfers and accommodation at the Excelsior Hotel (www.excelsior hongkong.com) in Causeway Bay on a bed and breakfast basis. Gullivers’ staff are on hand at the Excelsior to deal with any queries and help organise tours through local agent PC Tours & Travel. Gullivers’ Travel also offers Ground Only packages and Flight and Match Ticket packages; for more information go to www.gulliverstravel.co.uk.