Gloomy weather can’t take shine off Hong Kong Sevens for visiting rugby fans
Rugby tournament kicks off 50th anniversary edition with spectators in party mood
First-time visitors to the city’s signature annual sporting event expressed amazement at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, while a food shortage fiasco that plagued last year’s tournament appeared to have been addressed.
Costumed revellers gearing up for three days of rugby could already be seen entering the South Stand – renowned for its party atmosphere – as early as 10.30am.
50th Hong Kong Sevens opens at Kai Tak Stadium
Among early birds was Australian Tara McClintock, 25, and seven of her friends who were dressed up as “Average Joes” from the 2004 comedy Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.
“This stadium is better than anything we have in Australia,” said McClintock, who is visiting Hong Kong for the first time. “It’s better than anything I’ve ever seen.”
Nearby, another group of Australians were in party mood before noon.
Jim Gaha and eight friends were decked out in shirts plastered with the face of his nephew – the Australian men’s team captain, Henry Hutchison.