This weekend was the much anticipated Rugby Sevens weekend. Before I got to Hong Kong, I have never heard of it and when I did hear about it, I had no idea what it was. The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament is a three day Rugby tournament that is known more for the extracurricular debauchery that takes place in the city than the rugby. Rugby is just the official reason that 40,000 people, mostly men from the UK and Australia, descend on the city. Anything goes during Rugby Sevens weekend, and believe me, when I say it's true. Everything really does go.
Since it was Sevens weekend, I did manage to catch a rugby game. I went on Friday night, the least popular day and sat in the South stands. The South stands are known for the costumes, the drunkenness and the pure shenanigans of the fans. This was my first brush with British fans who are passionate about their game. I always imagined that I would one day go to a European football game just to see what the fans were like--I know that I most certainly got a taste of it this weekend at the Sevens.
The games are all played with seven people on each team (different from regular rugby) and each half is seven minutes long, so the games are quick. I watched about ten games on Friday night including Canada versus Tonga. Canada won and although I was one of a few Canadians cheering in the stands I cheered loudly and very patriotically.
I kept things quiet on Friday night and decided to make my big night out on Saturday. I can't even describe the swells of people in the streets, spilling out of the bars by the hundreds. It was an amazing night and I am paying for it today. That's another thing that the Sevens weekend is known for--the astounding hangovers and the willingness to keep watching rugby despite it. There were many adventures last night, but I'm afraid I will end my post here. Another rule about Sevens weekend--what happens at the Sevens, stays at the Sevens.
The Stadium
The Canadian Team warming up.
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