With the third edition of the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens taking place this coming weekend, 28 and 29 April, at the Singapore National Stadium, the world’s best Sevens teams have arrived in Singapore.

Said Bill Beaumont, World Rugby chairman, “World Rugby is looking forward to returning to Singapore again to witness the best Rugby Sevens teams in the world battle it out in a fantastic stadium with a family atmosphere.”

He added, “Rugby Sevens is one of the fastest growing sports in the world with Asia one of the key growth regions, and I am sure that this weekend’s event will provide another excellent opportunity to inspire the next generation of Rugby Sevens players and fans.”

Led by reigning World Rugby Sevens Series Champions South Africa, winner of the recent Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Fiji, and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallists, New Zealand, the 16 team competition will also feature defending champions Canada and Kenya, who were the surprise winners in the inaugural 2016 event.

Billed as the Family Sevens of the 10-stop series, the biggest celebration of rugby in South East Asia has curated a super fun kids’ entertainment programme as epic as the fast and furious action on the pitch.

Said Adam Firth, Chief Commercial Officer at the Singapore Sports Hub, “The HSBC Rugby Sevens is one of the biggest sporting events of the year at the Singapore Sports Hub. The rugby extravaganza – a legendary party – brings two amazing days of entertainment across sport, music, and family friendly activities to the National Stadium and precinct. This top tier event is a perfect match for our world class venue.”

There will also be appearances by three of the most popular Hasbro brands – Transformers, Nerf and My Little Pony – as well as Strider Bikes and Spartan Singapore activities and performances by the SuperDudes at the Fun Zone, so parents will not have to worry about keeping their little ones entertained at the National Stadium.

As well, a Clarke Quay initiative, Music After 7s, and in-stadia live music performances headlined by American party anthem band Village People, will guarantee an exhilarating and unforgettable experience for every ticket holder at the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens.

Said Toh Boon Yi, Chief of Singapore Sport Institute, “We are delighted that the organisers have significantly enhanced the value proposition of the event for fans and families. They can surely be captivated by offerings such as the FunZone for kids and Makan Hub and lifestyle entertainment during the weekend.” 

He added, “We would like to call out to all in Singapore to come dressed in fancy dress and have great fun watching world class rugby as well as having a good time bonding with family and friends.”

Tournament ambassadors and legends Ben Goldings, DJ Forbes, Michael Cheika, Stephen Moore, Scott Hastings and Huriana Manuel will also be roving around to meet and greet fans.

Said David Lim, Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Rugby Singapore, “In addition to the 45 epic games that await us this weekend, we are thrilled to offer all fans a world class music and kids entertainment programme. Rugby, indeed, does live in Singapore, and we cannot wait to let the world see what we are capable of.”

Named as the International Sports Event of the Year at the Singapore Sports Awards, the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens is the eighth stop of the 10-leg HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Kenya were the surprise first time winners of the inaugural event in 2016 and the 2017 final was an all North American affair as Canada beat the United States in a pulsating final that ended 26-19. 

And this weekend, about 52,000 fans are expected to be at the stadium, a 53 per cent increase compared to last year, with the numbers tracking very closely to that of the first year.

Want to be in the thick of the action? Tickets to the event are still available at www.singapore7s.sg. 

Photos are courtesy of HSBC Rugby 7s.