Expat Reporter and regular lifestyle article contributor to Expat Choice in Singapore, Douglas Peris has his eye on what's in store this weekend coming. Attention rugby fans! The HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens event is coming to the National Stadium at Singapore Sports Hub on April 8th and 9th, and tickets are now available. Mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend of thrilling rugby sevens action and family-friendly festivities. As the ninth of 11 tournaments in the men's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022/2023 season, this two-day event promises to be exciting, with some of the world's best rugby players showcasing their skills on the pitch.
This week's official launch at the Pan Pacific Hotel highlighted that players and fans are returning to rugby after the pandemic. The inclusion of rugby sevens as an Olympic event has been incredible in raising the profile of rugby sevens as a world sport. There’s growing interest from previously non-rugby people, a result of enhancing the rugby sevens fans’ experience at global tournaments such as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens. There is also much anticipation about new format changes for next year’s season and qualification for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
With teams from around the globe battling it out, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Samoa, South Africa, Spain, Uruguay, and the USA, the competition on the pitch is sure to be intense. Dare I put myself out and predict an Australia and Argentina final?
Pool A is undoubtedly the event’s Pool of Death, with Hong Kong Sevens winners New Zealand, 2019 champions South Africa, and heavyweight Australia. Early matches got way more exciting with the certainty of early elimination for one of these fan favourites. Pool B sees reigning champions Fiji, 2017 champions Canada, Spain and Samoa face-off, while Pool C has France, Uruguay, USA and 2016 champions Kenya going toe-to-toe. Pool D consists of Great Britain, Argentina, Ireland and Japan.
We welcome to Singapore HSBC Rugby Ambassadors Nathan Hirayama and Shiray Kaka. Nathan Hirayama is a former Canadian rugby sevens player representing his country in the Pan American Games, winning two gold medals and a silver medal. He also helped Canada's Men's Sevens Team lift their first and only Cup in Singapore back in the 2017 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Shiray Kaka is an Olympic champion from New Zealand, known for her electric footwork and pace on the pitch. She represented her country in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and brought home gold. She has also achieved a silver and bronze medal in the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens and 2022 Commonwealth Games, respectively. Living on a farm with many pet animals, this will be her first time in Singapore.
In addition to the rugby action, there will be plenty of entertainment for the whole family. Kids can enjoy playing in the Super Mart and Hot Wheels zones or skate away at the Roller Kids and Roller Disco Zones. The Minions will also appear throughout the event, while Jedi enthusiasts can learn the art of lightsaber fighting with Singapore's own Saber Authority. And after the day's matches, head over to OCBC Square for live entertainment and music by home-grown artists like 53A, Jack & Rai, EPIMACO & XEN, and more.
Foodies can treat their taste buds, with Michelin-starred restaurants Burnt Ends, Meat Smith, and Travelling C.O.W. offering sweet and savoury delights. Fans can also pick up official merchandise from the event to show their support for their favourite teams.
Tickets for the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens event start from $39 for youths aged 4-17 and $69 for adults.
Prepare to cheer on your favourite teams and have a blast at this unforgettable rugby sevens extravaganza.Family ticket packages are also available, starting from $149 for four people. Click here to purchase tickets for the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens event.
