Sevens fun and games kick off
The countdown to the 2003 Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong Rugby Sevens has already begun with a series of celebrations and lively sporting activity.
The serious stuff is at Hong Kong Stadium starting on Friday, but there are several events being held in the lead-up to the headline act.
Visitors from all over the world join local rugby fans to take part in competitions and enjoy a week of unrivalled entertainment.
The fun and games began yesterday at Aberdeen Sports Ground, where the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union held its 9th Country of Origin Tournament.
The unique competition saw local players abandon their club colours for the shirts of their homeland. There was also a Hong Kong versus the Rest of the World women's rugby match, and a mini-rugby exhibition.
On Wednesday, the action heats up with two 10-a-side tournaments. The PCCW Hong Kong Tens - a two-day competition held at Hong Kong Football Club - will feature 24 top international sides. Regarded as one of the premier 10s rugby tournaments in the world, the event attracts leading players from both the southern and northern hemispheres.
Elite teams from Australia, England, New Zealand, Wales and Ireland will clash with Asia's best from Japan, China, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. Entry costs $200.
Also on Wednesday, the one-day Securicor Kowloon Rugbyfest Tens will be held at So Kon Po, where local and international amateur club teams will display their skills in a more relaxed atmosphere.
On Thursday and Friday at So Kon Po, the stakes are high in the Hong Kong Women's Rugby Sevens. New Zealand have won the tournament four years running. The champions can expect to be challenged by top teams England and Fiji this year. The final will be held at Hong Kong Stadium after the men's Sevens matches on Friday night.
