SEVENS
Take your vitamins, mark your diary and start stockpiling sleep for the week because the Sevens is about more than three days of rugby. For the business community it's about juggling engagements to appease clients, hook up with mates and network, network, network. And those of a more rugby/socialising bent can have their schedules full, too. Die-hard Sevens fans know that pacing yourself is the main way to survive - and make the most of - all the events on offer, be they meet-and-greet functions for the teams or business lunches and dinners. Some of these events are already sold out, so you'll need to pack down and lean hard on contacts for an invite. Here is the low-down on some of the main events this week.
AUSTRALIAN SEVENS TEAM FAMILY BBQ AT HEBE HAVEN YACHT CLUB
Australia captain Tim Atkinson, who grew up in Hong Kong, revisits one of his old stomping grounds with the green and gold squad at this informal affair.
When: Tuesday, March 27, 7.30pm.
Where: Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Pak Sha Wan, Hebe Haven (Sai Kung).
How much: $118 for adults, $59 for children.
AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG WESTPAC COCKTAIL PARTY
Meet the Australia team and coach at the Wombat Hole where drinks regularly flow in true Aussie fashion. This is not a late night for the team, more of a quick mingle and meet.
When: Wednesday, March 28, 6pm-10pm.
Where: The Wombat Hole, 24/F Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.
How much: Members $130, non-members $200.
How many: Limited.
SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG SASOL DINNER
South Africa has a formidable presence this year on the guest-speaking circuit, with the ubiquitous Francois Pienaar, 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok captain, popping up at numerous functions throughout the week. The SAAHK event is Pienaar's chance to give a short speech to sponsors, fans and the South African Sevens team.
When: Wednesday, March 28, 7pm.
Where: Football Club, Happy Valley.
How much: $350, booked out already for 264 people.
ARGENTINE PUMAS NIGHT BBQ Better known for soccer, Argentina has a strong rugby tradition. 'Pumas Night', in its third year, is a pre-Hong Kong Sevens event that also features another Argentine passion - eating meat in the form of 'asados', special cuts of beef cooked on a grill. 'Anyone is welcome - especially if they like Argentinian meat and wine,' says Fabian Sueres, an organiser of Hong Kong's Argentinian Club Terrazas National Group.
When: Wednesday, March 28, 8pm until the wee hours (Argentines like to eat late).
Where: Viceroy Restaurant, 2/F Sun Hung Kai Centre, 30 Wan Chai Rd, Wan Chai.
How much: $350 per person (includes free Pumas rugby shirt).
Who: All welcome.
How many: Maximum 400-500.
KOWLOON RUGBY FEST DINNER
This follows a one-day, 16-team tournament with sides from Australia, UK, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. Speakers include Gavin Hastings and former England hooker Phil Greening. No matter how many events you attend, you won't be as tired as former Scotland and British and Irish Lions captain Hastings at the end of it. On this year's guest-speaking circuit, he wins 'The Man of the Match' prize for the most engagements.
When: Wednesday, March 28.
Where: Quarterdeck Club, Fenwick Street, Admiralty.
AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (AUSTCHAM) COMMONWEALTH BANK LUNCH
Australian sports commentator Tracey Holmes interviews guests on stage. Says organiser Debbie Biber: 'We run on a tight schedule, it's all over by 3pm, so people can get back to the office or down to the Tens. Women feel very welcome at our event, too.' Guests include Wallaby fullback Chris Latham, plus former Wallabies, the Ella twins, Glen and Mark. Glen Ella is the Australia Sevens coach.
When: Thursday, March 29, noon.
Where: Ballroom, J.W. Marriott Hotel, Pacific Place.
How much: Individuals, $900-$1,500, depending on whether or not you are an Austcham member. Some tables have an Australian player at them, but those were booked out early.
How Many: 600.
BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (BRITCHAM) KPMG DINNER
This active chamber runs over 200 events per year, and their Sevens event is always a sell-out. This year, it features Francois Pienaar and Gavin Hastings as guests. TV analyst Justin Sampson is the MC. Last year, $100,000 was raised for Enlighten charity. This year the charity is for children, SoCO (The Society of Community Organisation).
When; Thursday, March 29, 7pm.
Where: Hong Kong Football Club.
How much: Corporate tables were sold - to members only - in five days at $8,000 for a table of 12.
CANADIAN CHAMBER OF HONG KONG LUNCH
This event, with a 20-year pedigree, is described in the chamber's blurb, as 'a boisterous lunch where Canadians can get to know the players over lunch and bid on some silent auction items to raise money for the Rugby Canada Foundation'. Sunday Morning Post sports columnist Tim Noonan will MC.
When: Thursday, March 29, 12 noon-2pm.
Where: The China Club, 13/F, the Old Bank of China Building, Bank Street, Central.
How to book: Tel 2110-8700. Fax: 2110-8701.
How much: $750 for members, $850 for non members. 12-course dim sum lunch, unlimited beer and wine.
DEUTSCHE BANK VALLEY LONG LUNCH
This Long Lunch, not to be confused with the HKRFU's signature bash in October, is an institution. A star-studded line-up of speakers features former Wales captain Ieuan Evans, former Wallaby flanker Simon Poidevin and former Scotland captain David Sole, plus guests Chris Latham and former All Black Jonah Lomu. Gavin Hastings is MC.
When: Friday, March 30, 12.15pm-5pm.
Where: Marquee in Indian Recreation Club across the road from the Hong Kong Stadium.
How much: Sold out, from $15,000 a table.
How to book: Lean on your corporate contacts for an invite.
How many: 500.
