THE sensational Sevens are just a month away and the organisers of Hong Kong's premiere international sporting event are gearing up for a spectacular rugby tournament with a colourful array of sporty clothes and souvenirs for fans.
Spectators at this year's Sevens can kit themselves out from head to toe in T-shirts and rugby shirts for adults and children, jackets, track suits and shorts. There are also caps, umbrellas, sports bags. There are cushions for stadium comfort and even Sevens ties. Mini rugby balls with a Sevens logo will make a great souvenir. The clothes are a great way for the dedicated fans of the Invitation Sevens to show their support for this world-class event, which just gets bigger and better every year.
Taking to the pitch to model the clothes were three star players from the Hong Kong National squad - Gary Cross, Isi Tu'ivai and ''Rambo'' Leung Yung-kit. Three Cathay Pacific flight attendants - Caroline Barce, Halina Tam and Anita Teoh - also took timeout to show what's for sale this year at the Sevens.
But the star of the day was little Bud Ka-yui - at just eight years old she's already showing her winning style as a star player with the Sha Tin Sha-pei touch rugby team. Up to 40,000 fans are expected to fill the stands of the new Hong Kong Stadium forthis year's Sevens, sponsored by Cathay Pacific and Hongkong Bank.
There will be 24 teams competing this year, including defending champions Western Samoa, who will have to fight off a determined Fiji, who went down to the Samoans in last year's final, ending a three-year winning streak.
Ireland will be back this year, after debuting in 1993. Ireland proved they were a force to be reckoned with after beating Western Samoa in the World Cup. Australia, which has won five Hong Kong championship titles, will be hoping for a return to their winning form. The likely appearance of David Campese should go a long way towards helping them fulfil that goal.