Every year as Hong Kong touches down to Sevens, the former players come out to play, and so do the fans from the far corners of the globe. But it's not just rugby's elder statesmen, current players and fans who flock to Hong Kong this week. In town will be the performer who prompted Elvis Presley to say: 'He's the only man who's ever come anywhere close to the way I sing.' Welsh crooner Tom Jones will be appearing at the Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday night. Jones is not the only Welshman to grace our fair shores. Welsh dual code rugby great Jonathan Davies is on the speaking circuit this week, as is Gareth Edwards, CBE. Bringing banter and good cheer to the myriad of lunches and dinners are former All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick and Australia's most capped fullback, Matthew Burke. From the northern hemisphere, John Bentley, another union and league international for England, and Doddie Weir, who won 61 caps for Scotland, will also be setting the Sevens mood. South African rugby commentating institution Hugh Bladen and Fox Sports presenter Luke Elvy are making appearances, too. Robby Nimmo reports
Deutsche Bank Valley Sevens Long Lunch
Since 1996, this event has been the pre-rugby irreverent refuge of Hong Kong's corporates, particularly in the banking world. The banter in the marquees across the road at the Indian Recreation Club also attracts past and present rugby greats. This year's speakers include former Irish star Paul Wallace and Jonathan Davies. The MC is John Bentley.
When: Friday, March 26
Where: Indian Recreation Club, across the road from the stadium
Time: 12.15pm
Cost: HK$1,500 per person