Hong Kong Sevens: monster party just got bigger

Classic disco, belly laughs and kung fu-fighting rugby players sound like the perfect entertainment for a big 40th bash and that's just what the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union has lined up for this weekend's Hong Kong Sevens.

"It's the 40th anniversary so we wanted to do something a bit different. We've spent more money, and made it bigger and better and more exciting," says Robbie McRobbie, head of rugby operations at the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union.

Pioneering disco group the Village People are the headline act and are sure to go down a storm with their instantly recognisable hits such as YMCA, Macho Man and Can't Stop the Music. Those still scouting around for ideas about what to wear to the monster party weekend might be inspired by the band that is made up of a police officer, a native American, a soldier, a biker, a cowboy and a construction worker. Although the only original member appearing in Hong Kong is Felipe Rose - who plays the native American - the crowd is unlikely to care once those disco classics are wheeled out.

The tournament opening ceremony has been pushed back to 5.45pm on Friday, so more people should be able to attend the kick-off - which will begin with the traditional Chinese dotting of the lions' eyes for good luck - but McRobbie promises it will be better than ever.

It's on Saturday that the stadium really gets rocking. As usual, tournament DJs Simon and Simon will be spinning tunes at half time and between games. At 2pm the massed pipes and drums of the police, auxiliary police and scout pipe bands will lead the 28 teams and members of Hong Kong's 21 mini rugby clubs onto the pitch in the traditional March Past parade. They will be immediately followed by the Village People.