Madagascar will undoubtedly be a stunning hit at the Hong Kong Sevens next year - and we are not talking about the blockbuster animation movie where New York's Central Park zoo animals end up on the Indian Ocean isle, but a team of rugby players.
Instead of a lion, a hippo, a zebra, a giraffe and the Madagascar penguins, Hong Kong fans can see the team who played in the final of this year's CAR (Confederation of African Rugby) Top Nine Championship when they run out at the Hong Kong Stadium during the March 31-April 2 tournament.
'We are very excited to welcome Madagascar to Hong Kong for the first time. We have been told there is a true love of rugby among the people of Madagascar, and we would encourage all members of the local Malagasy community to get along to the Sevens and support their team,' said Allan Payne, Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) executive director.
It is not known how big the local Malagasy community is. But in the true spirit of the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens, there will be no shortage of local fans ready to take up temporary citizenship of Madagascar and get into the zoo act.
Madagascar is the only new team in the 24-strong lineup announced by the HKRFU yesterday. England will return to Hong Kong with their eyes on an unprecedented fourth consecutive title, but standing in their way will be six-time International Rugby Board Sevens Series champions new Zealand and reigning world champions Fiji. Nineteen teams from this year's RWC Sevens will return for the 2006 tournament which will mark 30 years of the Hong Kong Sevens. They will be joined by China, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Wales and Madagascar.
'We are happy to see all the leading nations return, but the HKRFU is pleased that it has been able to increase the number of teams from Asia in 2006. The Hong Kong Sevens has been instrumental in the development of rugby in Asia in the past 30 years, and we are delighted that we can continue to provide an international stage for Asian countries to compete.'