Stuck for a Hong Kong Sevens costume? Here are our predictions for what we’ll see in the South Stand

A big part of the appeal for the Hong Kong Sevens is group fancy dress and this year will be no different. Our team predict the costumes that you are most likely to see in the South Stand this weekend – and provide some last minute inspiration if you’ve left it late.  

Not wanting to tar all Sevens attendees with the same brush, as some of them are probably there to watch the rugby, but experience suggests that a decent percentage of those hitting up Hong Kong Stadium are there for two things: heaps of boozing and an equally large portion of public cross-dressing. With that in mind, how can there not be a royal wedding party or two looking steadily more ragged as the day goes on? The two go hand in hand: one is a lot of posh people making a spectacle of themselves in fancy dress on a Saturday as part of one of the last hurrahs for colonialism ... and the other is the South Stand at the Sevens. For all the ginger gents, it’s not too much effort to go as Harry and a white frock will do you for Suits star Meghan Markle. Plus, much like the real nuptials (and arguably the British monarchy) there are roles for assorted hangers on too – Prince Philip anyone? 

Jonathan White

It’s tough to look beyond the usual suspects for the common theme of this year’s Hong Kong Sevens costumes. Given the newspaper inches the deadly duo have garnered in recent weeks, I’d imagine we’re bound to see a glut of “Little Rocket Men” and “The Donalds”. It’s a theme that might go on and on for a few years yet, unfortunately. Away from politics, I expect we’ll see no shortage of Wonder Women and the hardiest of costume enthusiasts may stretch to Beauty and/or Beast rig-outs. Though I suspect few will fancy a furry monster outfit in the sweat box that is the Saturday South Stand. 

Paul Ryding