Photos courtesy of HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens
At the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens, the stands offer as much spectacle as the action on the field, with fans turning up in fun costumes and making the rugby event of the year a great weekend for all.
If you have never attended a past event, here are seven reasons why you’ll want to catch the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2023 on 8 and 9 April at the National Stadium – and maybe even come dressed in a themed outfit.
#1: MORE ACTION-PACKED
First added to the Olympics in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rugby Sevens features only seven players per team. With less bodies on the same full-sized pitch, players must have high levels of running, passing and catching — making each match faster-paced and more action packed.
The matches also last only 14 minutes — instead of the traditional 15-a-side’s 80 minutes. As such, an entire tournament like the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens can take place over a weekend.
#2: IT’S EASY TO GET INTO
Even if you’re not familiar with rugby as a game and don’t know your ruck from your rolling mauls (the latter is barred in Sevens, by the way), you can still figure out what’s going on at the pitch.
Being a highly-streamlined version of rugby, a Rugby Sevens game is easier to understand than 15-a-side. Throughout the 14 minutes of each match, two teams vie for possession of the ball, and anyone can make a sprint for the goal line to score.
#3: YOU’LL HAVE AN AMAZING DAY OUT
A quick look at the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens photo gallery from previous years will show you just how seriously fans take in dressing up for the occasion. 2022’s tournament featured farmers in blue overalls, Egyptian pharaohs, a pair of Spidermen and members of the Flintstone family.
Much like last year, HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2023 will include a host of activities and entertainment for spectators young and old. Drop the little ones off at the play area, where those below six years old can enjoy playtime at the Super Mart and car-themed zones. There will also be movie screenings, roving costumed characters and an Easter egg hunt.
Older children, from 7 to 12 years old, can move to the music at the Roller Kids and Roller Disco zones. Helmet and skates will be provided, so you don’t have to dig out your gear.
For grown-ups who want to get in on the action, there’ll be lightsabre duelling demonstrations and rugby tournaments for players of all ages. Alternatively, unwind with a feast from the various food and beverage stalls at OCBC Square with live entertainment from local musicians Jack and Rai, 53A, 10 Seconds, Reverie and Nation One.
#4: ENJOY THE ONE AND ONLY NATIONAL STADIUM
Having played host to numerous sporting events and concerts over the years, the 55,000-capacity National Stadium boasts features that are specially designed to ensure an amazing viewing experience. For example, the retractable roof protects spectators from the elements, while the stadium’s innovative cooling system delivers cooled air from underneath the seats.
And did you know that the Singapore landmark is also home of the world’s largest free-spanning dome? It truly is a world-class venue – perfect for large-scale events with international appeal, such as the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens.
#5: GET UP CLOSE WITH PLAYERS
Autograph chasers, get your pens and mobile phones ready; there are plenty of opportunities to meet and greet your favourite players at HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2023.
The tournament’s relaxed nature means that players have more leeway to mingle with fans and even pop out to enjoy the local sights. Last year, the captains of the various teams gathered at the iconic dragon playground in Toa Payoh for a colourful, only-in-Singapore photoshoot.
#6: PRE-GAME WORKSHOPS WITH RUGBY LEGENDS
Pre-game workshops are organised to bring the sport and its legends closer to Singaporeans. Last year, HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens ambassadors Nathan Hirayama and Waisale Serevi – renowned players from Canada and Fiji respectively – led a community activation clinic with SportCares at the National Stadium’s pitch. The clinic’s pint-sized participants, aged between 6 to 12, got the chance to hone their rugby skills and develop good sportsmanship under the tutelage of two of rugby’s most revered stars.
#7: IT’S A GENTLEMAN’S SPORT
Whether it’s 15- or seven-a-side, the game has long been known as a gentleman’s sport. Despite – or perhaps, because of – the game’s reputation for physical contact, there are strict rules regarding players’ and fans’ behaviour. For example, players are not allowed to talk back to the referee, even if they disagree with a decision; and it’s considered proper behaviour for fans to avoid making noise during opposition kicks, and to politely applaud the opposing team when they make a great play.
Watching a rugby match and learning the etiquette of the game is a great way to develop good sportsmanship in kids, so make it a family day out at the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2023.
Get your tickets to the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2023 here.
