The Hong Kong Sevens event is known for its party atmosphere in the stands as much as for its entertainment on the pitch. It forms part of the Rugby Sevens World Series.
The Hong Kong Sevens event is known for its party atmosphere in the stands as much as for its entertainment on the pitch. It forms part of the Rugby Sevens World Series.
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Dating back over 40 years ago, it is one of the most iconic events on the rugby calendar, with everyone -- even the referees (pictured) -- willing to embrace the tournament's festive spirit.
1989 —
Dating back over 40 years ago, it is one of the most iconic events on the rugby calendar, with everyone -- even the referees (pictured) -- willing to embrace the tournament's festive spirit.
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Those novelty sunglasses won't always be needed -- the weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rain often the forecast across the three-day event.
1992 —
Those novelty sunglasses won't always be needed -- the weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rain often the forecast across the three-day event.
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... but the fans are willing to dress accordingly.
1992 —
... but the fans are willing to dress accordingly.
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The crowd at the competition routinely tops 120,000 over the three days.
2001 —
The crowd at the competition routinely tops 120,000 over the three days.
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The 40,000-seater Hong Kong Stadium is regularly at full capacity. <br />
2001 —
The 40,000-seater Hong Kong Stadium is regularly at full capacity.
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With the addition of a qualifying event, Hong Kong is the largest leg of the series with 28 teams competing over the weekend.
2001 —
With the addition of a qualifying event, Hong Kong is the largest leg of the series with 28 teams competing over the weekend.
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Hong Kong's party atmosphere has set a precedent for other World Series tournaments, most notably <a href="http://cnn.com/2016/05/20/sport/london-sevens-fancy-dress-rugby/">London</a> and <a href="http://cnn.com/2017/03/02/sport/gallery/las-vegas-sevens-rugby-fans/">Las Vegas</a>.
2004 —
Hong Kong's party atmosphere has set a precedent for other World Series tournaments, most notably London and Las Vegas.
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It's the seventh leg of the 10-tournament series, which takes place across six months.
2004 —
It's the seventh leg of the 10-tournament series, which takes place across six months.
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This season's championship, which started in Dubai in November, concludes in Paris in June.
2006 —
This season's championship, which started in Dubai in November, concludes in Paris in June.
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Fijian sevens legend Waisele Serevi, who competed at the Hong Kong Sevens on a number of occasions, told CNN that "I start to get goosebumps when you talk about the atmosphere in Hong Kong."
2007 —
Fijian sevens legend Waisele Serevi, who competed at the Hong Kong Sevens on a number of occasions, told CNN that "I start to get goosebumps when you talk about the atmosphere in Hong Kong."
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He said that the crowd "gives you more energy. Even when you are tired, it gives you more energy."
2008 —
He said that the crowd "gives you more energy. Even when you are tired, it gives you more energy."
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"Even if you have some pain, or knee injury or arm injury, whatever ... when you hear the people shouting when you are running onto the field you feel a lot of energy -- you want to perform," says Serevi.
2009 —
"Even if you have some pain, or knee injury or arm injury, whatever ... when you hear the people shouting when you are running onto the field you feel a lot of energy -- you want to perform," says Serevi.
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Throughout the years, the array of outfits have never failed to disappoint.
2012 —
Throughout the years, the array of outfits have never failed to disappoint.
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With everything from the classic superhero costumes...
2012 —
With everything from the classic superhero costumes...
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To the outright weird.
2014 —
To the outright weird.
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Fiji has won the tournament more than any other nation, including the four most recent editions.
2016 —
Fiji has won the tournament more than any other nation, including the four most recent editions.
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