Back in 1975, the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens was born over drinks in the prestigious Hong Kong Club between a tobacco company executive and the South African Chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union. Less than a year later, the first Hong Kong Sevens Tournament was held with teams from all over the world. By the 1990s, demand for tickets was so great that the stadium had to be rebuilt, opening again with a capacity of 40,000 seats. Since then, the three-day tournament has become even bigger and bolder, and today the Sevens is one of the world's biggest rugby events.

Now in its 32nd year, the Hong Kong Sevens is regarded as the crown jewel of the International Rugby Board Sevens Series, a string of eight tournaments culminating in the crowning of a champion. The Sevens falls at the halfway stage of the IRB Sevens schedule, and with a US$150,000 prize purse and 30 points for the winners, success at the tournament is considered crucial if a team wants to top the table at the end of the season.

Rather than the 15 players needed for traditional rugby, the Sevens, as the name suggests, has only seven, even though the game is played on the same size pitch as the regular game. Also, Sevens rugby has just two seven-minute halves, whereas Fifteens is played for 40 minutes each way. The frantic pace makes the Sevens far more exciting, and it has become a breeding ground for up and coming players. In fact, many of the world's best rugby players, such as New Zealand's Christian Cullen and Jonah Lomu, former Australian captain George Gragan and English stars Josh Lewsey and Matthew Tait, first showcased their skills in the Hong Kong Sevens.

Last year, Samoa beat Fiji to win the Hong Kong title. This year the series is already a nail biter. At the time of going to press, New Zealand is first place with a perfect record, with South Africa in second striving for its first ever cup win, Fiji in third place, Samoa in fourth and underdogs Argentina in fifth. Allan Payne, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union said, “The strongest teams on the Series so far have been New Zealand and Fiji, but Argentina are looking like a genuine threat once again. Kenya and the USA have also impressed so far on the Series as the surprise packages. With teams continuing to find their form ahead of Hong Kong, we can expect another fantastic weekend of rugby in front of a sold out stadium at the Hong Kong Sevens.”

Combined with the speed and physicality of the game, the boisterous party atmosphere and huge hometown support it receives each year have given the Hong Kong Sevens a fabled status, making it a must-do annual event for Asia's World City. The queue for tickets sums up just how popular the event has become. At a public sale in December 2007, thousands lined up overnight, some bringing blankets and pillows, others opting to sleep in their business suits, for the coveted 5,000 tickets allocated to the public. (All other tickets can be purchased through official overseas travel agents and as part of some Cathay Pacific holiday packages).

Inside the stadium, a lively out-of-this-world atmosphere makes the Hong Kong Sevens legendary. Fans from around the globe cheer on their favourite teams and boo their rivals. The South Stand is the venue of choice for the most energetic of supporters, and here you can meet everyone from pirates and cowgirls to superheroes and cheerleaders as groups and individuals don their wildest costumes for the event. Inhibitions seem to be lost, mostly due to the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol, and it is not uncommon to see multiple streakers dashing across the field, followed swiftly by the police.

If you're not able to get your hands on any tickets, you can still partake in the festivities in the Sevens Village, which is located directly opposite the stadium. During the day, the Village Pub has a live feed of the sporting action and free admission, while at night the Village turns into a massive bash with the Valley Big Top Party. (Entry is $100). Alternatively, get in on the action at one of the bars hosting Sevens parties in Wan Chai or Lan Kwai Fong.

Need to Know

Contenders for the Cup

There are 24 teams competing in Hong Kong in 2008. The countries with the most wins are Fiji (11), New Zealand (8), Australia (5) and England (4). Who's your favourite?

Speedy Sightseeing

If you are in town only for the rugby, you probably won't have much time for sightseeing. Follow our suggested itinerary to hit the high points in just one day:

Start off the day with a ride up to The Peak on The Peak Tram for a panoramic perspective and an orientation of the city. For lunch, try dim sum, a Cantonese speciality, at a local restaurant, followed by a walk through the Graham Street Wet Market and down to the Central ferry piers for a real taste of daily life. Then take the Star Ferry over to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. Pick up some souvenirs at the Kowloon markets. Afterwards, return to Tsim Sha Tsui to catch the nightly light show A Symphony of Lights at 8pm from the Avenue of Stars. End the evening with a Chinese meal. If you're still not ready to hit the sack, wander over to Lan Kwai Fong and party the night away.